May, 2026
Emma Bartelsen awarded a SPIE Optics and Photonics Scholarship
May. 28, 2026—Emma received a 2026 Optics and Photonics Scholarship by SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, for potential contributions to optics, photonics, or a related field. Individual recipient information: https://www.spie.org/membership/student-hub/scholarships/optics-and-photonics-education-scholarships/current-winners Full press release: https://www.spie.org/news/spie-awards-351000-in-scholarships-to-85-students-shaping-the-future-of-optics-and-photonics
Congratulations to Ryan Kowalski on receiving the Founder’s Medal!
May. 7, 2026—Ryan was selected as the 2026 Founder’s Medalist from the Graduate School.The Founder’s Medal is awarded to the most outstanding Ph.D. graduate each year during the May commencement ceremony. This year the medal is being awarded in the subject areas of Engineering, Mathematics, and Physical Science. https://news.vanderbilt.edu/2026/05/07/vanderbilt-university-honors-class-of-2026-founders-medalists/
