It’s been awhile since I wrote an editorial and I’ve been itching to do so for some time. Since I last wrote, I have moved from the University of Central Florida (UCF) to the University of Arizona (UA), USA. Both UCF and UA have been good to me and have provided the opportunities and support for me to do research, teach and make a difference in students’ lives.

Which brings me to the first topic. I had two students graduate this summer, Dr. Robert Short and Dr. Steve Butrimas, both from UCF. I am extremely proud of both of them, as they have accomplished a monumental achievement in their lives. I still remember getting my Ph.D., even though it was 30 years ago, but it was a big deal! Both Robert and Steve worked really hard, and although COVID19 derailed the way we do things, they still persevered. There are a large number of graduates this year who did not get to have a formal graduation or get to celebrate with their professors, colleagues, friends and family. We did not get to “hood” our students or show them how important this accomplishment really is. In my group, we have discussed getting together for an overdue celebration after things have settled down. During my time in the Navy, the only requirement for a change-of-command ceremony was that it emphasize and demonstrate the importance of the transition. Graduations and degrees are similar and some of our students are not realizing this importance. For all of you students (and their professors), please allow yourself to celebrate your achievement any way you can during these unusual times. We are incredibly proud of you and we all understand that you have achieved something great.

The second topic is that I am stepping down as Editor-in-Chief at the end of December, upon completing my second term. I will share some final impressions of my six years as Editor-in-Chief in my last editorial to publish in December. Meanwhile, it is my pleasure to introduce Gisele Bennett as the new Editor-in-Chief of Applied Optics starting 1 January 2021. I have known Gisele for at least 30 years. She is smart, funny, compassionate, a scholar, a pilot, a leader and a really good friend. Gisele was an Associate VP Research, a Regents’ Researcher, Professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and the Glenn Robinson Chair in Electro-Optics at Georgia Tech. She was also the founding Director of the Electro-Optical Systems Laboratory Georgia Tech Research Institute. She has held a variety of leadership positions in academia, industry, defense, and our professional societies. A few examples include the Army Science Board, The Optical Society Board of Directors, IEEE Council on RFID, and Riverside Research Board of Trustees. Gisele is also the first woman Editor-in-Chief of Applied Optics, something that is long overdue. She has already been supporting the Journal as our Features Editor, primarily working to recruit organizers of institutional focus issues and has been a topical editor for Applied Optics. I am confident Applied Optics will continue to succeed under her leadership.

Stay safe, respect COVID19 (do the right thing), and be kind.