Kirtan Dixit, a Ph.D. candidate in Physics at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH).
Kirtan Dixit, a Ph.D. candidate in Physics at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH).

Kirtan Dixit, a Ph.D. candidate from the Department of Physics and Astronomy in the College of Science at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), a part of The University of Alabama System, has achieved a remarkable feat by receiving the 2023 Optics and Photonics Education Scholarship from SPIE, the International Society for Optics and Photonics. Selected from a rigorous evaluation process and a highly competitive global pool of candidates, Dixit has emerged as one of only 72 students to receive this prestigious scholarship, recognizing his exceptional skills and dedication.

The SPIE scholarship acknowledges the potential contributions of student members in the domains of optics, photonics, or related disciplines, with the recipients carefully chosen by the SPIE Scholarship Committee through a rigorous evaluation process. This recognition highlights Dixit's outstanding accomplishments and stands as a testament to the exceptional research conducted within UAH's Optics program and Physics department.

As an esteemed member of Professor Don Gregory's optics research group, Dixit focuses on developing dynamically tunable optical absorbers, reflectors, and manipulators utilizing epsilon-near-zero semiconductors. These advancements hold significant promise for the future of solid-state display technology, demonstrating Dixit's commitment to pursuing academic excellence. His notable contributions include submitting three conference papers and one research article to a prestigious optics journal, further establishing his expertise and scholarly impact.

Beyond his scholarly pursuits, Dixit actively engages in advocacy efforts to promote optics and photonics. Recently, he participated in a congressional visit as part of the National Photonics Initiative, where he presented the latest research advancements to members of the U.S. Congress. Serving as a representative for Optica, SPIE, and the American Physical Society (APS), Dixit passionately advocated for increased funding in optics and photonics research, underscoring his commitment to the growth and advancement of the field.

Dixit expresses his gratitude for the SPIE scholarship, recognizing the invaluable support provided by his mentors, Dr. Don Gregory and Dr. James Miller, who wrote recommendation letters for his scholarship application. Additionally, he extends his appreciation to the Department of Physics and Astronomy at UAH's College of Science for their unwavering support throughout his graduate school journey. With the assistance of the SPIE scholarship, Dixit is empowered to remain at the forefront of his field and continue his impactful research endeavors, driving innovation and contributing to the future of optics and photonics.

For more information about the scholarship, visit www.spie.org.