Criteria
Membership
To qualify for the Senior Member distinction, individuals should have 10 years or greater record of cumulative professional experience (since completion of first degree) in optics and/or optics related field and be an active member with a minimum of five years of cumulative professional membership (Student membership not included). Applications for the 2025 Class will be open starting 18 November 2024.
Senior Member Distinction Criteria
The following criteria is considered when evaluating Senior Member requests:
- Technical contributions and achievements relevant to the optics and photonics field
- Active involvement with Optica
- Service to the general optics and photonics community
- Awards and/or honors within the field
- Publications and patents
Application Process
Applicants and nominators are encouraged to provide the following information through the online Member Designation & Program Application System by 07 March 2025 (12:00 EST/17:00 GMT):
- A curriculum vitae or resume including (as available): academic history, professional experience, service accomplishments, awards and/or honors, publications and patents.
- A one-page narrative/personal statement providing significant professional and/or service performance.
- Two letters of recommendation from current members. Requestors will provide the names of their references through the application portal and reference will upload directly to the application. student member cannot serve as a reference.
- An employer reference for candidate (optional).
For assistance, please contact the Membership Department (email: SeniorMember@optica.org; Tel.: +1 202.416.1987). The office is open Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (U.S. East Coast Time).