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MCC Daily Tribune

Optics Professor Participates in Congressional Briefing

Alexis Vogt, Ph.D., professor of optical systems technology, was among the panelists sharing insights on the challenges, strategies, successes, and areas for federal engagement to help address the nation's workforce shortages during the Congressional Optics & Photonics (O&P) Caucus' first policy discussion on October 27. Led by Congressman Joe Morelle, the caucus convened virtually to discuss workforce development challenges in the O&P industry. Congressman Morelle's office issued a news release:

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Congressman Joe Morelle led the Congressional Optics & Photonics Caucus in a briefing on workforce challenges facing high-tech industries. Panelists included experts from across the country who are at the forefront of the rapidly growing optics and photonics sector. Rep. Morelle co-founded the caucus with Rep. Brian Mast (FL-18), Senator Steve Daines (MT) and Senator Kyrsten Sinema (AZ) to promote and advance the use of light-based technologies.

“Workforce challenges have impacted every sector of our economy and have been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis—but it’s important that we come together for discussions like this to find collaborative solutions,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “Strengthening our growing optics and photonics industry in particular is critical to maintaining America’s position as a leader in global innovation. I’m grateful to the experts who participated in today’s discussion and look forward to our continued work together to create jobs, grow our skilled workforce, and bolster our high-tech economy.”

The briefing included testimony from four panelists who are leaders in the optics and photonics industry: Dr. Alexis Vogt, PhD, Professor of Optics at MCC; Jay Kumler, President of Jenoptik North America; Trent Berg, President of Montana Photonics Industry Alliance; and Katie Schwertz, Design Engineering Manager at Edmund Optics. More than 150 congressional and industry stakeholders tuned in for the virtual discussion.

“Enrollment in Monroe Community College’s optical systems technology degree and certificate programs increased during the pandemic—with nearly twice as many students this year than in 2019—but it’s still not enough to meet our region’s demand for skilled optics technicians,” said Alexis Vogt, Ph.D., endowed chair and professor of optical systems technology at MCC. “In collaboration with government, industry and academia partners across the nation, MCC is leading efforts to strengthen the talent pipeline toward filling workforce gaps, through growing apprenticeship opportunities and helping establish an optics curriculum at other U.S. colleges. Together, we provide viable pathways to these high-demand careers with family-sustaining wages for diverse learners.”

The full news release is available online.

Hency Yuen-Eng
Government and Community Relations
11/02/2021