This week, we talked with Tom Kraus ‘05, T5 ‘06, ‘07(Mas.). While studying Optics at Rochester, Tom sang with the Midnight Ramblers, and was a member of the Meridian Society, Optical Society of America and Freshman Fellows. After spending six years in Rochester, he now lives in Fairfax, Va., with his wife Emily (W ’05).

What have you been up to since graduation?
A lot! I moved to Virginia a few short weeks after graduation and quickly got involved with many exciting projects at work. I started singing with the Alexandria Harmonizers Chorus and became friends with Alan Wile, class of 1958 and one of the original YellowJackets. Emily LaDuque and I got married on Seneca Lake in August of 2009; and by the time this is printed, Emily and I may have closed on our first house!

Specifically, what kind of work do you do?
I work for Areté Associates in Arlington, Va. I design and develop optical sensors for a variety of oceanographic applications. I feel that I am extremely lucky because not only do I get to be very creative with using new and old technologies in challenging science applications, but I also get to travel into the field and test my instruments first hand. Translation: I make cool things and get to go to the beach!

What’s the one thing all Optics majors should know?
Wow … just one thing? Most of you have failed or performed poorly with some part of the optics program. It’s OK! Really, ask any of the professors if I aced anything … they will laugh! It is free to ruin a homework assignment, exam, or lab. That is what they are there for. But, you have to learn from these mistakes! Ruining something once you get a real job is much more severe. Project budgets are always tight, and safety is strict. Violation of either of these can carry severe penalties. Not only that, but if you make a dumb mistake you will be haunted by professor Zavislan and professor Brown. No joke; ask any alum.

This past week, the Campus Times highlighted increased involvement in student-run performance ensembles. What are the next steps for music on the River Campus?
I think the two working together, the department and student-run groups, have the ability to bring national and international recognition to the music and performing arts programs at Rochester. We will always have the Eastman School of Music, but to also have amazing a cappella groups, brass ensembles, string orchestras, pep bands, etc. composed of brilliant students of a variety of academic backgrounds … that is a great strength. The more people across the nation and world know this, the more opportunities will present themselves to all the groups on the River Campus. In short, put yourselves out in the public! You never know what opportunities will present themselves as a result.

How do you personally stay connected to the University?
Professionally, my company tries to hire UR graduates for a variety of needs, so I still come back to the career fair in the fall to recruit. Personally, I am a member of the Young Alumni Council (YAC). As part of YAC, we plan activities and initiatives for recent alumni, zero to 10 years after graduation. I am also the chair of the 2005 Reunion Committee and well help oversee and coordinate events to celebrate our fifth reunion. See you in October!

Recently, UR administration has placed an emphasis on alumni involvement. A major part of this initiative has been the launch of the Rochester Career Advisory Network, an online networking tool accessible to both students and alumni. What else can the University do to keep alumni involved?
Great question! RCAN is a great resource to encourage alumni to get involved with current students. This question comes up a lot with YAC, and some ideas have been enacted (Facebook, LinkedIn, class specific emails, regional events, etc.), but we are always looking for more! If anyone has any other ideas, contact me at thomas.l.kraus@urgrad.rochester.edu

Favorite place in Rochester?
Any place that serves a garbage plate! You won’t believe how much you will crave them after you graduate. Mmm … Tahou’s.