BELLINGHAM, Washington, USA — Swati Bhargava has been awarded a 2024 Optics and Photonics
Scholarship by SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, for potential contributions to
optics, photonics, or a related field.
Bhargava is pursuing her PhD in optics and photonics at the University of Central Florida’s
CREOL, the College of Optics and Photonics, under the guidance of Professor Miguel A.
Bandres. Her research focuses on the design, simulation, fabrication, and characterization
of photonic lattices, encompassing a range of structures from photonic lanterns to
topological arrays. She aims to uncover new optical phenomena and develop innovative
photonic devices for precise control and manipulation of light. Bhargava also works with
Professor Stephen Eikenberry on developing hyperspectral microscopy system to enhance cancer
diagnosis. “I am grateful for the invaluable support, opportunities, and enhanced visibility provided by
SPIE in my field,” said Bhargava.
This month, the Society is awarding $303,000 in scholarships to 72 outstanding SPIE Student Members,
based on their potential contribution to optics and photonics, or a related discipline. Successful
applicants were evaluated, selected, and approved by the SPIE Scholarship Committee, chaired by SPIE
Senior Member Brian Primeau.
Since this program began in 1978, SPIE has distributed more than $7.5 million dollars in individual
scholarships. This ambitious effort reflects the Society’s commitment to education as well as to the
future generations of optical scientists and engineers around the world.
To view other 2024 scholarship press releases as they become available, please visit the 2024
Scholarship Recipients page or learn more about SPIE scholarships on spie.org.
SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, brings engineers, scientists, students, and
business professionals together to advance light-based science and technology. The Society, founded in
1955, connects and engages with our global constituency through industry-leading conferences and
exhibitions; publications of conference proceedings, books, and journals in the SPIE Digital Library; and
career-building opportunities. Over the past five years, SPIE has contributed more than $24 million to
the international optics community through our advocacy and support, including scholarships,
educational resources, travel grants, endowed gifts, and public-policy development. www.spie.org