Fluorescent Fridays: Saving the Planet Through Optics Education

Agents D (Demetrious), M (Megan), and J (Jayvyn) have been advised by Dr. K (Professor Kruschwitz, from the Institute of Optics at the University of Rochester) to prepare a briefing for the masses on November 1, 2024 – Dia de los Muertos. The objective, guide the audience in the abundance of optical phenomena that result in, or utilize color. The agents will wrangle with topics such as polarization, color mixing, refraction, and diffraction in a way that will illuminate the mind, and dazzle the senses. Each topic will be presented with a visual experiment, and the agents will make sure that they share a list of equipment so that inquiring minds can replicate each on their own. No math skills are required for attendance, only curious individuals who want to know more about optics and color.

Presenters:

• Dr. Jennifer Kruschwitz, Associate Professor of Optics, The Institute of Optics, University of Rochester
• Demetrious Dowdell, PhD Optics student
• Megan Fallon, MS Optics student
• Jayvyn Dennis, Junior Optics student

FLUORESCENT FRIDAYS is a platform for university students from all disciplines to network with color professionals and fellow students, and to explore cutting-edge information about color’s role in our lives and applications in the world. 

Global Student Chapter: The long range goal is to build a global student chapter that positions color as a multidimensional STEAM model (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math), sharing up-to-date color research by scientists, artists, designers, industry professionals, and university students.21st century color communication requires a commitment to building bridges for sharing resources, cultivating mentors, and creating new opportunities. With up-to-date information and useful tools, students become the next generation of leaders in ever-evolving color related disciplines.