Professor Olav Solgaard has been appointed the next Robert L. and Audrey S. Hancock Professor in the School of Engineering. The professorship was established by the Hancocks in 1999 to support faculty in Electrical Engineering.

Olav earned his EE PhD from Stanford in 1992. He joined the Stanford faculty in 1999, and has served as director of the Edward L. Ginzton Laboratory since 2008. His research focuses on the design and fabrication of efficient and reliable nano-photonics and micro-optical systems for communication, sensing, imaging, and optical manipulation. An avid collaborator, Olav's research has been applied to a range of applications including miniaturized electron accelerators and a 3D-printed device capable of boosting solar arrays’ energy-capturing capabilities. 

Olav’s contributions to his field have earned him induction as a fellow of the Optical Society of America, the Royal Norwegian Society of Sciences and Letters, the Norwegian Academy of Technological Sciences, and the IEEE.  

Beyond his own research accomplishments, Olav’s impact can be seen in the contributions of his many advisees who have gone on to make their own significant marks on academia and industry. He is also a dedicated teacher and has provided much service and leadership in the EE department.  

Olav joins Hancock professors emeriti Bernd Girod (2012-2023) and Bruce Wooley (2000-2011) as a holder of this distinguished chair.

Please join us in congratulating Olav on this well-earned honor.