Dr. Susan N. Houde-Walter is an established academic and industry leader in the optics, photonics, imaging, and laser community. Her academic experience includes service as Professor and Director of the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science at the Rochester Institute of Technology, following long service as Professor of Optics at the University of Rochester. She is currently adjunct faculty at the College of Optical Sciences, University of Arizona – Tucson.
Dr. Houde-Walter is also a successful entrepreneur. She was Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of LaserMax, Inc., a manufacturer of laser-based products for commercial and industrial markets. In addition, she founded LMD Power of Light Corp. LMD, a Woman-Owned Small Business 8(m) manufacturer of ruggedized laser systems for government and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers, specializing in quantum cascade laser (QCL) and diode laser technology. Dr. Houde-Walter currently holds 27 patents and is the author of over 100 peer-reviewed papers and invited presentations.
Dr. Houde-Walter has served on national security science boards including the Air Force Science Advisory Board, the National Academy of Sciences Intelligence Science and Technology Experts Group, and the Special Operations/Low Intensity Conflicts Board of the National Defense Industry Association. She was elected to the Board of Directors and later as President of Optica (formerly known as the Optical Society, or OSA).
Dr. Houde-Walter received the 2019 Keeper of the Flame Award from the National Women’s Hall of Fame, the 2019 Rochester Engineer of the Year Award (Rochester Engineering Society), and the 2020 Fantone Distinguished Service Award from the Optica. She has been elected Fellow of both the American Ceramic Society and Optica. She received the Commander’s Award for Public Service from the U.S. Air Force, and later from the U.S. Army.
For the Army Science Board, she contributed to at least seven studies including Soldier Resilience and Performance Sustainment where she served as Co-Chair.
EDUCATION
University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, Ph.D., Optics
University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, M.S., Optics
Sarah Lawrence College, Yonkers, NY, B.A., Liberal Arts