Addressing the Critical Shortage of Optics Technicians
Abstract
The optics industry is revolutionizing our world and improving lives every day, but a worldwide shortage of technicians is stifling our industry’s growth. We need more optics and photonics technicians for continued growth and innovation. Learn how Monroe Community College has become a national model for educating a diverse workforce, by breaking down barriers to entry into the field.
About the speaker
Alexis Vogt, PhD is Endowed Chair and Professor of Optics at Monroe Community College (MCC) – the world’s first college to award associate degrees in precision optics. In her seven years at MCC, Dr. Vogt has secured over $7M for the College’s Optical Systems Technology program and has grown enrollment in the program by 2180%. Dr. Vogt also serves as Executive Director of Workforce and Higher Education at AmeriCOM. Dr. Vogt received her B.S. as well as her Ph.D. in Optics from the Institute of Optics at the University of Rochester. Prior to joining MCC, Dr. Vogt worked in the optics industry at Melles Griot (IDEX) and Bausch + Lomb. Dr. Vogt holds three patents and has authored hundreds of papers, presentations, and publications in the field, including the definitions of “light” and “polarization” for The World Book Encyclopedia. Dr. Vogt serves on the Board of Trustees for the American Precision Optics Manufacturers Association (APOMA), the Rochester Museum & Science Center, and New York Photonics.
