Tech Launch Arizona and the Wyant College of Optical Sciences had a great lunch with Faculty Innovation Ambassador Hong Hua on Friday, Oct. 11. There were amazing discussions about research, innovation and creating real-world impact! Hong led the conversation alongside Dean Tom Koch and TLA's Rakhi Gibbons and Rich Weite. Look for opportunities to connect with Hong or Rich if you have further questions, let's keep the conversation going! Rich will be hosting his next "Wednesday with Rich" on Nov. 6.

Julie Emms, administrative director of the NSF-ERC Center for Quantum Networks, was nominated by Brianna Moreno for the Edith Sayre Auslander Emerging Visionary Award, awarded by the UA Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). The Emerging Visionary Award recognizes the nominee for demonstrating strong support and encouragement for diversity cultivation, and advancement in CSW goals. Congratulations, Julie!

Last Thursday, on October 17th, Optics for All (OFA) hosted a lunchtime gathering with women faculty, where they had a discussion on how to achieve work-life balance. In particular, how to stay motivated during setbacks and the impact of mentorship in their careers. They also had Christine Bradley join the conversation, alumna and Optical Lead for the EMIT imaging spectrometer instrumentation at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), who offered valuable insight from the industry perspective. OFA wants to thank everyone that attended and we hope to see you at our next event!

Beginning at SPIE Optics + Photonics 2025 will be a new biennial astronomy symposium on current and emerging applications for ground and space telescopes, and other optical technologies. To propose additional topics, contact Daewook Kim. Learn more and find updates on the SPIE website.