In this issue of Another Wavelength, we chat with Alia Nichols. Alia is currently a senior pursuing her BS in optical sciences and engineering. Meanwhile, she is representing the optical sciences students in the Associated Students of the University of Arizona (ASUA). Alia is excited to offer all optical sciences students an opportunity to connect with student government to enact real change to campus for the good of all students! Read more about Alia and how she's working to represent you.

Wyant College of Optical Sciences, in collaboration with Nanoscribe, invites students worldwide to participate in the Optical Design Competition for 3D Printed Optical Systems. Open to individuals or teams of up to three, this competition challenges participants to create innovative designs using two-photon polymerization (2PP) printing technology. Winners will receive cash prizes, have their designs fabricated, and contribute to advancing optical research. Submissions are due May 1, 2025, with winners announced September 15, 2025.

OSC alumna, Katie Schwertz (MS 2010), was selected for the 2025 Class of SPIE Fellows. The society is welcoming 47 new fellows from across the globe, including Schwertz, who is currently Sr Manager, Optical Assemblies & Technology, at Edmund Optics as well as Optics Valley Co-Chair. Schwertz was also recently appointed to the Editorial Advisory Board of Photonics Spectra. Edmund Optics shared this news on LinkedIn saying, "With her exceptional technical expertise and in-depth market knowledge, Katie will be a valuable asset to the publication, bringing valuable insights and expertise." Congratulations, Katie!

The Wyant College of Optical Sciences welcomes three new faculty members to the college’s ranks. The incoming faculty bring a diverse collection of exciting research to the college and are looking for students interested in joining their labs. Learn more about Asst. Profs. Weimin Zhou, Yeran Bai and Cris Panda.

The University of Arizona Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement office has announced Dr. Joseph A. Shaw as the 2025 Alumnus of the Year for the Wyant College of Optical Sciences. The Alumni of the Year luncheon will be hosted by the University on Thursday, February 27, 2025.

Before the semester ended Optics for All (OFA) hosted Travis Sawyer, assistant professor of optical sciences, as a community speaker Dec. 9th. Sawyer has a unique experience with the Wyant College of Optical Sciences, because he began at the college as a student. So his talk, "Finding the right advisor and lab: a guide to undergraduate and graduate" hit just right relying on his academic and professional experience! This is a great talk to listen to to learn more about how you can aim for a lab and faculty research advisor that will be just right for you.