About Us
Our History, Opportunities, and Current Leadership
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Harold Metcalf
History
History
The Harold Metcalf Laser Teaching Center (LTC) at Stony Brook University was founded in 1998 by Harold Metcalf as part of the Department of Physics & Astronomy, with the aim of creating a dedicated hands-on teaching and research space for optics and laser technology.(Noé, 2004) Beginning with summer research opportunities primarily for high-school and early‐undergraduate students, the center provided an environment in which students could engage in active project-based work in laser and optical physics under the mentorship of faculty and experienced practitioners.(Metcalf, 2001) Over the years the LTC expanded in scope to host undergraduate and graduate participants, support REU-type programs, and integrate with courses such as the Optics Rotation (PHY-452 and PHY-562). Under Metcalf’s vision, and with full-time leadership from the LTC’s Executive Director (initially John Noé) the facility was equipped in a former hallway/corridor space in the physics building, renovated thanks to private industrial donations and dedicated as a teaching-lab facility in 1999. Over the decades the center has become a model for inquiry-based optical education, drawing on Metcalf’s mentorship, and the ongoing efforts of faculty and visiting mentors to provide access to research experiences for pre-college and university students alike.
Opportunities
Opportunities
Explore. Experiment. Discover.
🎓 Stony Brook University undergraduates (during the semester):
Curious about lasers or optics?
👉 Apply for real research experience right on campus! During the semester!
Design and build your own experiments.
Work closely with faculty and mentors.
Learn lab techniques that go beyond the classroom.
Build a strong foundation for graduate school or industry research.
Applications are generally accepted prior to each semester.
🧠 Ideal for: Physics, Engineering
SBU Summer Research
🎓 Stony Brook University undergraduates (summer research):
👉 Apply for the URECA (Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities) Program
Supports SB undergrads doing full-time faculty-mentored research
Full time summer: 40 hours/week
All summer: end of May through end of July
Applications are due mid-March / check URECA site for details.
🧠 For: Current Physics (and other SBU) students
🌎 Students from Other Universities
Looking for a unique summer research opportunity?
👉 Apply for a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) award.
Conduct independent research guided by expert mentors.
Gain experience with advanced optical equipment and experimental design.
Present your findings and take home professional research skills.
Applications typically open early December and are due mid-January
🚀 A great way to expand your academic portfolio and connect with a community of student researchers.
🔭 High School Students
🔭 High School Students
Love science and want to explore real experiments with lasers and optics?
👉 Apply to the Simons Summer Research Program
The LTC welcomes motivated high school students each summer!
Work on guided projects with university mentors.
Learn about physics, optics, and engineering in action.
Build confidence, curiosity, and early research skills.
Applications are due at the end of January
🌟 Perfect for students who want a taste of real scientific discovery.
Current Leadership
Current Leadership
Gillian Winters joined the Laser Teaching Center in September of 2025 as a mentor for student projects and an undergraduate lecturer in the Department of Physics. With a PhD in physics and a career that bridges academia and industry, she brings a wealth of experience in lab leadership and hands-on experimental work. She has run multiple research and development labs and is a recipient of several teaching awards, reflecting her passion for education and commitment to student success. Dr. Winters is especially excited to support and inspire the next generation of laser students through project-based mentorship and collaborative exploration.
Gillian Winters
Contact Us
Contact Us
Contact us any time
Prospective students
Former students who are in a position to make a donation of equipment, time, or money
Anybody with an interest in the Laser Teaching Center
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