The Optical Science and Engineering (OSE) Program at The University of New Mexico is gearing up to celebrate its 40th anniversary with a series of events on March 7 and 8. The program, which has graduated over 270 Ph.D.s since its inception in 1983, has become a prominent interdisciplinary program at the University with strong collaborative ties to institutions such as Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratories, and the Air Force Research Lab.
Among the distinguished speakers scheduled for the anniversary celebration are John Hall, Nobel Laureate of Physics, who will deliver a special video address for the OSE Program, and Scott Diddams, a professor at the University of Colorado, Boulder and a graduate of the OSE program. Reflecting on the importance of optics and photonics in modern technologies, Daniel Feezell, OSE's general chair, expressed excitement about celebrating the program's milestone and highlighted the crucial role of optics and photonics in various fields.
The anniversary celebration was delayed last year due to memorials for Distinguished Professor Mansoor Sheik-Bahae, a longstanding chair of the OSE Program. This year's events include a celebration of the program's anniversary, catered breakfast and luncheon, as well as talks by key figures in the field. The program also features a Student Poster Competition and a Physics Colloquium with OSE alum, Professor Scott Diddams.
With a focus on fostering optics and photonics education and research, the OSE Program aims to attract the best-prepared students globally and cultivate a highly skilled workforce for the optics industry, laboratories, and academia. The program's success is attributed to the dedicated faculty, students, and collaborators who share a common goal of advancing optics and photonics education and research in New Mexico.
The OSE Program's vision for the future includes offering a premier graduate education and research platform in optics and photonics, engaging faculty from multiple departments, and striving for unparalleled visibility and distinction among global optics and photonics programs over the next four decades. The program's strong affiliation with national laboratories and cutting-edge research in various optical fields have contributed to its success and reputation.
As the OSE Program celebrates its 40th anniversary, it continues to be a leader in optical sciences, preparing students for impactful careers in the field and contributing to advancements in technology and scientific research.