Brian Myer ’06 graduated with the Physics (BS) – Applied Physics degree and is a research and development engineer with Optimax Systems Inc. in Ontario, New York. He works with opticians, technicians and engineers in a 60,000 square-foot manufacturing facility crafting precision optics for lasers, medical devices, semiconductor processing equipment and spacecraft.

He counts the experience he received working in the Department of Physics and Astronomy’s laboratory stock room and research laboratory as critical to the work he’s doing now.

“Time and repetition tinkering with electronics, vacuum systems and electron microscope technology, and contact with physics professors and mentors – all these were vital in preparing me for my future in R&D.”

Scholarships endowed by the Graham and Hobbs families allowed Myer to focus on his studies and research projects instead of working off campus.

His advice to prospective students? “A physics degree opens a surprising number of doors,” he said. “To the extent that technology touches so many aspects of modern life, the study of physics prepares young people to be ready for change and to work with complex systems.”

And one can go a long way with those skills.