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MCC Daily Tribune

Optics Professor Speaks at Virtual Launch of Congressional Optics & Photonics Caucus

Congressman Morelle announces creation of caucus aimed at promoting and advancing the optics and photonics industry

Yesterday, Congressman Joe Morelle announced the creation of the Congressional Optics & Photonics Caucus to promote and advance the use of light-based technologies that are already impacting our world every day. Rep. Morelle co-founded the caucus with Rep. Brian Mast (FL-18), Senator Steve Daines (MT) and Senator Kyrsten Sinema (AZ).

“The bipartisan, bicameral caucus we are announcing today is the result of a multi-year effort to increase awareness of how optics and photonics work to maintain the U.S. position as a leader in global innovation,” Congressman Joe Morelle said. “Our world is shifting to a knowledge-based economy that rewards those nations who invest in innovation and are at the forefront of emerging technologies. And the reward is what our nation needs most right now: a boost in our economy and the creation of stable, high-paying jobs.”

Among the goals of the Optics & Photonics caucus are:

  • To promote and advance the use of light-based technologies through public and private investments and secure the United States’ status as a global leader in innovation;
  • To break down the siloed knowledge surrounding this robust industry, educating lawmakers, workers, and students of all this industry has to offer and setting future generations up succeed.

Dr. Alexis Vogt was among the national speakers invited to the virtual launch of the caucus.

“Employers from around the world frequently contact Monroe Community College (Rochester, N.Y.) looking for their ‘future photon workforce’—highly skilled technicians who are trained to produce innovative light-enabled products. There are thousands of job openings in optics, photonics, and imaging worldwide,” said Alexis Vogt, Ph.D., MCC program chair and professor of optical systems technology. “As the only college in the nation awarding associate degrees in precision optics, MCC educates and trains a finite number of skilled optics technicians each year. We are eager to help other communities across the nation develop their workforce for these highly skilled, well-paid jobs.”

The full news release is available on Congressman Morelle’s website.

Hency Yuen-Eng
Government and Community Relations
02/25/2021