2010 is the 50th anniversary of the construction of the first successful laser. Dr. Anthony M. Johnson, Director of CASPR, Professor of Physics and Professor of Computer Science & Electrical Engineering at UMBC has been named as a "Laser Pioneer" by Laserfest, the official website for the yearlong celebration.
In an associated interview, Dr. Johnson describes some of his motivation to promote underrepresented minorities to pursue careers in science, and recent work to use of lasers for environmental and health purposes.