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 2025Program Prize
US$4,000
Foundation
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
- 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
- CV/resume
- GPA certification (unofficial transcript)
- 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 College, USA (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 |