Jun 17 2010
The Optical Society (OSA) has named U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords as its Advocate of Optics for 2010. Giffords has been selected to recognize her work on the Solar Technology Roadmap Act, H.R.3585. This legislation looks for improvement in solar technology development, demonstration and research programs.
Rep. Giffords and OSA President Wyant
Giffords was honored also for her work on the Science and Technology Committee of the House of Representatives. In the committee, she represents Tuscan, which has numerous photonic companies. As soon as she entered the Congress, Giffords established herself in solar initiatives and energy independence as a leader.
The president of OSA and the dean of University of Arizona’s College of Optical Sciences, James C. Wyant presented the award to Giffords. Wyant commented that Giffords had worked constantly towards promoting science and technology with special focus on solar technology. Her work brought benefits to the Tuscan area as well as the total optics and photonics society, he noted.