Welcome, optics students, to the new academic year!

I’m excited for all of the activities we’ve got lined up for this year. Last year we set records with how many people we told about optics with our outreach activities, and we had some amazing events as well. Let me give you an overview of what to expect for this fall.

• We are hosting an OSA IONS Conference at the end of September. Check out the website here for more information! We invite you to present your work there in front of other OSA students from around the world.
• We will again have our Fall Welcome Back BBQ in a few weeks here at the College. Stay tuned for more information.
• Our Community Speakers series will resume shortly as well. If you’re interested in presenting, for a chance at $250 and eternal glory, please sign up here! Colton Bigler, a third year PhD student, won our VIP series competition in the spring. Your name could join his on the award plaque.
• If you are not yet an OSA or SPIE student member, don’t forget to sign up! These professional societies will connect you to other students, give you scholarship opportunities, and help you stay in touch with your field of study. Check out both OSA and SPIE’s websites to learn more.

Thanks! Join our Facebook group and keep an eye out for emails from sock@optics.arizona.edu for important updates and information. I look forward to seeing you in the halls of the Meinel building.

Benjamin Cromey

2016-2017 SOCk President