Nov 15 Community Speaker Greg Taylor

Greg Taylor is an optical metrology engineer with Amazon Lab 126. He joined the company after graduation from the University of Arizona Wyant College of Optical Sciences in 2022. While at the University of Arizona, Greg did research in Pierre Alexandre Blanche’s holography lab. Greg interned with Ball Aerospace (now BAE) and Georgia Tech Research Institute during his undergraduate studies. He came to the University of Arizona after being hired as Artist in Residence for the University of Arizona School of Dance. During this appointment, he integrated his understanding of optics and dance to create a novel virtual reality ballet.  Greg’s technical interests include illumination, metrology, optical alignment, machine vision, image processing, imaging, holography, and LIDAR. His projects at Amazon Lab126 involve the design, simulation, assembly, and testing of optical metrology systems.  Outside of work, Greg loves singing, social dancing, and surfing in San Diego. He is a proud Amazonian and Wildcat. Bear Down!

Talk Abstract: Optics at Amazon

“What does Amazon do that involves optics?” We get this question from almost all of you at Industrial Affiliates. Short answer — Amazon Lab126, Project Kuiper, Quantum Technologies at AWS, Amazon Robotics, and Prime Air all employ optical engineers. They invent and simplify to deliver results for customers. Come and dive deeper into the question at Community Speakers.


Graduate Programs at Max-Planck Institute of Light in Germany

After obtaining his PhD from Yale in atomic physics, Dr. Vahid Sandoghdar is one of the pioneers of nano-optics, which merges various research methods to investigate the interaction of light and matter at the nanometer scale. He is the founder of the Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, a joint research center that addresses questions in fundamental medical research with physical and mathematical methods.

Dr. Sandoghdar graciously gave us an informational talk about Graduate Programs at the Max-Plank Institute of Light in Germany, covering a broad spectrum of topics ranging from laser spectroscopy, quantum optics, nano-optics, fiber optics, nonlinear optics, and biophotonics. This was an amazing reminder that optics is being conducted worldwide and we have great opportunities to continue our education and research all over the world!

Optics in Military Aviation

A big thank you to Navy veteran, pilot, and former test and evaluation manager at Northrop Grumman, Bob Rutherford, for enlightening us on the intricate operational mission requirements for modern military combat and for showing us how optics is an integral part of the solutions to these missions and the safety of our military. His background of over 40 years of engineering, business development, and program management in both industry and government led to some great conversations!

                                                  

Just another great poster!

          

Community Speakers: Matthew Noyes

Matthew Noyes from JPL for gave a wonderful talk on what it takes prepare new technology for a space flight mission. We were fortunate to see some of the testbeds he has worked on, as well as learning how NASA’s Technology Readiness Level process works. We cannot wait to see some of that new technology be put into action in the future!

IA Preparation with Edmund Optics

We had a blast learning about interview questions, resume building, and other key building blocks to help us reach our goals! A big thank you to Jeremy Govier from Edmund Optics for sharing his insights and providing a wonderful presentation and discussion. 

SOCk 2023 Recap!

Like many student organizations across the country, the COVID-19 Pandemic left the Student Optics Chapter (SOCk) hanging onto members by a thread. There was an uncertain future for our chapter. However, in the years that have passed since, our chapter has not only rebounded but grown exponentially in terms of involvement and initiative. The 2023 calendar year was a testament to such a dynamic chapter that promotes the holistic development of its members, creating an inclusive, professional, and fun environment that radiates throughout this college.

2023 demonstrated SOCk’s commitment to catalyzing the UA Optics community in three main facets: academic, social, and outreach. Where many organizations talk, SOCk acts. Our committees have spent countless hours planning and executing events, so take a look back at all the good memories in our 2023 Recap Video!

 
A quote that resonates with the energy and passion in this committee is: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead.  So let’s lean into that quote this year, change the world by growing our community one step at a time, and let’s have some fun! Here’s to 2024!

Bubble SOCk-er!

  Thank you to all who came out to play or watch some Bubble Soccer. We had a BALL of a time!  If you would like to see more pictures of this event make sure to check out SOCk’s instagram: @uasock.

Thanks to Our Speakers and Study Abroad Opportunities!

Thank you to our wonderful speakers, Eliana and Kris, for sharing their wonderful testimonies about their summers in Taiwan and Germany as study abroad students! UA Study Abroad is an opportunity that even Optics students get to participate in, gaining incredibly valuable research experience while exploring new parts of the world! SOCk would like to encourage everyone who is interested in study abroad to click the link https://international.arizona.edu/study-abroad/program-search and see what other areas in the world you can visit! As Kris mentioned, there are significant stipends that help cover much of the cost for our students, so don’t let finances deter you!

    

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