Evolution of the Optics Shop, Workforce, and Industry — With Paul Melone (Thorlabs)

The changing nature of the "optics shop" — and, more broadly, its
role in the optics and photonics industry today — is an effective
gauge for tracking how optics workforce development is aligned to
the ever-evolving needs of the industry. Recounting his own
40-plus-year professional journey, Paul Melone, global
optics manufacturing director at Thorlabs, discusses his
company’s ties to AmeriCOM (American Center for Optics
Manufacturing) and how Thorlabs aims to identify and cultivate
optics industry talent. Melone also discusses the company’s 2023
acquisition of Rochester, N.Y.-based JML Optical. "All Things
Photonics" is produced by Photonics Media and airs biweekly,
on Tuesdays.