Originally created as the State University System's Center of Excellence in optical and laser sciences, the Center for Research in Electro-Optics and Lasers (CREOL) was renamed in 1996 as the Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers. Dr. M. J. Soileau became CREOL's first director in 1987 followed by Dr. Eric Van Stryland in 1999. It is now a research center within the College of Optics & Photonics presided over by Dean Bahaa Saleh. CREOL provides education in optical science and engineering, conducts scholarly fundamental and applied research and aids in the development of Florida's technology-based industries.
From the guide to the UCF Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers Records, 1985-1999, 1994-1998, (Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida Libraries, )
