MCC Daily Tribune

Dr. Vogt Presents at Arizona Photonics Days

Dr. Alexis Vogt, Professor and Endowed Chair of MCC’s Optical Systems Technology program, presented in the opening session of the Arizona Photonics Days virtual conference on Wednesday, March 3, 2021.

The fourth annual Arizona Photonics Days engaged industry and education leaders for technical discussions, industry trends, and virtual business-building meetings with global attendees. It was held virtually over three days to best accommodate local and international attendees in different time zones. The focus of the conference was “Expanding Optics and Photonics Technologies in Industrial and Commercial Applications.” It featured over 30 webinar presentations discussing the latest trends, technologies, and applications in five tracks:  Sensing and Metrology, Astronomy, Quantum Technology, Laser Technology, and Biomedical Technology. The event was hosted by the Optics Valley industry cluster, Arizona Technology Council, and Global Photonics Alliance, with the support of the industry’s leading corporations and professional organizations.

Dr. Vogt, who is a board member of the American Precision Optics Manufacturers Association (APOMA), was invited to present an update on APOMA’s current activities and the importance of expanding and improving the optics and photonics workforce in the United States. Her presentation covered the worldwide technician shortage, the recent launch of the Congressional Optics and Photonics caucus in the U.S., and how education, training, and apprenticeship programs are helping to develop a more diverse pool of optics and photonics technicians.

Todd Oldham
Vice President, Economic and Workforce Development and Career Technical Education
03/23/2021