Graduating students and their loved ones, along with Wyant College staff and faculty, gathered on Friday, Dec. 20 to celebrate the Wyant College of Optical Sciences' Winter Convocation. The intimate ceremony was followed by a light spread and cake in the Meinel 3rd floor lobby.

Two new staff members have joined the Wyant College of Optical Sciences! Lisa Kondrat is a new administrative associate and Mike Kelso is the new building operations coordinator. Welcome Lisa and Mike!

Students, Do you have an original research question you’d like to explore? 

This new initiative provides awards to undergraduates across all campus colleges for original, innovative student-generated research projects. 10-12 awardees per year will be competitively selected by a cross-campus multidisciplinary committee to receive $1,000-$1,500 each to pursue their research question with a faculty mentor of their choice. The award may be used for stipend/salary, travel, supplies, equipment, and other costs. Find the full details and how to apply here.

Dr. Derek Burrell, OSC alumnus 2023, was named the recipient of the 2024 Optical Group Doctoral Thesis Prize from the Institute of Physics (IOP). This prestigious award recognizes outstanding doctoral research defended in 2023 and highlights groundbreaking contributions to the field of optical science. Reflecting on the award, Derek expressed gratitude for the opportunities at OSC and the collaboration with his advisor, Ron Driggers, professor of optical sciences, with whom he continues to publish.

The final staff recognition awards were presented during the Wyant College Staff Appreciation and Holiday Luncheon. Awards presented included the 4th Quarter Peer-to-Peer, Jason Orlowski; November SPOT Award, Hillary Mathis; and the Honorable Mention, Ian Arnold; and Employee of the Year, Nathan Martinez.