Dr. Seongsin “Margaret” Kim, professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, has been selected as an Advancing Optics and Photonics Worldwide Fellow. Kim joins a prestigious group of 121 members from 27 countries in the 2025 class.
According to Optica, fellows are awarded based on criteria such as notable contributions to business, research, engineering, education and continuous service to the community.
“Being named a 2025 Optica Fellow is both a deeply humbling and profoundly meaningful honor to me. It represents the recognition of years of collaborative research efforts and a commitment to advancing the frontiers of optics and photonics,” Kim said. “This distinction, coming from a community I hold in the highest regard, affirms that the work I’ve contributed to optics and photonics alongside exceptional students, colleagues and mentors has made a tangible impact on society.”
Dr. Kenny Ricks, professor and interim head of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, believes Kim’s selection as a fellow is indicative of the significant impact her teaching and research efforts have had in the department and beyond.
“I’m so happy that she has received the recognition that she deserves and am grateful for the positive recognition this brings to The University of Alabama Electrical and Computer Engineering Department,” Ricks said.
Kim was selected as a fellow for her research involving photonic devices that are utilized for sensing, imaging, communication and information processing across classical and quantum domains.
“Being selected as an Optica Fellow will significantly advance my career, research and department by elevating the visibility of our work at the intersection of photonics, terahertz sciences, and quantum information and science,” Kim said. “For my department, I hope the fellowship enhances our institutional profile in these emerging areas, helping to attract exceptional students, faculty and funding opportunities, and enhances my capacity to mentor the next generation of scientists.”
Optica will formally honor and induct the 2025 class at its recognition ceremony on May 6 in Long Beach, California.