WASHINGTON - Today, the Optica Foundation recognized the 20 Optica Women Scholars. This program provides visibility, community, and resources for women in optics and photonics via financial support, professional development, and establishing a global network as they enter the field. The scholarship is awarded based on need, academic performance, and demonstrated potential.
Initially launched in January 2022, the program received nearly 180 undergraduate and Master's level student applications from 38 countries this year. The selection process was highly competitive, given the exceptional pool of applications.
"I feel honored to be part of the selection committee to choose 20 young women for the Optica Foundation scholarship," said Dr. Imrana Ashraf Quaid-I-Azam University, Pakistan. "STEM education for girls and young women is very close to my heart, and I am so happy to know these applicants are doing great work in optics. I am thrilled with this year's recipients, but the quality of the applicants made it a difficult decision."
The following outstanding scholars were selected to receive a US$10,000 scholarship to reduce financial hurdles and barriers, allowing them to focus on their academic experience:
This program began with discussions between Janet Fender, and her husband, L. John Otten and the Optica Foundation's leadership, and it was made possible by their support as well as fellow US$100,000 donors: Coherent; Corning Incorporated; Google LLC; Meta Platforms, Inc.; Innolight Technology USA Inc; Intel Corporation; NeoPhotonics Corp; Source Photonics; and Elizabeth A. Rogan, Optica CEO. The Optica Foundation Board of Directors allocated US$1,000,000 to match the ten founding contributions.
Additional contributions from the community helped to fund the scholarship from Edmund Optics; Ursula Gibson, 2018 Optica President; Joseph Goodman, 1992 Optica President; Marvell Semiconductor Inc; Eric Van Stryland, 2006 Optica President; and James Wyant, 2010 Optica President.
