Katie Schwertz, Senior Manager of Optical Assemblies & Technology at Edmund Optics, has been selected as the 2024 recipient of the SPIE President’s Award. She is recognized for outstanding service to SPIE and the optics community through work that advances optical systems design, engages students, and shares the excitement of optics with the public.
As an SPIE Senior Member, Katie is an active contributor to the optics community, having presented at numerous conferences and authored two publications with SPIE Press, including Photonics Rules of Thumb and Field Guide to Optomechanical Design and Analysis. Her engagement with the organization extends to serving on conference program committees, the Nominating and Leadership Development Committee, and as a past SPIE Board of Directors member. Additionally, she has participated in the SPIE Education Committee and the Gender Equity Task Force, which aims to enhance equal opportunities and recognition within the optics community.
For Edmund Optics, Katie has worked on various imaging system designs, tolerancing, analyses, and prototype evaluations in compressed timeframes for both internal development and external customers. She received her BS in Optics from the University of Rochester’s Institute of Optics and her MS in Optical Sciences from the University of Arizona. She currently serves as a Board member for the Arizona Technology Council and Co-Chair of their Optics Valley industry cluster.
"We are incredibly proud to see Katie Schwertz recognized with the SPIE President’s Award for her dedication and impactful contributions to the optics community," said Marisa Edmund, Chairman of the Board and Chief Marketing & Sales Officer at Edmund Optics. "Her commitment to advancing optical systems design and inspiring the next generation of engineers exemplifies the innovation and leadership we strive for at Edmund Optics."
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