Momentum Meets Opportunity — How New York Photonics is building the OPIL ecosystem in NYS
In 1929, the nation's first optics degree program was established at the University of Rochester — founded through a partnership between George Eastman and Edward Bausch. Nearly a century later, that spirit of industrial and academic collaboration has grown into one of the most extraordinary optics, photonics, imaging, and laser (OPIL) ecosystems anywhere in the world.
Today, more than 150 companies employ 20,000 scientists, engineers, and technicians across New York State. The ecosystem has attracted over $1.36 billion in new capital investment, generated thousands of new jobs while it supports a growing pipeline of talent whose work touches everything from deep-space exploration and national defense to communications, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing. In July 2026, the National Science Foundation awarded the STELLAR consortium full designation as an NSF Innovation Engine to advance laser science and technology and create a national laser manufacturing center in the greater Rochester/Finger Lakes region.
The momentum is real. And New York Photonics is ready to accelerate it.
Join New York Photonics Executive Director Dr. Alexis Vogt and learn about the mission, strategic priorities, and initiatives driving New York State’s OPIL community forward and how you and your organization can get involved.
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- Starts 25 September 2026 06:00 PM UTC
- Ends 13 October 2026 04:50 PM UTC
- No Admission Charge
Speakers
Alexis Vogt of New York Photonics
Biography:
Alexis Vogt, Ph.D., is Executive Director of New York Photonics where she leads statewide
initiatives to advance the photonics industry through workforce development, education, and
strategic partnerships. She is also a tenured professor of optics and the Barbara and John H.
Bruning Endowed Director of the Optical Systems Technology program at Monroe Community
College (MCC). A nationally recognized leader in optics education and workforce development,
Dr. Vogt has secured more than $20 million in funding to expand and modernize the program.
Under her leadership, enrollment and completion have grown dramatically, establishing MCC as
the national model for educating optics technicians and strengthening the photonics workforce.
Prior to entering academia, she held technical and leadership positions at Melles Griot and
Bausch + Lomb. Dr. Vogt earned both her Bachelor of Science and Ph.D. in Optics from the
Institute of Optics at the University of Rochester. Her contributions to optics education have
earned international recognition, including the 2026 Association of Community College Trustees
Northeast Regional Faculty Award, the 2023 SPIE María J. Yzuel Educator Award, the 2021
Rochester Regional Photonics Cluster Leadership Award, and the 2020 IEEE Technical Skills
Educator Award. She serves on the Board of Trustees of SPIE, the American Precision Optics
Manufacturers Association (APOMA), and the Rochester Museum & Science Center. She is a
Fellow of SPIE and the American Academy of Optometry.
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