James C. Wyant, professor of optical sciences at the University of Arizona in Tucson, assumed the role of director of the school's Optical Sciences Center. He replaces Richard C. Powell, who is now the university's vice president for research and graduate studies.
Since 1974, Wyant has worked at the center as professor of optical sciences and electrical and computer engineering. In 1982, while continuing to teach at the center, he co-founded Wyko Corp. to design, manufacture, sell and service noncontact optical instruments for high-precision surface measurement. He served as the company's president from 1984 to 1997.
During his tenure at the university, Wyant has received five US patents, authored more than 130 publications and received numerous awards, including SPIE's Technology Achievement Award in 1988.