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Da Vinci Science Center Illuminates the Future with Advancing Photonics Technologies Program

May 14, 2025

Special student presentation by Teledyne Space Imaging’s Dr. James Beletic and participation in Princeton’s “Spotlight” on the International Day of Light

NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tamara Krizek, 917-692-5038, tamara.krizek@davincisciencecenter.org

ALLENTOWN, PA, May 13, 2025 – Da Vinci Science Center is proud to spotlight the vital role of light and photonics in science and innovation with a special lineup of programs in conjunction with the International Day of Light.

As part of the Advancing Photonics Technologies initiative, Dr. James Beletic, Chief Scientific Officer at Teledyne Space Imaging, will deliver a special presentation for students at Da Vinci Science Center on Wednesday, May 14. Dr. Beletic brings more than four decades of experience designing instruments that detect light across the electromagnetic spectrum—supporting groundbreaking research from climate science to cosmology.

A true pioneer in his field, Dr. Beletic has contributed to NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, the largest and most powerful space telescope ever built. In recognition of his impact, Asteroid 14669 is named in his honor.

This student-focused event coincides with the Spotlight Conference on Advancing Photonics Technologies, hosted by Princeton Innovation on Friday, May 16, during which Da Vinci Science Center Executive Director & CEO Lin Erickson will participate in a Workforce Panel alongside other thought leaders in photonics and STEM education. The panel highlights career pathways and workforce development in one of the fastest-growing and most important sectors of science.

View the full Spotlight program at innovation.princeton.edu/spotlight.

“Photonics is foundational to nearly every major discovery in modern science,” said Lin Erickson. “We’re honored to introduce students to the real-world impact of this technology and inspire the next generation of innovators.”

For more information on the Da Vinci Science Center and its STEM workforce programs, visit davincisciencecenter.org.

About Da Vinci Science Center

Da Vinci Science Center is a national award-winning non-profit science center that has been bringing science to life and lives to science for 30 years. With our exciting new downtown Allentown location, Da Vinci Science Center experiences make science fun and approachable, helping to connect people of all ages and backgrounds with the wonders of science. To learn more about our programs, visit davincisciencecenter.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

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