The Institute of Optics

 The University of Rochester is the birthplace of modern optics. The Institute of Optics was established here in 1929, founded by a grant from Kodak and Bausch and Lomb, and today its reputation as a leader in optics research and innovation continues to thrive. Educational and research opportunities span optical physics, applied optics, and optical engineering. Faculty and staff create a challeng- ing and rewarding educational ex- & Applied Sciences, the institute For decades, the institute has also perience through rigorous academic resides in the Wilmot Building offered the Optics Summer School, instruction, laboratory exercises, and shares space in the Robert a collection of short courses rang- informal events, internships, summer B. Goergen Hall for Biomedical ing from fundamentals to ad- jobs, and networking opportuni- Engineering and Optics, a hub for vanced topics in optical science and ties. With bachelor’s, master’s, and scientific research and exploration. engineering. doctoral degrees available, students excel in this environment—one that Continuing a Legacy Points of Pride fosters collaboration, innovation, Success is longstanding at the Industry Influence and discovery. Many receive multiple institute. In 1974, it created the Since the Optical Society of America job offers after graduation and take revolutionary Industrial Associates was founded in 1916, 25 percent of its positions in academia, industry, and Program. Currently, more than 30 presidents were either alumni of the government agencies. companies are members, with each institute or were on its faculty when As an academic department playing a critical role in the over- elected. Also, the institute has granted within the University’s Edmund A. all operation of the institute and more than 2,400 degrees in optics, Hajim School of Engineering in making discoveries that define approximately half of all degrees ever the industry and modern science. awarded in the field.

“Rochester’s optics program teaches problem solving, teamwork, and how to wrestle with and understand advanced concepts. It also underscores how important networking is. These are skills that will serve me well, regardless of where the future ends up taking me.”

Aaron Michalko ’14 optics major and member of Rochester’s a cappella group the Midnight Ramblers Entrepreneurial Spirit Over the last 50 years, more than 150 Transformational Gifts companies have been created by the In 2012, James C. Wyant ’67 (MS), ’69 (PhD), a member of institute’s faculty, staff, and alumni. the University’s Board of Trustees and of the Hajim School Dean’s Advisory Committee, created the Dr. James C. Wyant Distinguished Faculty Professorship in Optics to support the development of Google Scholar has listed three knowledge in an increasingly global optics community. An books by institute faculty as among optical scientist long associated with Rochester, Wyant is cur- the 12 most-cited books ever in rently professor and former dean of the University of Arizona’s physics: Principles of Optics by College of Optics. He also cofounded 4D Technology Professors Max Born and Emil Wolf, Corporation and has been a visiting professor at the Institute Nonlinear Fiber Optics by Professor of Optics since 1983. Wyant previously endowed the M. Parker Govind Agrawal, and Nonlinear Givens Professorship in Optics in honor of his former profes- Optics by Professor Robert Boyd. sor. Givens passed away in January 2013 at the age of 96.

Inspiring Leadership Over the years, a few names have Hilda Kingslake Professor in Optical or a graduate fellowship as these are become synonymous with the optics Engineering, professor of biomedical of vital importance to the insti- industry and the leadership at engineering, and professor of busi- tute. They draw the most qualified Rochester. ness administration in the William students, allow them to pursue Professor Robert Hopkins joined E. Simon School of Business. He is research projects, and strengthen Rochester in 1939 and is known as frequently recognized for his out- the institute overall. the “father of optical engineering.” standing record of research, teach- Through his groundbreaking work, ing, and leadership across academia, Faculty Hopkins encouraged an entrepre- business, and government. Endowed positions are another pri- neurial spirit that has been very ority. They help attract and retain much alive throughout the insti- How You Can Help faculty of exceptional talent and tute’s history. Gifts to the institute will enrich the are the most prestigious and visible Emil Wolf is the Marie C. Wilson educational opportunities here, sup- honors at the University. Investing and Joseph C. Wilson Professor of port research activities, and nurture in an endowed professorship gives Optical Physics and professor of the curious and creative spirit that donors the satisfaction of knowing optics and has served on Rochester’s fosters innovation and discovery in their names will be forever linked to faculty for 50 years. He is highly optics. Consider any of the follow- excellence in teaching and research. regarded throughout the world as ing funding opportunities: By endowing a professorship or the an intellectual giant in the field directorship of the institute, new of optics and as an extraordinary Students programs and research can flourish. educator. Supporting students is one of the Duncan Moore is the vice provost highest priorities at Rochester. for entrepreneurship, the Rudolf and Fund an undergraduate scholarship

Learn, Discover, Heal, Create—And Make the World Ever Better www.optics.rochester.edu

For more information on giving opportunities, please contact Eric Brandt Executive Director for Advancement (585) 273-5901, [email protected]

Information current as of 7/29/2013 UNIVERSITY communications | 0786-713