Bahaa E. A. Saleh

Bahaa E. A. Saleh is a UCF Distinguished Professor of Optics and Photonics at CREOL, The College of Optics and Photonics, University of Central Florida, and former Dean of CREOL (2009–2019). He holds a B.S. from Cairo University (1966) and a Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University (1971), both in Electrical Engineering. His career includes roles as Chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Boston University (1994–2007) and Deputy Director of the NSF-funded Gordon Center for Subsurface Sensing and Imaging Systems (2000–2008).

His research spans quantum optics, statistical optics, nonlinear optics, and optical communication. He authored three influential books, including Fundamentals of Photonics, and has published over 600 papers. He founded the Optical Society (OSA) Advances in Optics and Photonics and held editorial leadership roles in major optics journals. Awards include the 2013 C.E.K. Mees Medal, 2006 Kuwait Prize, and multiple fellowships from SPIE, IEEE, and OSA.

Current research focuses on quantum information applications, such as entangled photon generation and quantum imaging. He advises students in optics and photonics, with notable alumni including Seth Smith-Dryden and Walker Larson. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary contributions to optics education and technology.