Benjamin Cromey, PhD

I am a Principal Optical Engineer at BAE Systems Space and Mission Systems in Boulder, Colorado (formerly Ball Aerospace). I received my Bachelors in 2015 in Optical Sciences and Engineering studying 3D Holographic Displays at the James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona, and liked it there enough to stay for my PhD as well, which I received in 2020. My dissertation focused on the design and applications of all-reflective multiphoton microscopes and the lasers that power them under Dr. Khanh Kieu, using the microscopes to study objects as diverse as pancreatic cancer tissue and gems and minerals.

At BAE Systems, I work in the Civil Space Business unit, where I have held key roles on several major NASA misssions. I was the optical design and analysis lead at BAE for the Wide Field Instrument on the Roman Space Telescope. I also lead in exciting technology development areas for future missions, investigating extremely accurate measurement devices. I also stay involved in educational outreach activities through BAE, sponsoring senior design projects, and giving science talks at comic con events.

I have been consistently recognized for my academic excellence, receiving over 20 awards and honors across my time as a student. I continue to be recognized as a leader in the optics community through serving as an Optica Ambassador, as well as chairing committees for SPIE (and being up for election to the board of directors in 2025!). I'm involved in several capacities for the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, including playing guitar (more than once) for the astronauts!

This website is my CV in a sense. You can find more information on my publications, awards, public speaking, and my photography at different tabs off of this homepage.