TUCSON, AZ, September 30, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Marquis Who's Who, the world's premier publisher of biographical profiles, is proud to present Tilman W. Stuhlinger, PhD, with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. An accomplished listee, Dr. Stuhlinger celebrates many years' experience in his professional network and has been noted for achievements, leadership qualities, and the credentials and successes he has accrued in his field. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Dr. Stuhlinger has established himself as a leading expert in optical engineering, marked by more than four decades of success and innovation. As the founder of Ruda Optical for more than 30 years, he served as the company's vice president from 1994 to 2021. Since that time, he has devoted his time to being an optical engineer, responsible for developing advanced optical designs that meet stringent contrast requirements. His work involves ensuring the accuracy of fundamental lens characteristics, such as focal length and field of view, as well as designing complex optical systems and specifying components to be manufactured by external partners. Dr. Stuhlinger collaborates closely with optomechanical engineers and laboratory technicians to ensure that all tolerances are achievable, reflecting his commitment to both technical excellence and teamwork.

Throughout his distinguished tenure, Dr. Stuhlinger has played a pivotal role in his company's growth and reputation for tackling challenging projects. He has been recognized for his willingness to take on intricate assignments that others might avoid, including the design of a display system for business jets that required unique integration around structural aircraft components.

Leveraging his previous experiences, Dr. Stuhlinger contributed as a staff engineer at Talandic Research Corporation from 1986 to 1994, where he focused on refining his skills in optical analysis and system design. Meanwhile, his international experience included two years with a notable company in Switzerland, beginning in 1984 after earning his doctorate. Motivated by encouragement from peers and the prospect of working abroad, Dr. Stuhlinger embraced the opportunity to expand his professional horizons and immerse himself in a different culture.

Dr. Stuhlinger's academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in physics and astronomy from Vanderbilt University in 1975. He continued his studies with a master's degree in physics and astronomy from the University of Georgia in 1979 before earning a master's degree in optical sciences from the Optical Sciences Center in Tucson, Arizona, in 1981. Subsequently, Dr. Stuhlinger received a Doctor of Philosophy in optics and optical sciences from the University of Arizona in 1984. The support and encouragement of professors throughout his education were instrumental in shaping his career path.

A member of the Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers since 1984, Dr. Stuhlinger remains actively engaged with the professional community through journal paper reviews and knowledge sharing with colleagues. Civically invested, he frequently volunteers at open house events for local planetariums, where he educates the public about optics concepts such as polarization. Dr. Stuhlinger considers these outreach activities a critical way to give back to the community while inspiring future generations of scientists.

Throughout his career, Dr. Stuhlinger has demonstrated exceptional expertise in optical design and analysis. He is particularly proud of his role in mentoring younger engineers, imparting tolerancing methods and design principles that support their growth within the field. Dr. Stuhlinger holds six patents, including one for array telescopes, a testament to his innovative approach and technical acumen.

Among numerous career highlights, Dr. Stuhlinger cites his work on a design for the U.S. Air Force that led to an expanded contract under the Small Business International Review program as especially memorable. He regards his development of advanced tolerancing methods for optical systems as a key contribution to both his company's success and the broader industry. Additionally, Dr. Stuhlinger developed a phased array telescope composed of multiple sub-telescopes, which enabled a larger field of view than comparable systems at the time.

Dr. Stuhlinger's interest in optics was sparked by his father's work at NASA on space missions such as the Hubble Telescope. Early exposure to scientific discussions and hands-on experimentation with lenses fostered his curiosity about optical systems, a passion further nurtured by supportive mentors during his academic years. Looking ahead, Dr. Stuhlinger is committed to continuing his impactful work while supporting the next generation of engineers through mentorship and knowledge transfer.

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Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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