SPIE Awards Outreach
Grant to Three Rivers

Three Rivers has been awarded a grant from SPIE, the International Society for Optics and Photonics, to support “Laser Camp 2009.” More than 70 students from six eastern Connecticut high schools attended the previous two laser camps, which were held at Three Rivers.

Each camp was a three-day event designed to introduce students to career opportunities in optics and photonics through hands-on activities including pinhole photography, laser engraving and holography. Camp participants and their teachers also traveled to Trumpf, Inc., a manufacturer of large industrial lasers located in Farmington, CT for a tour of the laser facility. The Three Rivers student chapter of SPIE served as mentors to the high school students.

This year’s laser camp includes a trip to the Boston University Photonics Research Center and the MIT Museum, as well as on-campus activities.

Laser camp is also supported by the Regional Center for Next Generation Manufacturing and EASTCONN, which works in partnership with schools and communities to develop, provide and support cost-effective education and training opportunities for learners.

SPIE is an international society advancing an interdisciplinary approach to the science and application of light.

The grant was awarded to TRCC Laser and Fiber Optic Technology Program Coordinator Judy Donnelly at an award ceremony at the annual meeting, held in San Diego in August. Three Rivers SPIE Student Chapter President Daniel Spicer and Vice-President Gregory Doyon, Jr. (pictured, left) attended the meeting along with Donnelly. The students joined approximately 120 SPIE student chapter leaders from colleges and universities in 18 states and 22 different countries.
 

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