College News

The University of Arizona has appointed Dr. Brian P. Anderson as Interim Dean of the Wyant College of Optical Sciences, effective July 1, 2025. A faculty member since 2001 and Associate Dean for Graduate Academic Affairs since 2019, Dr. Anderson is a renowned expert in Bose-Einstein condensates and quantum optics. He brings over two decades of research, teaching, and leadership experience to the role and is committed to advancing the College’s mission in research, education, and innovation.

The Class of 2024 celebrated their graduation and induction into Wyant College's distinguished alumni ranks on May 9th, 2024. Congratulations to the graduating students, their families, instructors, and advisors. High-resolution images are available.

Laser Fun Day 2025 welcomed over 300 attendees for an exciting day of hands-on STEM activities at the University of Arizona's College of Optical Sciences. From laser mazes to cow eye dissections, the event sparked curiosity and showcased the wonders of optics, continuing its mission to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Laser Fun Day 2025 welcomed over 300 attendees for an exciting day of hands-on STEM activities at the University of Arizona's College of Optical Sciences. From laser mazes to cow eye dissections, the event sparked curiosity and showcased the wonders of optics, continuing its mission to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.

The second annual UArizona Museum Day, held on March 29, 2025, was a fantastic success for all campus museums! The Wyant College of Optical Sciences welcomed visitors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering an engaging experience filled with hands-on STEM demonstrations led by Prof. Daewook Kim and dedicated volunteers. Guests were invited to explore the wonders of optics through a self-guided tour of the building’s curated exhibits, honoring the legacy of the museum’s namesake, the late Prof. Emeritus John E. Greivenkamp.

Researchers from the Computational 3D Imaging and Measurement (3DIM) Lab at the Wyant College of Optical Sciences, University of Arizona have developed a novel method that significantly advances 3D imaging of specular surfaces. The approach integrates techniques known from high-precision optical 3D metrology and computer vision, effectively bridging the technology gap between both fields. With its broad potential impact, the novel solution could benefit applications ranging from industrial inspection and medical imaging to virtual reality and cultural heritage preservation.

Under the direction of Hillary Mathis, lab manager, the Wyant College of Optical Sciences teaching lab spaces have undergone a significant refresh and expansion, a great opportunity for enhancing hands-on learning opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students. Previously, some graduate lab classes had to share space, but now they each have their own dedicated rooms, ensuring greater accessibility and flexibility for students and instructors. In total, our teaching labs now include three undergraduate labs, one senior design lab, one instrumentation lab, and four graduate labs. We look forward to seeing students, teaching staff and faculty make full use of these upgraded spaces! Read more about the updates!

In celebration of Black History Month (Feb. 1 - Mar. 1), we highlight a few of the great Black Optical Scientists and Engineers who have helped shape history. Each of these inspiring innovators were shared over the course of the month on the college's social media pages.

Wyant College's 2025-2026 academic year departmental scholarships are now available for application.  The application deadline for all departmental scholarships is March 30, 2025, at 11:59pm.  If you will be an active student in a OSC undergraduate or graduate program next academic year (25-26), you are encouraged to apply! Questions? Email: grad-funding@optics.arizona.edu

New administrative associate, Jackie Johnson, joins the Wyant College of Optical Sciences from the medical field, where she previously worked as a medical scribe. Excited to start this new chapter, Jackie is looking forward to supporting faculty and becoming part of the college’s team.