Education and Training Achievements of the CAT

The NYS Center for Advanced Technology in Photonics Applications at the City University of New York (CAT) is completing its 10^th year of funding through the NYS Office of Science, Technology and Academic Research. Since its inception (1993), the CAT has leveraged this funding with industrial, federal and institutional support to accomplish its mission: to develop and disseminate knowledge in photonics technology in order to promote New York economic development for the medical, biological, industrial and military sectors.

The CAT supports New York State industry through education and training of undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral research associates, and technicians. This helps to provide a skilled photonics workforce and encourages young entrepreneurs to create innovative start-up and spin-off companies that drive economic development in the State.

Through its leveraged awards, including large multi-year research Centers from such agencies as NASA and the Department of Defense, the CAT has enhanced its outreach to and training of post-docs and graduate, undergraduate and K-12 students. Several CAT-leveraged programs emphasize training and graduating minority students, benefiting many CUNY students. Below we briefly summarize education and training impacts from 1995 to 2003:

• Over 85 graduate students, including 17 minority students, have been supported by the CAT and associated leveraged federal and industrial funding. Advanced degrees were awarded to 52 of these (36 PhD; 16 Masters), of which 8 went to minority students (3 PhD; 5 Masters). In addition, about 60 post-docs have received 1-3 years of training.
• About 150 Undergraduates, including about 80 minority students, have received significant research experiences in photonics laboratories.
• 125 K-12 students have been significantly mentored in photonics laboratories. About 65% of these students are from minority groups. In addition, 11 students were mentored for the Intel Science Competition including semi-finalists and finalists.
• Over 75 photonics technicians, about 40% of whom are from minority groups, have been trained in conjunction with the Laser and Fiber Optics Technology Program.