Institute of Optics

Progress has a beat. Feel it build at Luminate Finals 2026, coming up on September 30.

Be there in person or online to:
🚀 See emerging technologies shaping tomorrow
✨ Go inside the new NSF‑backed STELLAR laser initiative
🗳️ Vote live for your favorite startup team
💵 Watch the big checks get awarded—up to $2M is on the line!

Thank you to our sponsor Optica for hosting Luminate Finals as part of FiO LS at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center.

Grab your ticket: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/luminate-finals-2026-tickets-1996117570387?aff=social

We’re thrilled to announce that STELLAR Lasers has been selected as one of the NSF Engines!

This achievement would not have been possible without the incredible support of our partners. Thank you to everyone who wrote letters of commitment, collaborated with us throughout the proposal process, and to our outstanding leadership team for their vision and dedication.

We’re excited to continue this important work—advancing laser technologies, strengthening industry partnerships, developing the workforce, and driving innovation that will have a lasting impact.

Read more in the University of Rochester announcement.

A transformative moment for Rochester and the Finger Lakes region! 🎉

We’re proud to share that the National Science Foundation (NSF) has selected the University of Rochester–led NSF STELLAR Engine for funding, investing $15 million over the next two years, with an additional $16 million in New York State support, to establish a nationally recognized hub for laser science, technology, and innovation.

Building on Rochester’s global leadership in optics, photonics, imaging, and laser technologies, the University of Rochester-led STELLAR Engine brings together more than 90 partners across academia, industry, government, and entrepreneurship to accelerate innovation, advanced manufacturing, workforce development, and U.S. competitiveness in laser technologies across the Rochester/Finger Lakes region.

From healthcare and communications to advanced manufacturing and national security, laser-enabled technologies are central to future progress. STELLAR will help ensure that breakthrough discoveries, skilled talent, and next-generation companies continue to grow right here in Rochester.

“On behalf of the University community, we’re gratified that our regional leaders have demonstrated that we have the talent and the teamwork needed to reposition our nation at the forefront of laser research, development, and manufacturing," says President Sarah Mangelsdorf.

Congratulations to all who made this achievement possible!

Exciting times! Stay tuned!

Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences: University of Rochester University of Rochester Greater Rochester Enterprise (Rochester, NY)

Congratulations to Marlena Berger ’27 for being selected an Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) Award.

Astronaut Scholarships are awarded to students in their junior and senior year of college studying STEM programs with the intent to pursue research or advance their field upon completion of their final degree. Astronaut Scholars are among the best and brightest minds in STEM who show initiative, creativity, and excellence in their chosen field.

Senior Design gives students a unique year-long opportunity to collaborate with industry partners and faculty mentors to solve real-world engineering challenges.

Design Day is always an exciting experience — showcasing innovation, teamwork, and the next generation of problem-solvers.

Great to see these talented students recognized for their work and impact on the future of technology.

Meet the U of R's high-tech problem solvers of the future A year of long hours and hard work has come to this point, for University of Rochester engineering students.

A new article by Assistant Professor Zhujun Shi from the University of Pittsburgh and Barry Silverstein, director of the University of Rochester’s Center for eXtended Reality, explores how photonic integrated circuits (PICs) could revolutionize the future of advanced display technologies. From augmented and virtual reality to holographic displays, the paper highlights how integrated photonics can enable smaller, lighter, more energy-efficient, and higher-performance display systems with unprecedented control over light. The work outlines a path toward next-generation immersive visual experiences powered by scalable photonic technologies.

Read more: https://academic.oup.com/nsr/advance-article/doi/10.1093/nsr/nwag234/8660078

Benjamin Hancock has done an outstanding job this year as our Science Outreach Coordinator! He has travelled to many schools and/or organized groups of student volunteers to teach optics to high school kids.

Today, he and Nabendu S. Mishra (a PhD student who volunteers a lot!) visited the home school co-op PCC LEAH and delivered an engaging class filled with hands-on demonstrations. It was a fantastic experience for everyone involved.

We’re pretty sure the highlight was exploring the FLIR camera - or popping balloons with lasers - always crowd favorites!

We travel locally to different middle and high schools and groups, and also invite classes to tour our labs. Please message us if you would like to be added to our fall schedule.



University of RochesterHajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences: University of Rochester
Homeschool New York/LEAH:Loving Education At Home

What a great way to end the semester for our Lens Design class! The students worked hard all semester and presented their final projects earlier this week. Thank you, Professor Julie Bentley!

University of Rochester
Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences: University of Rochester

It's that time of year! All optics students, faculty, and staff are welcome to play! Spectators welcome!