Travis Sawyer Named 2026 Optica Ambassador

Each year, the Optica Foundation selects a new class of Optica Ambassadors, emerging leaders in optics and photonics who demonstrate exceptional mentorship, volunteerism, and commitment to advancing the field. We are proud to share that Wyant College Assistant Professor Travis Sawyer has been named to this year’s Ambassador cohort.

As an Optica Ambassador, Dr. Sawyer will provide career guidance, technical expertise, and mentorship to students and early‑career professionals by supporting professional development events at conferences and engaging with communities across the globe. All Ambassadors receive a lifetime distinction in the Optica member directory in recognition of their ongoing service to the optics and photonics community.

Dr. Sawyer is an Assistant Professor of Optical Sciences whose research focuses on biomedical imaging technology, including translational imaging devices, label‑free microscopy, and computational imaging methods. A triple alumnus of the Wyant College, earning his BS, MS, and PhD in Optical Sciences, he also holds an MPhil in Physics from the University of Cambridge. With nearly 15 years of outreach and engagement experience, and international study in the Netherlands, Germany, Korea, and the UK, he is a strong advocate for both global collaboration and expanding access to optics education.

Congratulations to Dr. Sawyer on this distinguished recognition and his continued leadership in the optics community!

Read the full story and watch Dr. Sawyer's Optica interview here.