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| Paper: |
The UW Center for Photonics Instrumentation Education and Research (PIER):
An Inquiry-Centered Graduate Training Program |
| Volume: |
436, Learning from Inquiry In Practice |
| Page: |
405 |
| Authors: |
Sheinis, A. I.; Hooper, E. J.; Eliceiri, K. W. |
| Abstract: |
Experimental and/or applied optics is an indispensable part of many
research enterprises in a wide range of disciplines, from astronomy to
biology, mechanical engineering to medicine, chemistry to atmospheric
science, etc. Many researchers have limited background in optics,
making it difficult to train their graduate students comprehensively
enough so that they in turn can be effective principal investigators
in their own optics-based research activities. Even with a mentor who
is an expert optical scientist, the traditional apprenticeship
training model prevalent in many optics research programs leaves the
students with the knowledge needed to execute the aims of their
project but insufficient breadth and depth. The emerging University
of Wisconsin-Madison Center for Photonics Instrumentation
Education and Research (PIER) seeks to address these problems by
providing a comprehensive multidisciplinary training program for
graduate students whose interests and research incorporate
advanced optical science and engineering. In addition to coursework,
which will comprise the Ph.D. minor, PIER will have an inquiry-based
instrument lab to ensure students have an applied knowledge of optics.
The heart of the program, this lab will allow teams of early-career
graduate students to experience the entire arc of an optics research
project, from design to evaluation, to building and testing, and
finally application. The projects will be short in duration but
focused real-world optical experiments which can be completed by a
team at the end of the third year of graduate school, in addition to
the usual coursework and beginning Ph.D. research in each student's home
program. |
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