John Ballato of Clemson University is the recipient of the 2022 William Streifer Scientific Academic Achievement Award from the IEEE Photonics Society.
The award recognizes “an exceptional single scientific contribution which has had a significant impact in the field of lasers and electro-optics in the past 10 years.”
Ballato serves as the J. E. Sirrine Endowed Chair of Optical Fiber in Clemson’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering. The award helps solidify his position as an influential pioneer in the advancement of semiconductor optical fibers.
Colleagues said his contributions range from “the maturation of the semiconductor fiber fabrication method, to expanding the range of crystalline semiconductor materials that can be drawn into long lengths of fiber, to their application in a range of photonic technologies.”
Ballato, who first joined Clemson in 1997, has authored more than 500 technical papers and holds 35 U.S. and international patents.
Ballato has won numerous awards recognizing the contributions he has made during his career. He is Fellow of seven professional organizations, including IEEE and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).
Among those offering their congratulations on Ballato’s latest award was Siddharth Ramachandran, Distinguished Professor of Engineering at Boston University.
“The past decade has brought a global renaissance in optical fiber, and Dr. Ballato has been among the most important innovators and leaders in the field,” Ramachandran said. “I congratulate him on his well-deserved success.”
Ballato will receive the William Streifer Scientific Academic Achievement Award in November during the IEEE Photonics Conference.
Several from Clemson lauded Ballato, including Kyle Brinkman, chair of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering.
“This award strengthens John’s position as one of the globe’s most influential researchers in optical fiber research,” Brinkman said. “It is a well deserved reputation. He is playing a key role in lifting Clemson’s international profile in the area of advanced materials.”
Hai Xiao, chair of the Holcombe Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, said the award is well deserved.
“John is an internationally renowned pioneer in the field of optical fiber, and this award cements his position,” Xiao said. “When I meet with colleagues around the world, it’s an honor to say I know John Ballato.”
Anand Gramopadhye, dean of the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences, said Ballato is highly deserving of his honors and awards.
“John Ballato is a scholar and researcher par excellence, ” Gramopadhye said. “His latest award is a testament to his work and reputation, and I offer him my wholehearted congratulations.”
The award is endowed by Xerox Corp and Spectra Diode Labs.
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