Tito Busani Appointed Director of Optical Science and Engineering Program at UNM
Tito Busani, an associate professor in the electrical and computer engineering department, has been appointed as the new director of the Optical Science and Engineering program at The University of New Mexico (UNM).
Growing up surrounded by educators, Busani was inspired by his uncle Ambrogio, a retired elementary school teacher, and his high school Latin professor, Salvaroi Mario. “If it wasn’t for my family, I probably wouldn’t have ended up being a professor,” he noted, highlighting the influence of their dedication to teaching.
Busani earned his PhD in physics and nanotechnology from Université J. Fourier in Grenoble, France, in 2006. He specializes in the fabrication and analysis of multi-layer thin films and previously managed the NanoFab at the Center for High Tech Materials on UNM’s south campus. With over 1,200 citations in his publications, Busani has a strong academic footprint.
Having been involved with the Optical Science and Engineering program for nearly a decade, he took the director role in August. The program, established in 1983, is overseen by Graduate Studies dean Maria Lane, who expressed enthusiasm for Busani’s leadership during this pivotal time.
Busani aims to build on the program’s existing success. “The motivation is always to find ways to improve the program,” he said. He acknowledged the program’s strong foundation and is particularly focused on the transition to Graduate Studies.
Not only does the program attract students globally, but Busani also aims to engage more with the Albuquerque community. “We need to make sure we are being sensitive to our communities and that New Mexico is benefitting from this,” he emphasized.
Among his ambitions is to enhance the program’s visibility to draw in additional applicants. “We are one of the three major programs in this field in the country,” he stated, pointing to the potential for increased state funding in quantum initiatives.
For his first year, Busani prioritizes a smooth transition to Graduate Studies, fostering a sense of stability and direction within the program. “Our transition is not undermining our program; it’s to the advantage of our program,” he affirmed.
For more information about the Optical Science and Engineering program, visit here.
