Paul Yoder (BS physics, Juniata College, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, 1947, and MS physics, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, 1950) learned optical design and opto-mechanical engineering at the U.S. Army's Frankford Arsenal (1951-1961). He then applied those skills at Perkin-Elmer Corporation (1961-1986) and served the optical community as a consultant in optical and opto-mechanical engineering (1986-2006). A fellow of the OSA and SPIE, Yoder has authored numerous chapters on opto-mechanics, published more than 60 papers, been awarded 14 U.S. and several foreign patents, and taught more than 75 short courses for SPIE, U.S. government agencies, and industry.

Daniel Vukobratovich is senior principal multidisciplinary engineer at Raytheon Systems, Tucson, Arizona, and adjunct professor at the University of Arizona. He has authored more than 50 papers, taught short courses in opto-mechanics in 12 different countries, and consulted for more than 40 companies. A SPIE fellow, he is a founding member of the opto-mechanics working group. He holds international patents and received an IR-100 award for work on metal matrix composite optical materials. He led development on a series of ultra-lightweight telescopes using new materials, and worked on space telescope systems for STS-95, Mars Observer, Mars Global Surveyor, and FUSE.