STROBE Awards

WASHINGTON — Optica, Advancing Optics and Photonics Worldwide, has named Margaret M. Murnane an Optica Honorary Member, the most distinguished of all Optica Member categories. Murnane is recognized for pioneering advances in ultrafast laser technology and XUV science, as well as exceptional service to the optics community through sustained mentorship and leadership. She is currently a Distinguished Professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, USA.

“Margaret is a global leader in ultrafast, high-intensity laser research, but her impact extends far beyond the lab through her mentorship, volunteerism and innovative work with KMLabs,” said Gisele Bennett, Optica’s 2026 President. “It is with great pleasure that I welcome her into the esteemed group of Optica Honorary Members.”

The purpose of the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is to help ensure the quality, vitality, and strength of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States. Since 1952, the program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students who are pursuing full-time research-based master’s and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, including STEM education. NSF GRFP was established to recruit and support individuals who demonstrate the potential to make significant contributions in STEM, including STEM education. NSF encourages applications from the full spectrum of talent that the U.S. has to offer.

Anya Grafov, a graduate student in the Kapteyn-Murnane research group at JILA, has received the 2025 Women in STEM Scholarship Award from the Zonta Foothills Club of Boulder County Foundation. The Zonta Women in STEM Award uplifts innovation and celebrates the remarkable accomplishments of women between 18-35 years of age in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields and acknowledge their groundbreaking research, pioneering discoveries, and/or exemplary contributions to advancing knowledge and innovation in a STEM field. By recognizing and supporting these exceptional women, Zonta aims to inspire future generations and foster inclusivity and diversity in the world of STEM. Congratulations, Anya!

Prof. Naomi Ginsberg received the W. Albert Noyes, Jr. Distinguished Lecturer honor from the University of Rochester. This lectureship honors Professor Noyes, former chairman of the department, dean of the Graduate School and dean of the College of Arts and Science. Naomi’s talk was titled, “Visualizing and Controlling How Emerging Energy Materials Form, Transform, and Transport Energy at the Nanoscale.”

The UCLA Academic Senate selected Prof. Jose Rodriguez to receive the inaugural Academic Senate Service Rising Star Award. This award celebrates and recognizes UCLA Senate faculty who are in an early stage of their Senate service and have demonstrated a noteworthy contribution to the Academic Senate. A noteworthy contribution may include activities such as consistent and meaningful participation in committee or council meetings or projects; effective chairship of a subcommittee, special committee or task force; championing shared governance; or demonstrating Senate leadership potential. Preference is given to Senate members who have not yet chaired a standing committee or council. Current committee and council chairs, Senate Leadership and Senate staff are eligible to nominate candidates. Congratulations, Jose!

Prof. Franklin Dollar received the 2025 AISES Technical Excellence Award. The Technical Excellence awardee has made a significant contribution to science, engineering, or technology by having designed, developed, managed, or assisted in the development of a product, service, system, or intellectual property.

AISES professional honorees go beyond personal achievements, extending their commitment to excellence to co-workers, family, community youth, and Tribal and First Nations. Their narratives, intricately woven with resilience, hard work, dedication, and discovery, form the core of AISES stories.

AISES Professional Awardees are perpetual learners and visionaries, driven by a fervor for fostering high-quality collective thinking. As builders, they craft platforms that empower their organizations and communities. Whether embracing formal science later in life or creatively infusing Indigenous values into their work, these trailblazers produce innovation and inspiration. Congratulations, Franklin!

Congratulations to Yueyun Chen, a graduate student in Chris Regan’s group, for receiving the 2025 Castaing Award for Best Student Paper from Microscopy & Microanalysis!

Prof. Kwabena Bediako received the 2025 Calvin University Alumni Award. This award is granted to Calvin alumni in recognition of young grads who are making a splash in their careers and communities, thus personifying the mission of the Calvin Alumni Association. Congratulations, Kwabena!