THE Huntsville electro-optical company (Heos) recently held its annual barbecue at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) with clear objectives in mind: building the community, encouraging students and celebrating innovation in optics and photonics. While a brief spring rain shower moved the event inside, the move did not make the energy and enthusiasm of the more than 60 participants. With laboratory visits, poster presentations and many burgers, this year’s barbecue continued the tradition of mixing education and networking in a welcoming and informal atmosphere.
Founded in 1969 as a local section of the optical company of America, Heos has long served as a hub for the growing community of scientists and optical engineers in the region. The group has been active for over 55 years. In 2013, Heos reorganized as a non -profit organization to better serve its mission: to advance knowledge, promote innovation and strengthen professional ties in the field of optics and photonics.
“Heos is a non -profit organization based in Huntsville, Alabama, dedicated to advancing knowledge and innovation in optics and photonics,” said Dr. Tommy Cantey, PDG and chairman of the board of directors of Heos. “We promote collaboration between professionals, students and enthusiasts in the field.”
Traditionally held towards May 16 to coincide with the International Light Day, the Heos Cookout 2025 was moved earlier in the spring semester to better include undergraduate students, noted Dr. Lingze Duan, a associate dean of the UAH College of Science.
UAH teachers, students and other NASA professionals, Redstone Arsenal and the Huntsville research park met to see posters and demonstrations that highlighted the optical expertise of the region.
“It was particularly collaborative, because the Physics department participated in part of the food, “said Dr. Cantey.” It is a great way to show the community and socialize in an informal setting with students, teachers and community professionals. “”
The graduate student Ella James led a visit to Dr. Gregory spectropolarolaimetry laboratory. This out -of -competition moment offered participants a look behind the scenes on the advanced optical searches carried out at the UAH. The College of Science also organized its second “Optics Open House” alongside barbecue with information tables, research posters and guided laboratory visits.
“These activities aim to present education and research in the UAH in front of the community,” said Dr. Duan.
This year’s poster exhibition has highlighted the depth of optical research to the UAH, with subjects ranging from quantum and ultraifast to biophotonic and atmospheric phenomena. Thanks to these posters and discussions, students had the opportunity to share their work and receive comments from experienced professionals, an experience that Dr. Cantey says students to start to see the wider community beyond the class.
“As they get closer to the diploma, it becomes more important to train connections and build your network,” explains Dr. Cantey. “This event provides a platform to hire people you would not generally meet.”
Events like The Spring Cookout are only one of the many ways in which Heos supports the next generation of scientists and optical engineers. The company offers students an exhibition to industry professionals, research managers and potential employers, often opening the way to local investments just after obtaining the diploma.
“Heos, being a professional company, offers students the networking and career opportunities that they would not obtain normally from the university. These opportunities have proven to be precious and effective for UAH optics students, even international students, “said Dr. Duan.
Beyond social events, Heos supports educational awareness programs, internships, teacher training and STEM practical initiatives. The organization also organizes technical seminars and an annual conference, the NASA Mirror Technology Days workshop.
This year’s Heos barbecue was a success for each measure. The event has strengthened community ties, inspired by students and presented the exciting work that takes place in the optical and photonic sectors of Huntsville.
It is clear that Heos remains an essential element of the city’s scientific fabric. As Dr. Cantey added, “everyone likes to talk about what they are doing. And that gives them space to do exactly that.”