OSA News

OSA Member Delfyett Named One of "50 Most Important Blacks in Research Science"

ORLANDO, Aug. 27, 2004 -- Peter Delfyett, a professor of optics, physics and electrical and computer engineering at the University of Central Florida, was selected as one of the "50 Most Important Blacks in Research Science" by Science Spectrum magazine.

Delfyett, who specializes in laser and fiberoptics research, and 49 other scientists were recognized for "their lifelong work in making science part of global society." The group will be featured in the September issue of Science Spectrum and will attend a colloquium and awards luncheon Sept. 18 in Nashville, Tenn.

"It is an honor for me to be acknowledged as one of the 50 most important black scientists," Delfyett said. "I'm happy to have that honor bestowed on me while I'm at UCF. When you're at a great place with great faculty and great students, it becomes easy to do great things."

Delfyett has taught at UCF for 10 years. In 2001, he won the Pegasus Professor Award, the highest honor the university gives to a faculty member who demonstrates excellence in teaching, research and service.

Delfyett and his team of 15 doctoral students and scientists, whose research was featured in the New York Times in 2002, are trying to increase the speed at which data can be transmitted through semiconductor chips like the ones found in computers. Improving that speed would help computers download information from the Internet much faster and make computer networks work faster.

Delfyett, a member of the Orlando Science Center's science advisory board, speaks at UCF's Burnett Honors College and at area middle and high schools occasionally to encourage students to become interested in science and engineering.

"Peter excels at everything he does, and his enthusiasm for his science and teaching is remarkable and contagious," said Eric Van Stryland, dean of the College of Optics and Photonics and director of the Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers and the Florida Photonics Center for Excellence. "It is an honor to work with him."

--UCF--

Contacts:

Peter Delfyett, 407-823-6812, delfyet@mail.ucf.edu

James E. Pearson, PhD
Associate Director, College of Optics & Photonics: CREOL & FPCE & Special Asst. to the VP for Research University of Central Florida
(407)823-6858
jpearson@mail.ucf.edu