# Betty Lise Anderson

Betty Lise Anderson is an American electrical engineer, working in the field of photonics. She has been a professor at the Ohio State University since 1990. She is a Fellow of SPIE, and a Senior Member of the Optical Society of America and of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

## Education

* 1978 - Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering (Syracuse University)
* 1988 - Masters in Science (University of Vermont)
* 1990 - Ph.D. in Materials Science and Electrical Engineering (University of Vermont)

## Early career

Anderson began her career as a teacher at an experimental elementary school, where she worked for two years. After leaving teaching, she worked in industry for nine years at Tektronix, Inc., C.S. Draper Labs, and GTE Laboratories.

## Later career

After going back to and graduating with her Ph.D., Anderson has been part of The Ohio State University, where she has held various positions, including Assistant Professor, and currently Professor, since 2004. Betty Lise Anderson has multiple patents in the areas of optical switching, optical sensing, and optical computing. She teaches courses in fiber optics and the optical effects of materials, as well as semiconductor physics.Anderson's impact extends beyond traditional academics, as evidenced by her roles as Associate Chair and Director of Outreach, where she has spearheaded initiatives such as the K12 Engineering Outreach program.

## Research interests

Anderson's research interests include laser diodes, interferometry, optoelectronic devices, fiber sensing, optical interconnection, and optical multiplexing.
Betty states “Artificial intelligence will change everything- I think people will rely on it too much and only the engineers will know what is really going on.”

## Publications

Betty Lise Anderson's owns co-authorship of "Fundamentals of Semiconductor Devices," which has seen both first and second editions published by McGraw-Hill in 2005 and 2017. Anderson has made contributions to peer-reviewed journals in areas such as optical delay devices, photonic switches, and spatial coherence measurements. Some publications include her work on optical true-time delay devices, demonstrated through her papers in prestigious journals like the Journal of Lightwave Technology and Applied Optics. Anderson's research has also delved into practical applications, as seen in her investigations into laser diode effects under gamma radiation and spatial coherence modulation for free space communication. Anderson has also done work on microbend fiber optic sensors and vertical cavity ring lasers.

## Awards and recognition

* 2022 - National Science Board Public Service Award
* 2015 - Fellow of SPIE
* 2015 - University Outreach and Engagement Award (Ohio State University)
* 2015 - Distinguished Community Engagement Award (Ohio State University)
* 2014 - Women in Engineering Faculty Award for Outreach and Engagement (Ohio State University)
* 2012 - Faculty Diversity Award (Ohio State University)
* 2007 - Innovators Award (Ohio State University)
* 2006 - Outstanding Woman in Technology: Top Contributor to the Advancement of Technology Award (TechColumbus, now Rev1 Ventures)
* 2005 - Outstanding Woman of the Year
* 2000 - Annual Research Accomplishment Award (Ohio State University)

## Outreach

Anderson leads 'Engineering Outreach', a program within the College of Engineering at the Ohio State University. Her program focuses on going out to schools, after-school camps, and STEM clubs in and around Columbus, Ohio, to building interest in STEM subjects from female and minority students.