STCC Optics and Photonics professor accepts award at conference
Dr. Nicholas Massa
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Dr. Nicholas Massa, a professor Optics and Photonics at Springfield Technical Community College, accepted an award recognizing him for outstanding contributions to education in optical science and engineering.
Massa accepted the Esther Hoffman Beller Medal from Optica, formerly the Optical Society of America (OSA), an organization that advances optics and photonics worldwide. The society held a virtual Frontiers in Optics conference Nov. 1-4.
Massa, a STCC professor since 1986, has led the Optics and Photonics program since 1990. The program serves as a pathway into positions at high-tech companies throughout the region. Students can choose to pursue a two-year associate in science degree in Optics and Photonics or a one-year certificate.
A degree or certificate creates opportunities for careers in laser materials processing, fiber optic communications, precision optical manufacturing and metrology, aerospace and defense, homeland security, medical device fabrication, nanotechnology, and many other industries.
In his acceptance, Massa said, “I am honored and humbled to have been awarded the 2021 Esther Hoffman Beller Medal by Optica. I have spent the past 35 years in optics education and I hope to provide my students the inspiration and passion for optics that has driven me to love what I do.”
“Congratulations to Dr. Massa for this recognition,” said Lara Sharp, dean of the School of STEM at STCC. “He has worked tirelessly to create a vibrant program – the only one of its kind in the region. He’s a passionate educator who has a broad network of industry contacts to help place his students into positions as photonics technicians. This award is well deserved.”
Massa joins an elite group of award and medal winners that include educators from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania and Lund University in Sweden, among other institutions throughout the United States and the world.
Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.
About Springfield Technical Community College
STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequalled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jim Danko, 413-755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu