May 28, 2013
New student chapter of Optical Society at Kansas State University
A student chapter of the Optical Society of America, or OSA, has formed at Kansas State University.
Derrek Wilson, physics graduate research assistant, is president of the chapter that currently includes fellow members Stefan Zigo, Travis Severt, Pratap Timilsina, Adam Summers, Bethany Joachim, Wei Cao, and Varun Makhija. Carlos Trallero, assistant professor of physics, is the faculty advisor for the chapter.
"Building a strong network of OSA student chapters around the globe is one of OSA's highest priorities," said the society's president, Donna Strickland. "We are pleased to welcome Kansas State University’s new student chapter to our growing network of chapters and local sections. Their work will further OSA's goal of bringing awareness of the importance of optics and photonics to a worldwide audience."
To support the society's student chapters, the Optical Society of America provides a variety of benefits, such as start-up funds and the opportunity to apply for activity and educational outreach grants, an annual traveling lecturer program, travel support for one student chapter member to attend the society's annual Leadership Meeting, eligibility for a Student Chapter Excellence Award, support for the International Optical Society of American Network of Students, IONS, event and more. Complete details on benefits can be found on the student services section of the society's website.
To learn more about the university's Optical Society of America student chapter, please contact Wilson at derrekw@phys.ksu.edu or 785-532-2653, or Trallero at carlos@phys.ksu.edu or 785-532-0846. More information also is available on the Optical Society of America website or by contacting chaptersandsections@osa.org, or call 202-416-1432.