Leo Bia

Leo Bia is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. Born in Winslow, Arizona and raised in Flagstaff, he is a proud product of his roots and believes in the power of community engagement. Leo is a double-major graduate in Civil Engineering and Comprehensive Mathematics from the University of Arizona, additionally earning a minor in physics. His undergraduate journey was marked by active participation in various on-campus organizations, including the Native American Student Affairs and the Native American Science and Engineering Program. His involvement not only enriched his college experience but also underlined the significance of fostering a supportive community.

This commitment to community participation made his college life a vibrant and rewarding experience, but it also instilled in him a profound understanding of the value of supportive networks and mentorship. He had the good fortune of meeting many lifelong friends and two incredibly influential individuals who, after five long, persuasive years, ultimately convinced him to pursue the field of Optical Sciences. Today, Leo is a PhD student at the James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences, where his research is focused on the quantum applications of light, particularly in quantum information theory. He also has interests across various areas within quantum information sciences and holography. He enjoys his Optical Science courses due to their rigorous scientific challenges and real-world applications.

Leo's passion for optical sciences does not end in the classroom or lab. He is equally determined to disseminate his knowledge to others, to stimulate a broader understanding of these complex subjects. As such, he aspires to a lifelong profession in academia, with plans to serve as a researcher and professor. He is keenly aware of the role that education can play in transforming communities and lives, and he is determined to make his contribution count. Looking forward, Leo sees his future as an academic not just as an opportunity to contribute to his field of study, but also as a means to give back to his community. He understands the power of role models in shaping young minds and aspires to be a guiding figure for aspiring Native American scientists and engineers. As someone who experienced first-hand the transformative power of education and community support, he is resolved to perpetuate this cycle of positive influence.

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