It is with great pleasure that the Wyant College of Optical Sciences announces that two Endowed Chairs in Optical Sciences have been awarded. The establishment of these endowed chairs has been made possible through the generous donations made by Optica and the Thomas R. Brown Family Foundation, and the $20+ million matching pledge made by the late founding dean of the college, Emeritus Professor James C. Wyant, and his family.

The University of Arizona James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences announced a $2 million donation from Murray and Kamie Sargent to establish the Murray Sargent III Endowed Chair in Quantum Optics.  This endowment will provide support to a faculty member specializing in the increasingly impactful field of quantum optics. 

Lily McKenna and Carolyn Hokin, Wyant College of Optical Sciences students, were named by Optica Foundation among the twenty exceptional Optica Women Scholars for 2024. Optica describes the program saying it, "provides visibility, community, and resources for women in optics and photonics via financial support, professional development, and establishing a global network as they enter the field. The scholarship is awarded based on need, academic performance, and demonstrated potential." Each of the twenty scholars recognized will receive a US$10,000 scholarship, allowing them to focus on their academic goals. Additionally, the scholars are granted a year of membership with Optica as well as paired with Optica mentors. Congratulations Lily and Carolyn!

What if your earbuds could do everything your smartphone can do already, except better? What sounds a bit like science fiction may actually not be so far off. A new class of synthetic materials could herald the next revolution of wireless technologies, enabling devices to be smaller, require less signal strength and use less power.

Each spring, the Wyant College of Optical Sciences recognizes incredible students, as nominated by professors and peers and selected by a faculty and staff committee. Congratulations to Christian Pluchar (Outstanding OSC Graduate Student), Lindsey Wiley (Outstanding OSC Graduate Student Mentor), Quinn Jarecki (Outstanding OSC Teaching Assistant), Sebastian Magri (Outstanding Senior Award), Amie Rott (Wildcat Award), and Kody Gray (College of Engineering Outstanding Graduate Student TA for OSC) as the 2023-2024 Outstanding Students of the Year. All six were publicly recognized during the End of Year Student Celebration on May 2nd, 2024, and awarded certificates by R. John Koshel, professor and associate dean for Undergraduate Academic Affairs. College of Engineering Awardees are also recognized here. Congratulations to all the awardees!