Master Photonics Student Yamila Borsch in the lab working on a laser setup

Yamila Borsch awarded SPIE Optics and Photonics Education Scholarship

Master of Science in Photonics Engineering student Yamila Borsch has been awarded a 2023 Optics and Photonics Education Scholarship from SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics. SPIE awards students a scholarship based on their potential contribution to optics and photonics, or a related discipline.

“During my internships and student jobs at different companies like ZEISSTRUMPF, and Fraunhofer ILT, I was convinced that optics is the field I wanted to pursue”, says Yamila, second-year master’s student in the photonics programme at Vrije Universiteit Brussel. “I searched for different programmes in optics and photonics, and in the end, I went for the experience abroad in Brussels. I felt very welcomed at VUB, the people of Brussels Photonics (‘B-PHOT’) are really open-hearted. Especially as a member of the B-PHOT Student Chapter, I would like to support new students and keep that good connection alive.”

“These students have all demonstrated their potential to make long-term contributions to the optics and photonics community, and we are thoroughly impressed with the students’ accomplishments”, says Brian Primeau, the 2023 SPIE Scholarship Committee chair on the SPIE website. “The committee members and I look forward to seeing what this class of students brings to the world as they begin or continue their careers in optics and photonics.”

"You can think big and follow your dreams."

“I did not expect to be accepted when I applied for the programme, but here I am”, Yamila continues. “The same goes for the scholarship, it was unexpected so I’m very proud that people believe in my ability and see my potential. That’s the message I want to give to others: ‘You can think big and follow your dreams’.”

The scholarship is not only a boost for Yamila’s confidence, but also for her future career: “After my studies, I would like to connect research with industry in the field of optical design. Having this support to finish the master’s programme in the best way possible, I hope to be able to build a solid foundation of knowledge and a broad network. I would like to thank everyone supporting me on this journey: SPIE and the Scholarship Committee for the big opportunity, my teachers and professors throughout the years and everyone from B-PHOT for including me as a part of their group.”

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Last chance!

SCHOLARSHIPS

• For non-visa-required EU students
• Starting in academic year 2023-2024
• Up to €10.000