Quantum Science Takes Center Stage at the 2026 Ohio Optical Frontiers Showcase
On Friday, October 16, 2026, the Institute for Optical Science (IOS) welcomed more than 40 guests to the ElectroScience Laboratory for the second annual Ohio Optical Frontiers Showcase. Building on the success of the inaugural event in 2025, the afternoon and evening gathered researchers from OSU and institutions across the region to share their work and strengthen connections within Ohio’s optical science community.
This year’s program was headlined by keynote speaker Christopher Monroe, Gilhuly Family Presidential Distinguished Professor at Duke University and a leading figure in quantum science, known for his pioneering work with trapped ions and quantum computing. He was joined by invited speakers Aaron Reinhard (Kenyon College), John Lekki (NASA Glenn Research Center), Kathy-Anne Soderberg (Air Force Research Laboratory), Perry Corbett (Miami University), and Ezekiel Johnston-Halperin (OSU). Between talks, rotating slides on screens throughout the venue highlighted research from IOS members, and attendees capped off the program with a working dinner and social hour.
Following the strong turnout and enthusiasm for the showcase, IOS looks forward to continuing this tradition and growing the connections among Ohio’s optics researchers in the years ahead.
What is the Institute for Optical Science?
The Institute for Optical Science is a community of multidisciplinary researchers studying the fundamental properties of light and harnessing these properties in practical applications for significant benefit to society.
