Dr. Dan Christensen

Dr. Dan Christensen received his PhD from The Institute of Optics at the University of Rochester where he developed novel in-vivo microscopy systems. In his ensuing career, he has spent time as an Applications Engineer, Sales Manager, and Product Manager at TOPTICA Photonics, most notably being part of the PRISM AWARD-winning team for the DLC TOPO. He is currently Senior Global Sales Manager for Material and Life Science at Lumencor.

Dan's service to the SPIE and optics community involves more than 20 years of active involvement in volunteering, events, exhibits, meetings, and conferences. He has served on the Financial Advisory Committee (FAC), Engineering, Science, and Technology Policy Committee (ESTeP), and Future Leaders Ad Hoc Committee. He is also a visiting lecturer and has been a panelist, speaker, and chair for many professional development sessions and conferences. Dan prioritizes service in his community as a mentor on the local high school robotics team, as President of the community Odyssey of the Mind organization, and by advising the local public school district on STEM curriculum.

Dr. Christensen was part of the team that received the AAAS Newcomb Cleveland Prize in 2014 and was named an OPTICA Ambassador in 2018. Dan is married with 4 children and resides in a suburb of Rochester, NY.