Dr. John M. Zavada, Jr. established the John M. Zavada, Jr. Graduate Student Fellowship in Optical Sciences and the John and Sophie Zavada Memorial Scholarship in Optical Sciences.
Dr. John M. Zavada, Jr., received a BA degree from Catholic University in Washington DC and MS and PhD degrees in physics from New York University (NYU). He had a long-established successful career, specializing in optical semiconductor materials and photonic devices.
Employed by the National Sciences Foundation from 2010 to 2018, John served as the Program Director for photonics in the Division of Electrical, Communications and Cyber Systems (ECCS), which encompasses emerging research in photonic devices and related technologies. During this period, he was also a research professor with NYU.
John envisions that the John M. Zavada, Jr. Graduate Student Fellowship in Optical Sciences will support promising future leaders in the fields of optics and photonics - individuals who will not only address daunting challenges but also will lead the way to remarkable solutions.
In addition to funding this fellowship, in 2015, John also founded the John and Sophie Zavada Memorial Scholarship in Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona to honor his parents whose lives exemplified the values of education and perseverance.
Eligibility
Candidates may be a MS or PhD student who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and successfully enrolled in the James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences. Preference for those seeking a PhD in the field of optics and photonics. Recipients may apply the award to wages and research expenses. This fellowship is eligible for renewed support if the applicant remains in good academic standing.