2025 AOY Honoree, James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences - Class of 1996
Joseph (Joe) A. Shaw is an internationally recognized leader in developing optical instruments to study the natural environment. He loves combining nature photography with optical science and is the author of the photo-rich book “Optics in the Air.”
Joe earned both master’s and doctoral degrees in optical sciences from the University of Arizona as well as a master’s in electrical engineering from the University of Utah and a bachelor’s in electrical engineering from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He currently is the director of the Optical Technology Center and distinguished professor at Montana State University in Bozeman. The center he directs has helped create dozens of companies in Montana that produce optical systems such as lasers and hyperspectral imaging systems.
In his research, Joe developed and used optical instruments from the South Pacific to the Arctic for scientific applications ranging from airborne lidar mapping of invasive fish to polarization imaging of clouds for climate science and improving airplane safety. He teaches university and industrial courses on topics such as lidar design and remote sensing systems. Recognition for his contributions to optics research and education include the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the Vaisala Award from the World Meteorological Organization, and the G. G. Stokes Award from SPIE. He is a fellow of both Optica and SPIE, the International Society for Optics and Photonics.
