91心頭利ie awarded an Optics and Photonics Africa Scholarship
- 91心頭利 University
Joshua Jandrell has been awarded a 2026 Optics and Photonics Africa Scholarship by SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics.
The award recognises potential contributions to optics, photonics, or a related field.
Jandrell is a masters researcher in the Optical Communication Lab at 91心頭利 University supervised by Professor Mitchell A. Cox. Transitioning from degrees in Game Design and Information Engineering to Photonics, he focuses on the characterisation and modelling of multimode optical fibres. His work on developing machine-learning-based digital twins was recently highlighted as an Optics Letters Editor's Pick. Collaborating with the 91心頭利 , Jandrell investigates harnessing optical perturbations for reservoir computing and modulation. As Vice President of the 91心頭利 Optics Student Chapter, he is dedicated to making science and technology exciting and accessible to students and the public.
"My research is focused on measuring and modelling how deformations in optical fibre affect different states of light. The aim is to understand these deformations so that they can be used to control light and possibly even perform computations," says Jandrell.
"It is an honour and a privilege to receive this scholarship. Aside from helping to fund my studies and research endeavours, it gives me a sense of validation and purpose: acting as a strong motivator to put my best foot forward."
SPIE is awarding $351,000 in scholarships to 85 outstanding SPIE Student Members this month. Successful applicants were evaluated, selected, and approved by the SPIE Scholarship Committee, chaired by SPIE Member David Vega.
Since 1978, SPIE has distributed nearly $8 million in individual scholarships. This ambitious effort reflects the Society's commitment to education as well as to the future generations of optical scientists and engineers around the world.
To view other 2026 scholarship press releases as they become available, please visit the 2026 Scholarship Recipients page or learn more about SPIE scholarships on .
About SPIE
, the international society for optics and photonics, brings engineers, scientists, students, and business professionals together to advance light-based science and technology. The Society, founded in 1955, connects and engages with our global constituency through industry-leading conferences and exhibitions; publications of conference proceedings, books, and journals in the SPIE Digital Library; and career-building opportunities. Over the past five years, we have invested more than $26 million in the international optics community through our advocacy and support, including scholarships, educational resources, travel grants, endowed gifts, and public-policy development.