Hong Hua, professor of optical sciences, was named Tech Launch Arizona Inventor of the Year on September 25, at the 2024 I-Squared Awards and Expo. Hua's initial research into virtual and augmented reality, funded by a National Science Foundation grant, led to her creation of a compact, wearable eye-tracking device for late-stage ALS patients. The U of A patented the innovation, and that work attracted the attention of eSight Corporation. Building on her foundational work, Hua partnered with eSight to develop a device that allows people with central vision loss greatly improved eyesight and independence. Since launching the product in 2017, eSight has helped thousands of people with central vision loss to see.

Congratulations to the Wyant College of Optical Science's latest Staff Recognition Award winners! Amber R. Soergel was nominated for the July 2024 SPOT Award by John Koshel. Ian Arnold was nominated for the August 2024 SPOT Award by Brandon Chalifoux. The Quarter Peer-to-Peer Awards were as follows: 1st Quarter, Amee Hennig, nominated by Gretchen Wirges; 2nd Quarter, Nathan Martinez, nominated by Amee Hennig; and 3rd Quarter, David Munoz, nominated by Greg Smith.

Wyant College of Optical Sciences alumnae were recognized in August at the SPIE Optics + Photonics Conference for SPIE awards they received for their contributions to the optics community. Katie Schwertz (OSC MS 2010) received the 2024 SPIE President’s Award. Mary Turner (OSC MS 1990 and PhD 1993) was honored with the 2024 SPIE María J. Yzuel Educator Award. Kyle Myers (OSC MS 1983 and PhD 1985) received the 2024 SPIE Harrison H. Barrett Award in Medical Imaging. Read more about these inspiring women in optics.