Events

The Optica/SPIE Student Chapters at Columbia University is organizing a one-day research symposium, PANYC 2026, to bring together student/postdoc researchers working in the areas of optics & photonics, atomic physics, and optical materials in the New York City Metropolitan Area to foster connections, collaborations, and exchange of ideas. The symposium will be June 26, 2026, 9am-5pm, and it will take place at the Columbia University Morningside Heights Campus. The conference will feature 2 keynote speakers (TBD), student/postdoc talks, and a poster session. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Registration is free!

To register, and if you would like to optionally submit an abstract, please fill out the form at this link:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc6ehckRfQlX16MWKtCLEgN27vV05z_8XfF07cN9jWnuWVamg/viewform?usp=header

Please make sure to submit your abstract by 6/12 11:59pm!

As Columbia is a closed campus, we will arrange guest access for the day of the conference. You will receive a QR code by email, and will need to show a government-issued photo ID with a matching name 

We will be updating this page as we finalize the schedule, so please check back for more details! Here is a working schedule:

• 9am: Breakfast & Welcome

• 9:30am-10:20am: First Keynote

• 10:20am-10:30am: Coffee Break

• 10:30am-12:00pm: First Student/Postdoc Talks Session

• 12:00pm-1:00pm: Lunch

• 1:00pm-1:50pm: Second Keynote

• 1:50pm-2:50pm: Poster session (w/ coffee, snacks): 

• 3:00pm-4:30pm: Second Student/Postdoc Talks Session

• 4:30pm: Closing Remarks

Please contact any of us with any questions:

Ali Binai Motlagh (Ph.D. Student, Applied Physics): [email protected]

Eric Rong (Ph.D. Student, Electrical Engineering): [email protected]

Sai Kanth Dacha (Postdoctoral Research Scientist, Applied Physics): [email protected]