Mary Turner Named SPIE’s 2024 María J. Yzuel Educator Award Recipient

Mary Turner, a Technical Fellow in Optical Design at Edmund Optics^®, was selected as the 2024 recipient of SPIE’s María J. Yzuel Educator Award. She is recognized for her lifetime of dedication to teaching optical design and providing services to the optics community.

Mary has dedicated her career to advancing optical engineering and education. Beginning as an electronics technician in the US Army, she has developed extensive expertise in optical design software, stray light analysis, infrared optics, optical design, and illumination optics.

Recognized as a world leader in her field, Mary has influenced generations of optical designers worldwide, notably through her roles as an educator. As a senior scientist at Zemax, she played a pivotal role in curriculum development, teaching 25 to 40 classes annually and reaching over 4,000 students. Her contributions have also extended to esteemed institutions such as the Breault Research Organization, the University of California, and the University of Arizona.

An active member of SPIE for nearly 30 years, Mary became a Fellow in 2006 and has held numerous significant positions within the Society, including her roles on the A.E. Conrady Award in Optical Engineering, the SPIE Awards Committee, and as co-chair of the Optical Design Technical Working Group from 2003 to 2010. Her passion for teaching has been a cornerstone of her career, demonstrated by her commitment to making complex concepts accessible to her students.

"We are thrilled to celebrate Mary Turner’s remarkable achievement in receiving the SPIE María J. Yzuel Educator Award, a testament to her unwavering dedication to optical design education," said Sam Sadoulet, President and Chief Executive Officer at Edmund Optics. "Her passion for teaching and her impact on the next generation of optical engineers at Edmund Optics and beyond are inspiring and essential for the continued advancement of our field."

About Edmund Optics:

Edmund Optics^® is a leading, global provider of optical technology solutions that has served markets ranging from life sciences, to industrial inspection, to materials processing since 1942. The company services customers through two distinct offerings: a marketplace that serves as a one-stop shop for the best brands and products in optics and photonics; and custom and volume manufacturing of precision optical and imaging components and systems. In-house application expertise, design, and research and development collaborate to discover creative solutions to customers’ optical challenges. The company employs 1,250+ employees across 18 global locations and continues to expand. Customers can learn more, speak to an engineer, or purchase items through our website at www.edmundoptics.com.