The U.S. industrial base requires a rapidly scalable and highly skilled workforce to effectively support mission-critical technologies, such as Directed Energy. As an initiative of the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) program within the Department of War (DOW), the American Center for Optics Manufacturing (AmeriCOM) is leading the national strategy to close the optics technician skills gap.
This panel, featuring representatives from AmeriCOM’s partner college network, will detail how a network of regional academic hubs is building a resilient domestic optics manufacturing technician pipeline to address the specific workforce needs of the Directed Energy effort.
Discussions will focus on:
Directed Energy Alignment: How AmeriCOM’s workforce programs address the specific precision needs of DE systems.
Industrial Resilience: How this talent pipeline directly supports the readiness, growth, and security of the Department of War's industrial base.
Academia-Industry Synergy: The vital role of community colleges and industry partnerships in producing mission-ready graduates.
Moderators
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Joseph Kuczynski
Senior Editor, Photonics Spectra (United States)
Host, All Things Photonics Podcast (United States) |
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Yvette Pagano
Executive Director
APOMA (United States) |
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Panelists
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Jim Kraly
Associate Professor of Chemistry, Co-PI of the Precision Optics Program
Keene State College (United States) |
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Greg Wilson
Dean of Applied Technology
Pima Community College (United States) |
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Jenna Montague
Director, Optics and Laser Technology
Front Range Community College (United States) |
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Brian Monacelli
Professor & Director of the Laser Technology Program
Pasadena City College (United States) |
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Mark Craig
Director
Gallatin College Photonics Program (United States) |
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Event Details
FORMAT: Panel discussion followed by audience Q&A.
MENU: Coffee, decaf, tea and water will be available nearby.
SETUP: Theater seating
