Jihwan Kim, an ECE Ph.D. student working under Dr. Michael Escuti, has been awarded a SPIE Scholarship in Optical Science and Engineering.

Jihwan’s research is focused on developing novel optical elements for applications including optical beam-steering and imaging spectro-polarimetry. These applications offer several advantages when compared to their traditional counterparts, such as an improvement in optical efficiency and reduction in system complexity, among others. His work has generated significant interest in the areas of laser communications/weapons and remote sensing and has resulted in several publications. His research is supported by the Air Force Research Laboratory, Raytheon, and SAIC.

SPIE awarded over $320,000 in 2010 with individual scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $11,000.  SPIE scholarships are open to full- and part-time students studying anywhere in the world. All scholarship applications are judged on their own merit based on the experience and education level of the individual student.

"This SPIE award is among the most significant available to Ph.D. students working within the fields of Photonics and Optics, and recognizes outstanding contribution during doctoral research.  Jihwan’s work is robustly multidisciplinary, and is a strong blend of experiment and theory.  I am very pleased to see him recognized with this award, since in my opinion, he is extraordinarily inventive, persistent, and thorough," said Dr. Escuti.

SPIE is the international society for optics and photonics founded in 1955 to advance light-based technologies. Serving more than 188,000 constituents from 138 countries, the Society advances emerging technologies through interdisciplinary information exchange, continuing education, publications, patent precedent, and career and professional growth. SPIE annually organizes and sponsors approximately 25 major technical forums, exhibitions, and education programs in North America, Europe, Asia, and the South Pacific.