Barring some minor thesis corrections, Sam Hitchman has now fulfilled all the requirements towards his PhD degree! Today’s oral defence of his work was highly impressive to witness. We are all very proud of Sam and congratulate him on a thesis full of exciting developments in laser ultrasound. Sam has built laser detectors for ultrasound, and successfully used them in some very exciting applications in deciphering the physical properties of rocks, fruit, and timber. Well done, Sam!