To become true leaders in their fields, scientists and engineers need to complement their technical training with professional skills of teamwork, community organizing and science communication. Optics Club of UC Davis gives graduate students an opportunity for a comprehensive professional development. It has been wonderful to see our students engage in science outreach with young girls at the UC Davis ECE Bring Your Daughter/Niece to Work event. These initiatives change the culture of science for the generations to come, allowing us to use the full potential of young and curious brains. I am also enthusiastic about the Optics Club’s involvement in making a greener future for our profession by taking part in online conferences that enable scientific exchange while reducing the carbon footprint of long-distance travel. With the thriving photonics research in a variety of departments and engaged students ready to take contemporary challenges, UC Davis is a fantastic place for professional training in optics.

                                                                               ------Prof. Marina Radulaski