Two Harley School Grade 11 students, Danny C. and Brynn M., had the opportunity to attend the distinguished Photon Camp hosted by the Institute of Optics at the University of Rochester this summer. This immersive week-long program provided a deep dive into the captivating world of optics and photonics – the science of light and its applications.
Beyond Textbooks: A Week of Hands-On Learning
Photon Camp goes beyond traditional learning. It combines engaging lectures with hands-on laboratory experiences, fostering a deep understanding of light and its diverse applications. Through interactive sessions and exciting field trips, campers gained a comprehensive perspective on the evolving world of optics. Over the course of the week, the students dove into the world of optics, exploring its fundamentals, engaging in hands-on activities, and learning about practical optical systems. They were divided into groups to work on capstones that were presented to the public at the end of the week.
A Glimpse into the Future of Light
One field trip took them to the world-renowned Laboratory for Laser Energetics; a world-renowned facility dedicated to using high-powered lasers to explore clean energy production through laser fusion research. Here, students gained a firsthand look at the sophisticated machinery and underlying principles that drive cutting-edge optical research.
Sparkling Curiosity: Interacting with Experts
Photon Camp fosters a collaborative environment where campers can interact with professors, researchers, and industry professionals. This exposure is designed to spark intellectual curiosity, ignite a passion for STEM fields, and potentially shape their future academic and career paths.
Shining a Light on Future Innovators
We are incredibly proud of these Harley School students for their dedication to science and their selection to participate in Photon Camp. This experience has the potential to be transformative, shaping their futures as the next generation of innovators in the field of optics.
