BELLINGHAM, Washington, USA -- A new SPIE-SCHOTT Lecture Program is bringing valuable work-world insights as well as field-proven technical knowledge to SPIE Student Chapter members. The series launched last month at the University of Rochester with a lecture on optical glass by Michelle deCastro, a sales manager and former applications developer at SCHOTT North America Advanced Optics Division.
"The public lecture was informational, and the discussion that followed over lunch was great," said Univ. of Rochester Chapter Member Daniel Christensen after deCastro's 14 October talk. "Having someone from SCHOTT give us her perspective was a valuable resource for real-world advice."
"We are very pleased to be a part of this lecture program as a way to express SCHOTT's motto, 'Your Partner for Excellence in Optics'," said Marita Paasch, Vice President of SCHOTT Advanced Optics. "With our contribution to the SPIE Student Chapters, we are engaging with future potential employees, customers, or partners and sharing the expertise and excellence in optics we have accumulated over the last 125 years. We are constantly expanding our portfolio to reflect current market developments and the needs of our customers. This requires exchange and close communication with our partners, and the cooperation with the SPIE Student Chapter is a perfect opportunity benefiting both parties."
"We are delighted that SCHOTT has taken the visionary step of sponsoring these lectures," said SPIE CEO Eugene Arthurs. "The inspiration that working professionals provide to students is invaluable. Even beyond sharing their insights and serving as mentors and role models, the lecturers create a pathway of communication between industry and academia that informs the direction of each. We commend SCHOTT for this demonstration of their dedication to helping to ensure a well-qualified workforce for the future."
SPIE is working with its Student Chapters to match speakers with opportunities. This year's series will be offered to chapters on the U.S. East Coast.
Among topics are:
SCHOTT is a multinational, technology based group developing and manufacturing special glass, specialty materials, components and systems for more than 125 years to improve how people live and work. With its headquarters in Mainz, Germany, SCHOTT has various facilities in Germany and around the world.
SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, was founded in 1955 to advance light-based technologies. Serving more than 180,000 constituents from 168 countries, the Society advances emerging technologies through interdisciplinary information exchange, continuing education, publications, patent precedent, and career and professional growth. SPIE annually organizes and sponsors approximately 25 major technical forums, exhibitions, and education programs in North America, Europe, Asia, and the South Pacific. SPIE provided over $2.3 million in support of education and outreach programs in 2010.
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