The Center for Freeform Optics
An Industry/University Cooperative Research Center

Michael Kidger Memorial Scholarship: 2017 AWARDEE – JONATHAN PAPA

Jonathan Papa

CeFO Student Awards:

Congratulations to University of Rochester PhD student Jonathan Papa (Jon), recipient of the 2017 Michael Kidger Memorial Scholarship Award. This prestigious award recognizes Jon’s outstanding achievement in optical design. Jon is currently in his third year of the PhD program at The Institute of Optics, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences working with Prof. Jannick Rolland, Brian J. Thompson Professor of Optical Engineering.

This year’s award will be presented by Andy Wood, Chair of the Kidger Scholarship Award Committee, during the International Optical Design Conference (IODC) in Denver, Colorado, July 9 – 13th, 2017.  The Michael J. Kidger Memorial Scholarship was established in 1998 to honor Michael Kidger, a well-respected teacher and member of our technical community. This award is an independent scholarship overseen by a select committee of leading individuals in lens design and the Michael Kidger family. It is intended for students in the field of optical design working towards a Master’s degree or Doctorate.

Jon graduated with a dual major, BS in Physics and BS in Optical Engineering, Magna Cum Laude, with Highest Distinction in both majors from The University of Rochester in May 2014. He entered the PhD program in fall 2014 and started his research in spring 2015.  He is the recipent of a prestigious NASA Fellowship for the duration of his PhD studies as well.