OSA and SPIE Student Chapters
The Otago University Physics department has student
chapters of both the Optical Society of America (OSA) and the International Society for Optics and
Photonics (SPIE, formerly the Society of Photographic Instrumentation Engineers ). The chapters support
their members by stimulating professional and social interaction among the community of optics
students. For more information, visit OSA/SPIE University of Otago
Student Chapters
Left: The founding executive of the Otago Student Chapter of SPIE
Outreach
Students have the opportunity to be involved in outreach to local and distant schools. In 2013 Esther
Haines, the department's outreach coordinator, and a group of postgraduate student volunteers toured
six primary schools in Central Otago with activities and demonstrations relating to optics in
practice.
Left: The outreach team in Wanaka
Rutherford Shield
Rutherford Shield Challenge, Event 1: Archery
Every year the Physics and Chemistry departments go head to head in 3 or 4 events, the winner claiming
the Rutherford Shield. The chemists bested the physicists this year, a first win in three years. We'll
have to train hard for the rest of this year's events!
Social Events
Our
postgrads are actively involved in the social side of the department. Postgraduate students organise
Happy Hour for postgrads and staff, pool nights, and the Physics and Maths Weekend Retreat held
annually at a location outside of Dunedin. Left: Teambuilding games at the 2013 Retreat