College News

Prof. Ron Liang's work into printing of 3D Infrared Optics has made innovations in the field recently. The group has achieved multi-material printing, for which they innovated a self-welding process that facilitates the creation of multi-element glass optics. Additionally, they have perfected a printing technique that allows for on-demand control of transparency. Find out more in this five-minute review.

Alumna and one-time assoc. professor for the College, Jennifer Turner-Valle, PhD (OSC 1998), found humor in life and provided warmth and support to friends and professional associates. Sadly, Jennifer passed away unexpectedly in August 2023 in Boulder, CO where she and her husband, Tim, resided. We offer our most sincere condolences to her family, friends and colleagues. 

Jennifer was a valuable contributor to the fields of engineering and optics through her research, business management and teaching. She also often found herself in a mentor role, especially for women seeking a career in these fields. It is therefore only fitting that a scholarship endowment now bears her name as well as her passions.

Contributions to support the Jennifer Turner Advancing Women in Optics Graduate Student Scholarship may be made here. Please add the scholarship’s name in the “gift designation” portion – or contact Kaye Rowan, Executive Director of Development.

Did you know that the Wyant College of Optical Sciences has over 55 scholarships available to award to undergraduate and graduate students in optical sciences?
Did you also know that some of these scholarships have a research interest preference for their award to a qualifying student? These interests includes: medical imaging, data storage, E-M theory; polarization optics; thin film devices and optical coatings, optical design, optical remote sensing, lithography and more.

The new year began with the 2024 Optical Sciences Winter School running from January 3 - 6 at the Wyant College of Optical Sciences. More than 45 undergraduates from across the country as well as approximately 20 optics professionals and faculty from other universities attended.

Geost, a Tucson-based space technology company and Wyant College of Optical Sciences Industrial Affiliates member, established a testing facility at the University of Arizona Tech Park. Geost was founded in 2004 by Wyant College of Optical Sciences alumnus, Anthony Gleckler, PhD 1994, and specializes in electro-optical sensor systems for space applications.

The Wyant College of Optical Sciences is pleased to welcome Prof. Felipe Guzmán back, now, as the inaugural holder of the Jack Lee Jewell Endowed Chair in Optical Sciences. Prof. Guzmán has worked to advance the state-of-the-art research in novel optomechanical inertial sensors, precision laser interferometry, and optical technologies for ground and space applications. His research spans gravitational-wave astrophysics, geosciences, navigation, and precision metrology.

The University of Arizona Alumni Association has announced Dr. Kent B. Rochford as the 2024 Alumnus of the Year for the Wyant College of Optical Sciences. The Alumni of the Year ceremony is scheduled for February 22, 2024, at the University of Arizona.