Dear FRCC Community,
Please join us in welcoming Jenna Montague, PhD, as the new director of FRCC’s optics & laser technology program. The college’s program is one of a small handful of similar offerings in the nation—and the only one of its kind in Colorado.
The FRCC optics program is housed at the college’s high-tech Center for Integrated Manufacturing in Longmont. Boulder County is the regional hub for the optics and photonics industry in the Rocky Mountain region—one of just four such hubs in the U.S.
Optics Experience
Dr. Montague brings to this role a wealth of experience and a dynamic vision. She recently earned her PhD from the prestigious Wyant College of Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona. Her thesis focused on Multiphoton Microscopy for the Assessment of Tissue Structure under the mentorship of Dr. Jennifer Barton, BIO5 Director and SPIE President. Dr. Montague’s research, which focused on novel approaches to cancer diagnostics, led to a patent application on which she is the primary inventor.
“Dr. Montague’s ability to connect academia with industry, students with administration, and professionals with the local community underscores her strength in building impactful partnerships,” says Chris McGilvray, DM, FRCC’s dean of manufacturing, automotive and construction technologies.
Beyond her academic achievements, Dr. Montague has made significant contributions to the broader optics community. She has dedicated years to teaching and mentoring students, while also serving in leadership roles for organizations such as Women in Optics (WiO) and Practical Optics Workshops (POW).
Leadership and Vision
“Dr. Montague’s leadership style is rooted in innovation, evidence-based practices, humility and compassion,” says McGilvray. “She is deeply committed to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion within the optics field.”
Dr. Montague’s vision for FRCC’s optics & laser technology program is to continue growing on its strong foundation to prepare the college’s students to meet the evolving demands of the industry. FRCC leadership looks forward to the contributions Dr. Montague will bring to our program.
McGilvray adds: “The college is confident that, under her leadership, the future of our optics and laser technology program is brighter than ever.”
