BARRINGTON, NJ-Edmund Optics (EO), the premier provider of optical components, announced the election of John P. Schaefer, PhD, to its board of directors. Dr. Schaefer has had a long and distinguished career as a teacher, academic leader, corporate executive, and photographer. He currently serves on the boards of Research Corporation Technologies and Polytechnic Institute of New York in addition to this appointment at EO.

"We are thrilled to have Dr. Schaefer joining our board of directors," said Robert Edmund, CEO of Edmund Optics. "He is a true Renaissance man with outstanding accomplishments in science, business, the humanities, and community leadership. His insights will be invaluable in guiding EO's continuing growth in new global markets."

John Schaefer began his career in academia after receiving his BS in Chemistry from Polytechnic Institute of New York, his PhD in Chemistry from the University of Illinois Urbana, and a Postdoctoral Fellow at the California Institute of Technology. He began teaching at the University of California, Berkley, then took a position at the University of Arizona where he remained for more than 20 years. During that time he served as head of the Chemistry Department, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, and University President.

Following this distinguished academic career, Dr. Schaefer moved into the corporate world, joining Research Corporation for Scientific Advancement where he remained for more than 30 years and served as president, CEO, and Chairman of the Board. During that time, he was a key player in developing the Large Binocular Telescope for research into the early history of the universe. When the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope project arose to oversee construction of new telescope in Chile, he became its chairman.

In addition to his academic and business pursuits, Dr. Schaefer is an artist. He has been an accomplished photographer for more than 30 years with several books and magazine features to his credit. He also worked with famed photographer Ansel Adams to create the Center for Creative Photography at the University of Arizona.

As a community leader, Dr. Schaefer worked with such diverse organizations as the Desert Museum, the Tucson Symphony, and the service organization Handmaker Foundation. In acknowledgement of his many community contributions, the Tucson Chamber of Commerce has presented Dr. Schaefer with its Founder's Award.

Dr. Schaefer brings to the EO board a steadfast dedication to science and its potential for innovation. "Edmund Optics plays an important and growing role in the optics field and I am thrilled to have been elected to the EO Board during this pivotal time in their history. I look forward to directly contributing to the company's continued growth and success," said Schaefer.