[March 01, 2018]

Providing an Inclusive Space to Spark Networking and Professional Growth, OFC Introduces the Suzanne R. Nagel Lounge

The Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exhibition (OFC), the world's leading conference and exhibition for optical communications and networking professionals is introducing a new professional development destination focused on improving gender equity at OFC and the field of optical communications. Named in honor of the first woman chair of OFC, Suzanne R. Nagel, the lounge will be a dedicated, networking space offering attendees the opportunity to meet colleagues, explore new business opportunities, have professional headshots taken, and participate in small professional development sessions focused on topics ranging from resume writing to navigating the "boys club."

The daughter of a Bell Labs scientist, Nagel earned a B.S. in ceramic engineering from Rutgers, then a Master's and PhD in the same field from the University of Illinois' College of Engineering in 1972. After graduation, she joined Bell Labs herself building a distinguished 20-year career.

She directed research in glass used in fiber-optic applications and has been awarded two patents in lightguide fabrication. Her investigations included manufacturing processes important in fiber production, quality of fibers, lifetime, and other factors involved in providing fibers suitable for long-time economical application of glass fibers for communication. By the time she retired, Nagel had received two patents and was the first woman to be named an AT&T (News - Alert) Bell Laboratories Fellow, the highest technical level of recognition in Bell Labs.

"Bell Labs is renowned for pioneering and driving the digital world in which we live today," said Marcus Weldon, Bell Labs President and Nokia (News - Alert) CTO. "Suzanne Nagel's work on optical fiber systems forms the foundation of that world and so we are incredibly proud to have her honored and recognized in this way; I look forward to spending time in the Suzanne Nagel lounge at OFC 2018."

Nagel was the first woman chair of OFC in 1985, the first woman president of the IEEE (News - Alert) Photonics Society and a board member of the Women in Engineering Program Advocates Network. As a fellow of both The Optical Society and IEEE Photonics Society, Nagel used her visibility to help create mentoring opportunities for other women in science.

The Suzanne R. Nagel Lounge is jointly sponsored by: IEEE Communications (News - Alert) Society, IEEE Photonics Society and The Optical Society. Located on the OFC exhibit floor, the Nagel Lounge will be open from 10:00-17:00 on 13-15 March 2018.

MEDIA REGISTRATION: Media/analyst registration for OFC 2018 can be accessed online. Further information is available on the event website at OFC, including travel details.

ABOUT OFC

The Optical Fiber Conference and Exposition (OFC) is the largest global conference and exposition for optical communications and networking professionals. For more than 40 years, OFC has drawn attendees from all corners of the globe to meet and greet, teach and learn, make connections and move business forward.

OFC includes dynamic business programming, an exposition of more than 700 companies, and high impact peer-reviewed research that, combined, showcase the trends and pulse of the entire optical networking and communications industry. OFC is managed by The Optical Society (OSA) and co-sponsored by OSA, the IEEE Communications Society (News - Alert) (IEEE/ComSoc), and the IEEE Photonics Society. OFC 2018 will be held from 11-15 March 2018 at the San Diego Convention Center, California, USA. Follow @OFCConference, learn more OFC Conference LinkedIn, and watch highlights OFC YouTube.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180301006003/en/

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