Faculty News

Congratulations to Prof. Judy Su on her invitation to participate in the 2nd National Academies US-Africa Frontiers of Science, Engineering, and Medicine Symposium in Rabat, Morocco, Jan. 16-18, 2024. Participation in the symposium is dictated by strict eligibility guidelines as well as a personal invitation to participate in the opportunity.

Prof. Matt Eichenfield and Prof. Travis Sawyer are acting as associate editors for two new journals, currently open for submissions. Biophotonics Discovery is dedicated to biology, healthy physiology, and pathophysiology based on the unique capabilities of novel and emerging biophotonic techniques. Optica Quantum is dedicated to high-impact results in quantum information science and technology (QIST), as enabled by optics and photonics. Learn more about the journals and how to submit.

Longtime Arizona academic leader and business owner, James C. Wyant, founding dean and namesake of the James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences, passed away Friday, Dec. 8, in Tucson, after a valiant battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). He was 80 years old.

Congratulations to Dr. Amit Ashok and Dr. Mark C. Phillips who were elected as 2024 Fellow Members of Optica. Fellow membership in Optica is limited to no more than ten percent of the membership and is reserved for members who have served with distinction in the advancement of optics and photonics.

Prof. Judy Su’s work into FLOWER (frequency locked optical whispering evanescent resonator) is unlocking new possibilities for early detection of ovarian cancer before symptoms have even presented—meaning that many women can begin to receive treatment before the cancer has become severe. In Su’s recent paper, “An Integrated Approach to Protein Discovery and Detection From Complex Biofluids” Prof. Su discusses how the technology can sample items from the vaginal environment (a tampon, even) to detect proximal sources for tumor detection.

In 2022, Wyant College had thirty UArizona patents issued, according to Tech Launch Arizona (TLA),—that's a third of UArizona's total ninety-two patents for the financial year. In April, TLA hosted a celebration recognizing World Intellectual Property Day at their offices at The Refinery at The Bridges. Inventors from across campus and myriad academic fields were invited to attend and received commemorative coins, each emblazoned with their name, and the name and number of the patent.

In recognition of the profound impact of his academic and business leadership; scientific and engineering advances; and generous philanthropic contributions to higher education, the University of Arizona awarded Dr. James C. Wyant with an Honorary Doctorate in Optical Sciences. Wyant was among the six distinguished business and community leaders and humanitarians to receive this distinction from the University at the spring commencement ceremony on Friday May 12, 2023.  

“For three decades, John Greivenkamp, Emeritus Professor of Optical Sciences, was an exceptionally committed member of Wyant College of Optical Sciences’ faculty and an extraordinary leader, championing the education of our students, the welfare of the college, community outreach, and the future of our profession and professional community,” said Thomas L. Koch, Ph.D., dean of the Wyant College of Optical Sciences.