Simon Ward awarded SPIE Optics and Photonics Education Scholarship
Simon Ward has been awarded a 2022 Optics and Photonics Education Scholarship by SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, for his potential contributions to the field of optics, photonics or related field.
Ward is a PhD candidate of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the laboratory of Professor Sharon Weiss at Vanderbilt University (USA). His research explores ways that machine learning can improve the performance of optical biosensors, enabling more robust, sensitive, and more cost-effective tests for infectious disease, environment monitoring, and food safety. “I hope to highlight ways in which optical devices, when paired with machine learning, can improve global healthcare,” said Ward.
In 2022, the Society is awarding $293,000 in education scholarships to 78 outstanding SPIE Student Members, based on their potential contribution to optics and photonics, or a related discipline. Awardwinning applicants were evaluated, selected and approved by the SPIE Scholarship Committee, Chaired by SPIE volunteer Kate Medicus.
Through 2021, SPIE has distributed over $6 million dollars in individual scholarships. This ambitious effort reflects the Society’s commitment to education and to the next generation of optical scientists and engineers around the world.