Individual and organizational awards recognize efforts to increase diversity and inclusivity
WASHINGTON - Optica (formerly OSA), Advancing Optics and Photonics Worldwide, is pleased to announce the winners of the 2022 Optica Diversity and Inclusion Advocacy Recognition: Imrana Ashraf, Quaid-I-Azam University, Pakistan; Edmund Optics, United States; and Danuta Sampson, University College London, United Kingdom.
"For the past five years, Optica has recognized the contributions of Optica members, companies and institutions who proactively work to create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive optics and photonics community," said Marcia Lesky, Senior Director of Diversity, Inclusion & Volunteer Cultivation. "We are proud of the 2022 honorees' steadfast commitment to creating an inclusive community."
The Diversity and Inclusion Advocacy Recognition honorees were announced during the 2022 Frontiers in Optics + Laser Science (FiO LS) Awards Ceremony on 17 October 2022.
Recognition of Imrana Ashraf, Quaid-I-Azam University, Pakistan
Professor Imrana Ashraf is recognized "for her tireless work to promote optics and photonics careers in emerging economy nations, with a special emphasis on women, the transgender community and rural areas." Ashraf was the first woman in Pakistan to get a Ph.D. in the field of quantum optics and is a 2016 Optica Senior Member.
Recognition of Edmund Optics, United States
Edmund Optics is recognized "for their dedication and investment to establish and maintain region-specific initiatives, programs and policies around the world to create a more diverse and inclusive workplace." Edmund Optics (EO) has been a leading global manufacturer and supplier of optics, imaging, and photonics technology that has served a variety of markets including Life Sciences, Biomedical, Industrial Inspection, Semiconductor, R&D and Defense since 1942.
Recognition of Danuta Sampson, University College London, United Kingdom
Research Fellow Daunta Simpson is recognized "for her work in raising public awareness of vision impairment and creating opportunities to spark interest in and foster exploration of STEM by girls and children from low socioeconomic backgrounds." Sampson received her PhD from the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Poland and is an Optica Ambassador, class of 2017.
