Three Endowed Chairs Awarded at the Wyant College of Optical Sciences

The Wyant College of Optical Sciences is proud to announce the appointment of three distinguished faculty members to endowed chairs. These appointments mark an exciting new chapter for the college, supporting faculty whose work is shaping the future of optical sciences through groundbreaking research, education, and innovation. The endowed chairs were made possible through the continued generosity of donors and the visionary support of the late founding dean, Emeritus Professor James C. Wyant.

Dalziel Wilson, assistant professor of optical sciences, is newly appointed as the inaugural Murray Sargent III Endowed Chair in Quantum Optics. This chair honors Dr. Murray Sargent III, a pioneer in quantum optics and a key contributor to the development of personal computing. Sargent’s legacy includes groundbreaking work in laser theory and his role in shaping the early software landscape at Microsoft.

Ronald Driggers, professor of optical sciences, has been named the Robert R. Shannon Endowed Chair in Optical Sciences. This chair honors Dr. Robert R. Shannon, a renowned expert in lens design and optical engineering, and a former professor at the college. Shannon’s work helped define modern optical design education and practice. Its prior holder was the late Professor Emeritus James T. Schwiegerling, whose many awards include the 2021 Arizona Inventor of the Year. 

Garrett Cole, will join Wyant College in January 2026 as associate professor of optical sciences, and the inaugural Nelson E. Claytor Endowed Chair in Optical Sciences. This chair honors Dr. Nelson E. Claytor, a physicist and entrepreneur who made significant contributions to the commercialization of precision optics. Dr. Claytor’s career spanned academia and industry, including work at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Fresnel Technologies, Inc.

Murray Sargent III Endowed Chair in Quantum Optics

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Dr. Dalziel Wilson’s research in quantum optics and nanomechanics continues this legacy, with a strong emphasis on mentoring and collaboration. His group explores fundamental questions in quantum measurement and control, with applications in sensing and information processing. He earned his PhD in physics from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and completed postdoctoral research at the University of Vienna. His work explores the quantum limits of measurement and control, with applications in sensing, information processing, and fundamental physics.

Wilson leads a dynamic research group at the Wyant College of Optical Sciences, where he is known for his collaborative spirit and dedication to student mentorship. His research has been supported by major funding agencies and has contributed to the advancement of quantum technologies.

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The Murray Sargent III Endowed Chair honors Dr. Murray Sargent III, a trailblazer in quantum optics and a key figure in the early development of personal computing. Sargent’s dual legacy in science and technology continues to inspire innovation and interdisciplinary exploration.

“Murray Sargent is a giant in the field of quantum optics---and, in his second life, personal computing---as an innovator, an educator, and for his vibrant personality.  It is an immense honor to be given the opportunity to carry on his tradition.  Murray and I share a particular interest in working with students, and I am especially grateful for the additional support and recognition of my research group, whose dedication and camaraderie have been an enduring source of inspiration” — Dr. Dalziel Wilson

Robert R. Shannon Endowed Chair in Optical Sciences

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Dr. Ronald Driggers joined the Wyant College of Optical Sciences in 2020 and brings a distinguished background spanning academia, government, and industry. He earned his PhD in electrical engineering from the University of Memphis and has held prominent leadership roles, including superintendent of the Optical Sciences Division at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory and director of imaging systems at the U.S. Army Night Vision Labs. His expertise in electro-optical systems and infrared imaging has contributed to advancements in technologies critical to national defense, space missions, and security operations.

At the college, Driggers leads research in infrared sensor systems, computational imaging, and electro-optical system design. He is also a committed mentor, guiding students through both theoretical foundations and real-world applications in optical engineering.

“I am grateful to be part of the University of Arizona’s Wyant College of Optical Sciences, the best optics college in the world. My fellow faculty and staff make an impact on many lives from medicine to space to security.  The Robert Shannon Endowed Chair is a real honor for me in that the difference that Shannon and Wyant made, provides us with the shoulders that we stand on in our contributions.  I am so humbled by them, the college, and my colleagues.” — Dr. Ronald Driggers

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The Robert R. Shannon Endowed Chair honors the legacy of Dr. Robert R. Shannon, a pioneer in lens design and optical engineering, and a former professor at the college. Shannon’s contributions to optical design education and his leadership in the field continue to inspire generations of optical scientists.

"I am pleased to welcome Ron Driggers to this endowed position. His long history of active participation in the optics field and his development of a strong student oriented program demonstrates that he is a deserving candidate for this appointment" -Robert R. Shannon

Nelson E. Claytor Endowed Chair in Optical Sciences

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Dr. Garrett Cole’s career reflects a similar blend of scientific innovation and entrepreneurial impact. He co-founded Crystalline Mirror Solutions (CMS), a company that commercialized low-noise crystalline coatings for quantum and precision optical technologies, later acquired by Thorlabs. His research spans cavity optomechanics, semiconductor lasers, and quantum optical systems. Cole is joining the Wyant College with a distinguished background in both academic research and entrepreneurial innovation. He earned his PhD in materials from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and has held research positions at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and the University of Vienna’s Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information (IQOQI).

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The Nelson E. Claytor Endowed Chair honors Dr. Claytor’s legacy as a physicist and entrepreneur who bridged the worlds of academia and industry. His career included work at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the founding of Fresnel Technologies, Inc., where he advanced the commercialization of precision optics.

“I am honored to join the University of Arizona as an Associate Professor of Optical Sciences and to serve as the inaugural holder of the prestigious Nelson E. Claytor Endowed Chair. Similar to Dr. Claytor, I have had a diverse career path, spanning foundational work in the development of novel semiconductor lasers for communication and sensing at UC Santa Barbara and continuing as the first employee of Aerius Photonics, then as a postdoc at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Focusing on fundamental scientific advancements, I made seminal contributions to the burgeoning field of cavity optomechanics at IQOQI/University of Vienna, culminating in the commercialization of low-noise crystalline mirror coatings for precision metrology and quantum optical technologies via the founding of Crystalline Mirror Solutions (CMS). CMS was acquired by Thorlabs in December 2019, expanding our offerings and growing our global customer base. I have consistently aimed to translate fundamental discoveries into transformative commercial applications, a vision that resonates with Dr. Claytor’s trailblazing contributions in physics and industry. Dr. Claytor's career began with undergraduate studies at UC Berkeley, then dissertation research at the University of Notre Dame, and a postdoctoral fellowship at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (as on-site coordinator for the Alternating Gradient Synchrotron experiment at Brookhaven National Laboratory). He similarly then transitioned to industry, driving the commercialization of precision optics, in his case advanced diamond turned and polymer components at Fresnel Technologies Inc. This esteemed appointment not only marks a pivotal milestone in my career, but also embodies a shared vision of innovation, entrepreneurship, and practical impact. I am deeply grateful to Dr. Claytor and I am eager to leverage his support by driving forward research that enriches both the scientific community and industry alike.” — Dr. Garrett Cole

Dean Thomas L. Koch noted, "I’m very excited to have three of our Endowed Chairs being awarded to such outstanding individuals! These are coveted recognitions of faculty excellence, and I'm confident that our donors will be proud to see the impact of their generosity in attracting and rewarding amazing talent while fueling our future success!"