November 25, 2019

Dear members of the Hajim School community,

Congratulations to two faculty members and a visiting professor at The Institute of Optics who have been named fellows of the Optical Society (OSA), the world’s leading organization devoted to optics and photonics.

Julie Bentley ’90, ’95 (PhD), associate professor of optics, is being recognized for “outstanding international leadership in optical design shown through international conference organization, innovative optical design methods, and an unparalleled level of excellence in teaching and mentoring.”

Jennifer Hunter, assistant professor of ophthalmology, biomedical engineering, optics, and the Center for Visual Science, is being recognized for “the development of ophthalmic imaging systems that provide unprecedented insight into the function and structure of the retina.”

And Taco Visser, a professor of theoretical physics at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and a visiting professor of optics and physics at Rochester, is being recognized for “foundational contributions to optics in the field of plasmonics and coherence.”

OSA fellows are chosen based on distinguished contributions to education, research, engineering, business, and society. The number of fellows is limited by the society’s bylaws to no more than 10% of the total OSA membership; the number elected each year is limited to approximately 0.5% of the current membership total. Read more here.

Congratulations as well to:

Katie Schwertz ’08, an Institute of Optics alumna who has been elected a director of SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics. This is yet another indication of how far the senior design engineer at Edmund Optics has come in making a difference in the world of optics. As you may recall, earlier this year Katie was one of 20 “inspiring engineers” profiled in a video collection by NBC News Learn, which produces educational material for teachers, students, and parents. Read more here.
Sreepathi Pai, assistant professor of computer science, and his collaborators, Tyler Sorensen at Princeton University and Alastair F. Donaldson at Imperial College UK, for winning the Best Paper Award at the IEEE International Symposium on Workload Characterization. Their paper, entitled “One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Quantifying Performance Portability of Graph Applications on GPUs”, describes a new method to examine performance data from various GPUs to identify performance-critical differences. You can read the announcement on the IISWC Best Paper Awards page.

Here’s a way for Hajim students to earn credits to support community partners, improve their understanding of fundamental concepts in engineering design, and master skills for engaging broad audiences in STEM learning: Enroll next spring in CAS 211: Exploring Community Engagement in Engineering. Supervised by Warner and Hajim School faculty, students will work in teams to design and run an after-school engineering and science club for Rochester City School District middle school students. The first of two multi-week activities will focus on alternative energy and energy storage, the second on optics and imaging. Course credits can be used toward the Certificate in Community-Engaged Learning. Questions? Contact Michael Daley.

Here are some some scholarship opportunities for our students.

The Rochester Engineering Society, an umbrella organization for engineering societies in the Rochester area, offers multiple &1,500 scholarships sponsored by a variety of organizations to recognize outstanding engineering, engineering technology, science, or technology students. Application materials are due December 2. Learn more here.

Undergrads now in the third year of a four year program, or fourth year of a five year program, can apply to the American Council of Engineering Companies of New York for scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 to be spent in the final year. This is for students who intend to become consulting engineers. All materials must be received by Jan. 17. Learn more here.

The SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program was established to enhance the Department of Defense workforce with talented, innovative, and brilliant scientists, engineers, and researchers. While in school, students will receive full tuition, monthly stipends, health insurance, and book allowances, as well as summer internships that range from 8 to 12 weeks. Upon degree completion, scholars begin working in a civilian position with their sponsoring facility. Undergraduate and graduate students who are citizens of the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or United Kingdom can apply by Dec. 3. Learn more here.

Scientists and engineers with international experience are increasingly in demand. DAAD-RISE research internships are a great way to gain that experience, as any of the eight Hajim School students who participated last summer can attest. Interns work on cutting-edge research projects with PhD students at top German universities and research institutions. Applications are due Dec. 15. Learn more here.

Have a great week and Thanksgiving holiday!

Your dean,
Wendi Heinzelman