David Erickson, associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, has been elevated to the rank of fellow of the Optical Society (OSA), its board of directors has announced.

OSA members who have "significantly contributed to the advancement of optics" are eligible for election to the rank of fellow -- an honor reserved for no more than 10 percent of the society's total membership.

Erickson, one of 72 such honorees this year, is being recognized for co-founding "optofluidics," a new research area that combines optics with microfluidics.

OSA fellows are selected based on their overall impact on optics, gauged through such factors as specific scientific, engineering and technological contributions; a record of significant publications or patents related to optics; technical leadership in the field; and service to OSA and the global optics community.

More information can be found on the Optical Society website.