Dr. Sai Kanth Dacha Named to 2026 Class of Optica Ambassadors

Sai Kanth Dacha has been selected as a member of the 2026 class of Optica Ambassadors, a competitive program that annually recognizes 10 early-career academic researchers and industry professionals. The Ambassadors develop and lead initiatives focused on career development and mentorship for Optica’s global community of students and early-career members.

Dacha is a postdoctoral research scientist in Alexander Gaeta’s research group at Columbia University, where his work centers on nonlinear and quantum optical phenomena and thermal effects in silicon-based photonics platforms. He earned his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Maryland, College Park, in 2022, with dissertation research on spatiotemporal nonlinear optical effects in multimode fibers. During his doctoral studies, he also worked as a research intern and co-op at Nokia Bell Labs, contributing to research on the fundamental limits of deep-space optical communication systems.

Beyond his research, Dacha is deeply engaged in science communication and science and technology policy. His interest in policy was sparked by a course taught by alumni of President Obama’s President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST). Since then, he has participated in policy workshops and case competitions and has served on multiple Congressional delegations for Optica, advocating for increased federal support for fundamental research and workforce development. Reflecting on his new role, Dacha said, “As an Optica Ambassador, I am keen on drawing from my experiences and helping a new generation of students and early career researchers become better communicators of their science to technical as well as non-technical audiences.”