American Center for Optics Manufacturing

Details about Dave are coming as soon as we can pare down his vast professional experiences into one short paragraph.

A tenured professor of Optics at Monroe Community College (MCC), Alexis teaches, coaches, skis, and “moms” with equal passion and skill. Dr. Vogt oversaw the first college worldwide to award associate degrees in Precision Optics. But what she really wants to talk about is the periscope project with her dad.

Justin has been interested in optics since childhood and fondly remembers cutting slits in a shoebox to observe interference patterns in his dark closet. Now as Chief Scientist, he leads our research team with a doctorate in Physics and years of experience in fields from medical research to EOIR systems. When he’s not playing in the lab, Justin enjoys tinkering, hiking, and playing board games with his kids.

Responsible for the AmeriCOM brand identity, Josanne loves to tease out data that helps connect people to opportunities, like the many career paths available within Optics manufacturing. A designer at heart, she never forgets a typeface, so you could say she has a “font-ographic memory.

Peggy is responsible for collaborating and managing the creation of corporate marketing materials to raise awareness of the Optics industry and its career possibilities to an up-and-coming workforce. She’s also an interior decorating consultant so please send all feng shui-related questions her way.

The high school teacher you wish you had! Donna works to increase the number of students studying Optics, leading to more technicians in the workforce. She does her best thinking about education while glamping in her fifth wheel.

Jeff operates all facets of the AmeriCOM optics lab as an Optical Technician. He was in the first NYS Certified Precision Optics Manufacturing Apprenticeship program which includes three years of on-the-job training and equips employees with the skills to become effective, proficient precision optics manufacturing technicians. When Jeff isn’t in the lab, he‘s standing over the grill, working in his family’s BBQ catering business at local festivals.

Magda has years of experience connecting with and guiding students through their academic journeys, and many, to the optics and photonics fields. She is passionate about building community in and out of her professional life. Magda appears to be on a northward trajectory: born in Puerto Rico, she relocated to Florida for over a decade. Then, during the beautiful summer months, we lured her north again to Upstate New York to lead our student recruitment efforts.

As an AmeriCOM Optical Technician, Justin embraces every project that comes his way. He enjoys getting his hands dirty and using his problem-solving skills to enhance the daily operations of the optics lab. With specialized training in single-point diamond turning, Justin is eager to collaborate with industry leaders and share his knowledge to help improve educational opportunities for others. He enjoys traveling the world with his wife, although with the addition of two kids to the mix, he has switched his focus to CNC woodworking.

Carolyn has over 29 years of experience in workforce development. She gains the most joy from helping others achieve their career potential and better their lives. When she is not at work, she enjoys spending time at the beach.

Teacher, technician, recruiter, outdoorsman, Mike rarely sits still — and he likes it this way. Jumping into the field at 18 years old as an intern, Mike believes Optics will have the same impact on human health and knowledge that electricity did in the early 1900s.