Optics Ambassadors

Colton Bigler

Degree Program: Ph.D. in Optical Sciences
cbigler@optics.arizona.edu
Student Directory Profile

Hometown: Windsor, CO
Colorado School of Mines
Languages: English, German

My research at the OSC deals with holographic applications to improve avionic heads-up display systems. I have worked on pupil expansion and image magnification processes to allow more functional viewing and projection systems in the cockpit. During future research efforts, I plan to focus on further improvement of the system, as well as exploring other research applications of holography. I have presented twice to our Industrial Affiliates Workshop and won the Student Optics Chapter's first annual Very Impressive Presenter speaker series. 

While a student at the OSC, I have become involved with the Ambassadors program and have worked as a mentor for REU students both summers during my graduate career. I have helped give tours of Meinel building and the Richard F. Carris Mirror Lab. One of my favorite outreach events, which the college puts on is the Laser Fun Day event where we invite the community to see what optics is and better understand the work we do. Outside of the OSC, I am heavily involved with the Graduate Christian Fellowship at the U of A, where I participate in bible studies, prayer groups, weekly games of Ultimate and a large group with worship and discussions about what living out our faith looks like in the context of grad school. I enjoy all kinds of games and really like to be engaged with good stories, whether through reading, watching, or telling. I have taken to making homemade ice cream when I have a bit of free time. 

Seth Erickson

Degree Program: Ph.D. in Optical Sciences
setherickson@optics.arizona.edu
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Alexander Lin

Degree Program: Ph.D. in Optical Sciences
alin@optics.arizona.edu
Student Directory Profile

Nicholas Lyons

Degree Program: Ph.D. in Optical Sciences
nlyons@email.arizona.edu
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Neil Momsen

Degree Program: Ph.D. in Optical Sciences
nmomsen@optics.arizona.edu
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Hometown: White Bear Lake, MN
Bachelor’s Degree: Michigan Technological University
Languages: English, French

I work in the lab of Dr. Lars Furenlid, within the Center for Gamma Ray Imaging (CGRI). My main focus within CGRI is the design and development of novel imaging systems for Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT). SPECT uses trace amounts of radioactive isotopes injected into the body which, when they undergo nuclear decay, emit photons in the gamma ray regime of the electromagnetic spectrum (λ less than .1 Å). My dissertation research will center on the design and fabrication of an adaptive multi-pinhole SPECT system for the improved diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. In SPECT, there is a direct tradeoff between resolution and sensitivity. However, through the use of multiple pinholes imaging the same object simultaneously, we can, in theory, avoid this trade off and obtain high resolution and high sensitivity (i.e. low noise) images. After construction is completed, we will test the camera using a phantom, as well as in a clinical setting. 

Outside the College of Optical Sciences, I spend my time in a variety of ways. I enjoy spending time outdoors, and hike in the Catalina Mountains as much as I’m able to. I’m also an avid runner, running races anywhere between a 5k and a half marathon. While indoors, I enjoy playing music; I played percussion in both high school and college, and have been playing piano since I was young. One of my favorite things to do is practice photography. This passion really began while I studied abroad in Pau, France and has continued to this day. Some of my favorite pictures I’ve taken have come from volcanic rock formations in Northern Ireland, the beautiful French Pyrenees, and the Aurora Borealis in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Kerry Nierenberg

Degree Program: Ph.D. in Optical Sciences
kerry@optics.arizona.edu
Student Directory Profile