Poster Session at the HEOS Cookout in Spring, 2025. Photo courtesy HEOS.

The (HEOS) recently held its annual cookout at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) with clear goals in mind: to build community, encourage students, and celebrate innovation in optics and photonics. While a brief spring rain shower shifted the event indoors, the move did little to dampen the energy and enthusiasm of the more than 60 attendees. With lab tours, poster presentations, and plenty of burgers, this year's cookout continued HEOS鈥檚 tradition of blending education and networking in a welcoming, informal atmosphere.

Founded in 1969 as a local section of the Optical Society of America, HEOS has long served as a hub for the region鈥檚 growing community of optical scientists and engineers. The group has been active for more than 55 years. In 2013, HEOS reorganized as a nonprofit to better serve its mission: advancing knowledge, fostering innovation, and strengthening professional ties in the field of optics and photonics.

鈥淗EOS is a nonprofit organization based in Huntsville, Alabama, dedicated to advancing knowledge and innovation in optics and photonics,鈥� said Dr. Tommy Cantey, CEO and Chairman of the HEOS Board. 鈥淲e promote collaboration among professionals, students, and enthusiasts in the field.鈥�

Traditionally held around May 16 to coincide with the International Day of Light, the 2025 HEOS cookout was moved earlier into the spring semester to better include undergraduate students, noted Dr. Lingze Duan, Associate Dean of the UAH College of Science. 

UAH faculty, students, and other professionals from NASA, Redstone Arsenal, and Huntsville鈥檚 research park gathered to view posters and demonstrations that highlighted the region鈥檚 optical expertise.

鈥淭his was especially collaborative, because the Physics department pitched in to help with some of the food,鈥� said Dr. Cantey. 鈥淭his is a great way to show community and socialize in an informal setting with students, faculty, and professionals in the community.鈥�

Graduate student Ella James led a tour of Dr. Gregory's Spectropolarimetry Lab. This standout moment offered attendees a behind-the-scenes look at the cutting-edge optical research being done at UAH. The College of Science also hosted its second 鈥淥ptics Open House鈥� alongside the cookout complete with information tables, research posters, and guided lab tours.

鈥淭hese activities aim to showcase the optics education and research at UAH in front of the community,鈥� says Dr. Duan.

This year鈥檚 poster exhibition highlighted the depth of optics research at UAH, with topics ranging from quantum and ultrafast optics to biophotonics and atmospheric phenomena. Through these posters and discussions, students had the opportunity to share their work and receive feedback from experienced professionals, an experience Dr. Cantey says helps students begin to see the broader community beyond the classroom.

鈥淎s they get closer to graduation, it becomes more important to form connections and build your network,鈥� Dr. Cantey says. 鈥淭his event provides a platform to engage people you wouldn't typically run into.鈥�

Events like the spring cookout are just one of many ways HEOS supports the next generation of optical scientists and engineers. The society offers students exposure to industry professionals, research leaders, and potential employers, often paving the way for local job placements right after graduation.

鈥淗EOS, being a professional society, offers students networking and career opportunities they wouldn't normally get from the university. These opportunities have proven to be valuable and effective for UAH optics students, even international students,鈥� says Dr. Duan. 

Beyond social events, HEOS supports educational outreach programs, internships, teacher training, and hands-on STEM initiatives. The organization also hosts technical seminars and an annual conference, the NASA Mirror Technology Days workshop.

This year鈥檚 HEOS cookout was a success by every measure. The event strengthened the community ties, inspired students, and showcased the exciting work happening in Huntsville鈥檚 optical and photonics sectors.

It鈥檚 clear that HEOS remains a vital part of the city鈥檚 scientific fabric. As Dr. Cantey added, 鈥淓veryone likes to talk about what they do. And this gives them the space to do just that.鈥�