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13 February 2023
Optica Foundation Announces 2023 Ambassadors
Ambassadors mentor early-career professionals and students worldwide through virtual and in-person programs
WASHINGTON – The Optica Foundation announces ten exceptional early-career members who will serve as the 2023 class of Optica Ambassadors. Selected by previous honorees based on demonstrated volunteerism and mentorship skills, these emerging leaders will provide guidance and advice to a global network of young optics and photonics researchers.
“Since 2016, our Ambassadors have provided career advice, technical knowledge, and mentorship for our student members,” said Michal Lipson, 2023 Optica President. “Our guiding principles of inclusivity, impact, and innovation are embedded in this program to reinforce our core values in the next generation of scientists, engineers, and corporate leaders.”
Supported by the foundation’s annual fund, Ambassadors visit student chapters, provide training at meetings and share their insights on webinars. The new inductees are expected to promote the importance of a diverse and inclusive photonics ecosystem spanning academia to industry.
“I remember my excitement and enthusiasm when I was selected,” said 2022 Ambassador Faezeh Gholami, IBM, USA. “The opportunity to engage with students, offer career advice, and expand my burgeoning professional network inspired me throughout the year. I am confident the class of 2023 will have an amazing impact.”
The 2023 Ambassadors are:
Joshua Burrow, Brown University, USA
Atrouli Chatterjee, Yale University, USA
Mitchell Cox, University of the Witwatersrand, South Aftica
Benjamin Cromey, Ball Aersopace, USA
Perla Viera Gonzalez, Autonomous University of Nuevo León, Mexico
Sejeong Kim, University of Melbourne, Australia
Kseniia Minakova, National Technical University, Ukraine
Matthew Posner, Optonique, Canada
Falko Schmidt, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
Mateusz Szatkowski, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Poland
Optica Foundation
Established in 2002, the Optica Foundation carries out charitable activities in support of the society’s student and early career members. We cultivate the next generation of leaders and innovators as they navigate advanced degree programs and become active members of research, engineering and business communities worldwide. The foundation also works to secure the endowments for Optica’s awards and honors programs. The foundation is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. For more information, visit optica.org/foundation.
About Optica
Optica, Advancing Optics and Photonics Worldwide, is the society dedicated to promoting the generation, application, archiving and dissemination of knowledge in the field. Founded in 1916, it is the leading organization for scientists, engineers, business professionals, students and others interested in the science of light. Optica's renowned publications, meetings, online resources and in-person activities fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate scientific, technical and educational achievement. Discover more at: Optica.org
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