Student Spotlight

PhD students Nicolas Deshler and Itay Ozer have been recognized for their invention of a quantum optimal coronagraph, a breakthrough device that uses spatial mode sorting to null starlight and reveal faint objects like exoplanets. Their innovation reaches quantum limits of information extraction, with potential applications in astronomy, microscopy, and telecommunications.

PhD student Logan Pawlowski represented the Wyant College of Optical Sciences at AMOS Space Day in Maui, delivering interactive demonstrations to middle and high school students across the island. Supported by the Optics Ambassadors program, Logan introduced students to telescope architecture, polarization, and neuromorphic vision, using hands-on tools like branded polarizer cards and event-based sensors. His outreach aimed to inspire local youth to consider careers in optics and technology, especially in communities where such paths are often overlooked.

We are thrilled to announce that five exceptional students from the Wyant College of Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona have been named winners in the prestigious 2025 Robert S. Hilbert Memorial Optical Design Competition, hosted by Synopsys. This national competition recognizes outstanding student projects in optical design using Synopsys software tools such as CODE V and LightTools.

Congratulations to Chuan Luo, PhD student, for receiving a $4,000 scholarship from SPIE for 2024. This recognition, part of SPIE’s $303,000 distribution to 72 exceptional student members this year, highlights Chuan's outstanding potential in optics and photonics. Chuan is advised by Yuzuru Takashima, Professor of Optical Sciences. 

Laser Fun Day 2025 welcomed over 300 attendees for an exciting day of hands-on STEM activities at the University of Arizona's College of Optical Sciences. From laser mazes to cow eye dissections, the event sparked curiosity and showcased the wonders of optics, continuing its mission to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.

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.

In this issue of Another Wavelength, we chat with first-generation PhD student, Paola Luna. She is currently in the 2nd year of her PhD program and is performing research with Cristian Panda, new assistant professor of optical sciences. Paola's story is one of persistence and resiliency. We'd like to celebrate National First Generation Student Day, November 8th, and commend her and all first-generation students for the accomplishments they have made, and the inspiration they offer.

Clarissa DeLeon, optical sciences PhD student advised by Associate Professor Meredith Kupinski, won a SACNAS (Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science) best presentation award in the session Mechanical and Other Engineering, for her oral presentation titled "Mapping Sky Polarization Under Different Atmospheric Conditions," at the 2024 National Diversity in STEM (NiDSTEM) Conference, held in Phoenix from October 31 to November 2.

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!

The newly re-named Optics for All (OFA) club, previously Women in Optics (WiO), held its first meeting of the school year on Thursday, Sept. 19. Club leadership shared that the new name, "is necessary to reflect our mission statement of supporting diversity and inclusivity in our college."