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Harvey M. Pollicove Memorial Scholarship

Foundation

Harvey M. Pollicove Memorial Scholarship

Recognizing potential in precision optics manufacturing and lens design.

Application Dates
28 July 2025 - 26 September 2025
Program Prize

US$4,000

Established in 2005, the Harvey M. Pollicove Memorial Scholarship honors the work of Harvey Pollicove, co-founder of the Center for Optics Manufacturing (COM) at the University of Rochester, USA. 

The Scholarship is awarded to a student pursuing studies/research in the field of precision optics manufacturing. Students at universities in the USA are eligible to apply. The recipient receives US$4,000.

This scholarship is endowed through generous contributions from Harvey’s friends and colleagues.

 


Application Information

How To Apply

Applications will be available at apply.optica.org

Important Dates

Opens 28 July 2025
Closes 26 September 2025

Applicant Requirements
  • Pursuing studies/research in a precision optics program/curriculum in the USA.
  • Intend to work in the optics manufacturing industry upon graduation.
Application Requirements
  1. One (1) page application letter which describes:
    • Your passion for the process of designing, fabricating (including but not limited to grinding, polishing, testing, and coating of optical elements), and assembling optical components and systems
    • How this scholarship will help advance your research/academic career
    • Your current plans, related to optics manufacturing, post-graduation
  2. CV/resume
  3. GPA certification (unofficial transcript)
  4. One reference letter

If you have questions, please contact prizes@optica.org.


Recipients

2021
Tyler Peterson
University of Arizona, United States 
2020
Kelli Kiekens
University of Arizona, USA 
2019
Nicholas Kochan
University of Rochester, USA
2018
Juniyali Nauriyal
University of Rochester, USA 
2013
Laura Coyle
University of Arizona, USA 
2012
Peter McCarthy
University of Rochester, USA 
2011
Nea Sample
Monroe Community College, USA 
2010
Mark Ramme
University of Central Florida, USA
2009
Katie Schewrtz 
University of Arizona, USA
2008
Katherine Hasman
University of Rochester, USA 
  • Chris Dodds, Monroe Community College, USA (2017)
  • Kameron Tinkham, University of Rochester, USA (2016)
  • James Lewis, Monroe Community CollegeUSA (2015)
  • Antoine Lepicard, University of Central Florida, USA (2014)

2025 Selection Committee

Name Affiliation Country
Torben Brender Andersen Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co UNITED STATES
Jessica DeGroote Nelson Edmund Optics Inc. UNITED STATES
Matthew Werden Graham Oregon State University UNITED STATES
Eric Herman Synopsys, Inc UNITED STATES
Nicholas S Kochan Physical Sciences Inc. UNITED STATES
Kathleen A Richardson University of Central Florida, CREOL UNITED STATES
Katie Schwertz Optics Valley UNITED STATES
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