What is Photonics?

Photonics is the science and technology of using light to collect, transmit, and analyze information.

From optical communications and advanced materials to ocean mapping, underwater sensing, imaging, and data collection, photonics plays a growing role in how we understand the world around us and develop new technologies.
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At iDEa, speakers will explore how photonics is enabling innovation, supporting commercialization, and helping shape the future of emerging industries such as BlueTech.

Why Attend?

Attendees will have the opportunity to:
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• Learn what BlueTech and Photonics are and why they matter
• Explore how photonics is advancing ocean, maritime, energy, and port innovation
• Hear from leaders in research, industry, government, and commercialization
• Understand how photonics innovations move from the laboratory to the marketplace
• Learn about the skills needed to support growth in these emerging industries
• Connect with educators, researchers, industry leaders, and regional innovators

Educators are eligible to receive Professional Development Hours through PDMS.

PDMS Information:
Course #44491
Section #92389

​​Event Agenda

4:00 p.m. | Registration & Networking
Connect with fellow attendees before the program begins.

4:30 – 4:45 p.m. | Opening Remarks
Welcome from the Technology Forum of Delaware and remarks from Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay.

4:45 – 5:05 p.m. | The Landscape & Regional Strength
Explore why Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic are emerging as leaders in BlueTech and Photonics.
Featured Speaker: Dr. Jason Gorman, Division Chief, Microsystems and Nanotechnology Division, Physical Measurement Laboratory, NIST

5:05 – 5:30 p.m. | Fireside Chat: Light Beneath the Surface
Discover how photonics is powering innovation across the blue economy, from maritime technologies to energy and port operations.
Moderator: Dr. Theodore (Tod) Sizer, Nokia Bell Labs
Featured Speaker: Dr. Dylan Temple, Vice President of Research, Integer Technologies

5:30 – 6:20 p.m. | Panel Discussion: Photonics as a Regional Growth Engine
Hear from industry and academic leaders as they discuss how research is translating into innovation, economic growth and workforce opportunities throughout the region.
Moderator: Dr. Christine Galib, Princeton University
​Panelists: Dr. Tingyi Gu, University of Delaware; Dr. Dennis Prather, Phase Sensitive Innovations & University of Delaware; Dr. Hjalti Skulason, Qnity; Dr. Robert Chimenti, Rowan University

​6:20 – 6:30 p.m. | Audience Q&A

​6:30 – 7:00 p.m. | Networking Reception

Meet Our Speakers

Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay
Lieutenant Governor for the State of Delaware

Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay serves as Delaware's 27th Lieutenant Governor. A former state senator and attorney, she has been a champion for economic development, education, workforce development, and expanding opportunities for Delawareans. As Lieutenant Governor, she works with leaders across government, business, and education to help strengthen Delaware's economy and support innovation throughout the state.

Dr. Jason Gorman
Division Chief, Microsystems & Nanotechnology at NIST

Dr. Jason Gorman is Division Chief of the Microsystems & Nanotechnology Division at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). His research focuses on integrated nanophotonics, micro- and nanomechanical systems, and quantum technologies, with applications in sensing, frequency control, and quantum information science. He earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University and previously led NIST's Photonics and Optomechanics Group.

Dr. Theodore Sizer
Head of Optical Systems and Device Research at Nokia Bell Labs

Dr. Theodore (Tod) Sizer leads the Optical System and Device Research Lab at Nokia Bell Labs, where he oversees research advancing optical technologies for access, core, submarine, satellite, and data center communications. He holds graduate degrees in Optics from the University of Rochester and is a Bell Labs Fellow, IEEE Fellow, and recipient of the 2012 Popular Science Breakthrough Innovation Award for the lightRadio invention.

Dr. Dylan Temple
Vice President of Research at Integer Technologies

Dr. Dylan Temple is Vice President of Research at Integer Technologies, where he leads applied research in maritime autonomy, power and energy systems, sensing and perception, and cyber-physical resilience. He works with partners across government, industry, and academia to advance emerging technologies for national security and commercial applications. He  holds a Ph.D. in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the University of Michigan.

Dr. Christine Galib
Director, Innovation Infrastructure & Programs at Princeton University

Dr. Christine Galib is Director of Innovation Infrastructure & Programs at Princeton University, where she leads Photon Junction, a consortium advancing photonics technologies. An early-stage startup advisor, adjunct professor, author, and strategic ecosystem builder, she brings expertise in entrepreneurship, innovation, investing, and leadership development.

Dr. Tingyi Gu
Associate Professor, Electrical Engineering at University of Delaware

Dr. Tingyi Gu is an Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering at the University of Delaware, where her research focuses on silicon photonics for optical communications and sensing, with an emphasis on high-speed, reconfigurable optoelectronic devices. She earned her Ph.D. from Columbia University, completed postdoctoral research at Princeton University, and previously held research positions at HP Labs and Bell Labs.

Dr. Dennis Prather
Co-founder and President of Phase Sensitive Innovations, Inc.
Alumni Distinguished Professor at University of Delaware

Dr. Dennis Prather is President and Co-founder of Phase Sensitive Innovations and Alumni Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Delaware. A retired U.S. Navy Captain, his research focuses on photonic devices and their applications in imaging, radar, wireless communications, and RF systems. He is a nationally recognized leader in photonics innovation and holds more than 80 patents.

Dr. Hjalti Skulason
Optical Material Platform Leader at Qnity

Dr. Hjalti Skulason is Optical Material Platform Leader at Qnity, where he develops advanced materials for optical communications and display technologies. Previously, he held a variety of technical and leadership roles at DuPont, leading multidisciplinary teams from research through commercialization. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota and is an inventor on more than 15 patent applications.

Dr. Rob Chimenti
Assistant Professor of Physics & Astronomy
Photonics Coordinator at Rowan University

Dr. Robert Chimenti is an Assistant Professor of Physics & Astronomy and Photonics Coordinator at Rowan University. His research focuses on Raman spectroscopy, advanced optical materials, and 3D-printed photonic devices. He is also a co-principal investigator for the NSF Engine Development Award: Advancing Photonics Technologies and a founding trustee of PhotonicsNJ.

Thank You To Our ​Networking Sponsor

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Thank You To Our ​Contributing Sponsor

​​Thank You To Our ​Community Sponsors

"From the networking events to the opportunities to showcase our business through sponsorship, the Tech Forum has been a catalyst for growth in our organization."

PRAISE FOR TECH FORUM

Connect With Us

Email:
[email protected]

Phone:
+1 (302) 384-9775

Mailing Address:
Tech Forum
750 Prides Crossing
Suite 100
Newark, DE 19713​