OSA Fellow Thomas G Giallorenzi earned his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees from Cornell University. After a brief position at General Telephone & Electronics Laboratory, Giallorenzi joined the US naval Research Laboratory. During his tenure at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, he was given the highest Naval award for scientific achievement, the Department of the Navy Distinguished Achievement in Science Award, for scientific innovations and contributions that have had a major impact on military systems. A recipient of numerous other accolades, he was awarded the IEEE/OSA John Tyndall Award in 1990 for his role in the development of lightwave technology, and was presented with the Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Medal in 1986.

He retired in 2006 and joined OSA as Senior Director of Science Policy in 2007.