Summary
Circle Optics is proud to celebrate Dr. Anjali Jogeshwar,Sr. Computer Vision Engineer , who was named Mentor of the Year by the Illinois Science & Technology Coalition (ISTC). Nominated by her own students and presented with the award by two student researchers she mentored, Dr. Jogeshwar was recognized for her dedication to helping young innovators develop confidence, curiosity, and real world STEM skills. Her recognition reflects Circle Optics' commitment to advancing innovation not only through technology, but through mentorship, education, and community impact.
ROCHESTER, N.Y., June 2026 — Circle Optics is proud to announce that Dr. Anjali Jogeshwar, Senior Computer Vision Engineer, has been recognized as Mentor of the Year by the Illinois Science & Technology Coalition (ISTC) during its annual Student Research and Innovation Showcase.
The award recognizes Dr. Jogeshwar’s commitment to helping students develop STEM skills, confidence, and real world problem solving capabilities through sustained mentorship. The recognition was particularly meaningful because the nomination came directly from her students. Two of the four students she mentored were selected to showcase their projects at the event and were present to present the award.
For Dr. Jogeshwar, mentorship is a way to give back to a community that helped shape her own career.
“Mentorship is how I help keep the cycle of learning alive,” said Jogeshwar. “My own journey has been shaped by people who gave me their time and knowledge and believed in me. I find tremendous joy in doing the same for the next generation.”
According to ISTC, students participating in its education programs spend months developing independent research projects and collaborative solutions to real world challenges before presenting their work at the annual Showcase.
“Students in ISTC’s education programs spend months refining their independent research projects and collaborative solutions to real world problems,” said Colleen Falconer, Education Program Associate at ISTC. “The Showcase is an opportunity for selected students to share what they’ve learned, invented, and discovered over the course of the year. None of that growth and discovery would be possible without the support of mentors like Dr. Anjali Jogeshwar, who guides her students as they open new doors, helps them adjust to unexpected challenges, and better prepares them to take their classroom learning and their curiosity into the real world.”
This recognition adds to an already notable year for Dr. Jogeshwar, who was also nominated for TechRochester’s Emerging Technology Woman of the Year Award.
At Circle Optics, innovation extends beyond technology development. Team members actively contribute to advancing STEM education, mentorship, and workforce development within the broader innovation ecosystem.
“One of the reasons Rochester continues to be such a vibrant innovation community is because professionals invest their time in developing the next generation of talent,” said Jennifer Sertl, Vice President of Marketing & Strategic Partnerships at Circle Optics. “Anjali’s technical contributions are exceptional, but what makes this recognition especially meaningful is that it came from the students themselves. We are incredibly proud of her leadership, generosity, and commitment to helping others discover their own potential.”
About Circle Optics
Circle Optics develops advanced panoramic imaging solutions that enable machines to capture and understand the world with greater speed, accuracy, and awareness. The company’s patented technology delivers stitch free panoramic vision for autonomy, defense, aerospace, security, and industrial applications. Based in Rochester, New York, Circle Optics partners with government, commercial, and research organizations to advance the future of machine perception.
Learn more at www.circleoptics.com
About the Illinois Science & Technology Coalition
Founded in 1989, the Illinois Science & Technology Coalition (ISTC) is Illinois’ trusted convener and champion for innovation, data, and STEM education. As a partner driven nonprofit organization, ISTC delivers measurable statewide economic impact by connecting students, educators, researchers, and industry leaders. Through structured programs and long term mentorship opportunities, ISTC helps students build confidence, identity, and skills in STEM while creating a stronger and more inclusive talent pipeline for the future.
Learn more at www.istcoalition.org
About TechRochester
TechRochester is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the Greater Rochester technology community through networking, mentorship, professional development, and recognition programs. By connecting professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, and students, TechRochester helps foster innovation, leadership, and workforce development across the region’s growing technology ecosystem.
Learn more at www.techrochester.org
