Terence Rooney
About Terence Rooney
Terence Rooney is the Director of Outreach Programs at Optica, where he manages a global network of over 400 student chapters focused on optics and photonics research. He has a background in sociology and has held various roles in organizations such as the National MS Society and the American Heart Association.
Work at Optica Publishing Group
Terence Rooney serves as the Director of Outreach Programs at Optica, a position he has held since 2022. In this role, he oversees outreach initiatives that connect with a global audience. He manages a network of over 400 student chapters dedicated to optics and photonics research. His responsibilities include developing programs that support students and early-career professionals in the field.
Education and Expertise
Terence Rooney earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of South Florida, where he studied from 2006 to 2008. Prior to that, he completed an Associate of Arts degree at Florida SouthWestern State College from 2003 to 2006. His educational background provides a foundation for his work in outreach and program management within scientific communities.
Background
Rooney has a diverse professional background that includes various roles in nonprofit organizations. He interned at the National MS Society in Naples, Florida, from 2005 to 2006, and at the American Heart Association for five months in 2004. He later worked as a Program Manager at the Cooperative Development Foundation from 2008 to 2013, gaining experience in program development and management.
Achievements in Outreach Programs
During his tenure at The Optical Society (OSA), Rooney held multiple positions, including Manager and Senior Program Manager for Students and Early-Career Professionals from 2017 to 2022. He was instrumental in overseeing outreach programs that spanned 60 countries and supported a community of over 5,000 students pursuing careers in science. His efforts have contributed to enhancing opportunities for students in the optics and photonics fields.