Plenary & Invited Speakers
Prof. Caroline Boudoux
Polytechnique Montreal, Canada
Title: Small adjustments to PhD programs, giant impacts for our industry
Abstract: The optics and photonics industry is an excellent home for PhDs in STEM. Yet, many candidates fail to complete programs that resemble Spartan races. Some fail to recognize early on the unique features of a PhD, others lack the management skills to navigate the research project. It shouldn’t take a PhD to get a PhD. Yet, without proper and timely advice, the process seems confusing, even daunting, even though, to the advisors, some tips are so obvious that they go without saying. Polytechnique Montréal offers mandatory training to its doctoral students to reduce attrition, enabling them to navigate uncharted territories with confidence and venture early outside of academia, where most PhD jobs are typically found. I will discuss the themes we address during these mandatory workshops and how we sustain the students’ interest during these hours away from the lab. Bio: Caroline Boudoux is a Professor of Engineering Physics at Polytechnique Montréal and Fellow of SPIE and Optica. She holds a PhD from the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology in biomedical optics and a postdoctoral degree from École Polytechnique de Paris on coherent control for nonlinear microscopy. Her research interests span from optical coherence tomography to the development of associated hardware. In 2013, along with colleagues, she co-founded Castor Optics—a spinoff company developing novel fiber optics couplers and lanterns. Since 2020, she has been awarded teaching awards at local and national levels (Prix d’Excellence de Polytechnique Montréal, Honoris Genius from Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec, Prix de Mentorat de la Ministre des Études Supérieures). She has published three textbooks on biomedical optics and engineering design. In 2024, with the MIT Press, she published a guide for PhD students titled “It Goes without Saying: Taking the Guesswork Out of Your PhD in Engineering.” The guide, used in 25 countries, will be published in French in August 2025.
Bio:
Caroline Boudoux is a Professor of Engineering Physics at Polytechnique Montréal, Canada, with appointments as a researcher at Ste-Justine Hospital, University of Montréal’s Biomedical Engineering Institute, and Quebec’s Center for Optics, Photonics, and Lasers (COPL). She completed a BASc in Engineering Physics at Université Laval, a PhD within the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology (with Brett E. Bouma and Guillermo J. Tearney), and a postdoctoral fellowship at École Polytechnique de Paris (with Emmanuel Beaurepaire and Manuel Joffre).
Boudoux is recognized for her contributions to the field of biomedical optics, notably the design and application of novel fiber optics assemblies for endoscopic applications involving optical coherence tomography and confocal endomicroscopy. She received one of Canada’s University Faculty Awards in 2008, was named Quebec’s Star Researcher in 2011, and obtained a Fulbright Award as a Visiting Scientist at Stanford in 2015. She is also known for her contributions to teaching. In 2017, she published Fundamentals of Biomedical Optics, a complete introductory textbook on the physics of photon-tissue interactions and the design of imaging instruments exploiting these interactions. Since, she has taught in numerous summer schools (in Mexico, Ireland, and the UK) and, of course, to students at Polytechnique, which presented her with the 2022 Excellence in Teaching Award. She has trained more than 35 graduate students and postdocs—most of whom shared their work through Optica meetings or publications.
Invited speaker at several Optica meetings since 2005, she is now further contributing to the organization of the Biophotonics Congress as its Vice-Chair for 2023 and General Chair for the 2025 edition. In addition, she represents the Biomedical Optics portfolio at Optica’s Board of Meetings Committee, to students in the Amplify program, and at IONS. She also discusses applications of light monthly as a regular contributor to CBC/Radio-Canada’s radio show (and podcast) Moteur de Recherche, reaching Canadians (and Netizens) of all ages directly in their homes.
In 2013, with her colleague Nicolas Godbout and investors Normand Brais and Alex Cable, she founded Castor Optics, thus completing the translation of one of her patents from lab to industry. Since, in strategic partnership with Thorlabs, Castor has diversified its portfolio by licensing other patents from Polytechnique and developing its own intellectual property centered around fused fiber components such as double-clad fiber couplers, multimode circulators, and photonic lanterns—a technology which earned Castor a spot amongst the finalists at the 2023 Laser World of Photonics Innovation Award. Boudoux also serves on the Board of Directors of Institut National d’Optique (INO), a research and technology organization serving the industrial ecosystem needing optics-based solutions. These experiences strengthened her appreciation of industrial considerations and modulated how she trains the next generation of optical scientists and engineers. Her mentorship skills were recognized by Quebec’s Minister of Higher Education in 2021 and by Quebec’s Order of Engineers in 2023.
Dr Adetunmise Dada
University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
Title: From Quantum Waves to Radio Airwaves: Multimodal Blended Learning Through Music and Storytelling
Abstract: Education and entertainment need not be opposites – blending the two can amplify learning even in the most in advanced academic and professional contexts. In this talk, Dr Adetunmise Dada explores how storytelling, games, humor, rhythm and music can transform science education. These tools are more than just fun; they act as powerful aids to memory, much like the childhood rhymes we never forget. Even at the university level and in complex fields like quantum physics, weaving narrative and song into lessons can improve engagement and retention without sacrificing rigor. Drawing on parallels with social media’s grip on attention, Dr Dada shows how educators can harness similar engagement strategies for good. As both a physics lecturer and host of a live science radio show, he shares firsthand insights on using entertainment, from riddles to musical demos, to make challenging content stick, inspiring a richer learning experience.
Bio:
Dr. Adetunmise Dada is a Lecturer at the University of Glasgow specializing in quantum optics and information, spanning entanglement, quantum light sources, quantum communication, and metrology. His past roles include Research Fellow and Senior Research Associate within the Electronics and Nanoscale Engineering Research Division in the School of Engineering at the University of Glasgow (2019-2021), Senior Research Associate within the Quantum Engineering Technology Labs (2016-2019) at the University of Bristol, and Research Associate in the Quantum Photonics Laboratory at Heriot-Watt University (2013 – 2016).
He also hosts the radio show “The Science Show with Dr Dada” infusing teaching with music, humour, and storytelling.
Prof. Nicholas Massa
Springfield Technical Community College, USA
Title: The Evolution of Photonics Technician Education and Training (1980s to Present)
Abstract: The education and training of optics and photonics technicians has evolved significantly since the 1980s, transitioning from traditional didactic methods to problem- and project-based learning (PBL) approaches. Early programs emphasized theoretical instruction in optics, lasers, and electronics, whereas modern curricula integrate hands-on applications, industry partnerships, and simulation-based training. This shift reflects industry demands for adaptable, problem-solving technicians skilled in areas such as fiber optics, LiDAR, industrial, medical laser systems, silicon photonic integrated circuits, and quantum photonics. The expansion of associate degree programs, certifications, and online learning platforms has further enhanced workforce readiness. This presentation explores key educational developments, pedagogical shifts, and future trends.
Bio:
Dr. Nicholas Massa is a Professor/Program Chair of Laser Optics Technology at STCC and an OPTICA Fellow. With nearly 40 years of experience, he has led over a dozen NSF-funded photonics education projects and received numerous awards including the SPIE Educator Award and OPTICA Esther Hoffman Beller Medal. He holds BS and MS degrees in Electrical Engineering from WNE and a PhD in Educational Leadership from UConn.
Dr. Alison McLeod
Director – Photonics Scotland, United Kingdom
Title: Photonics in Scotland: Growing the talent pool
Abstract: The Scottish photonics industry is a major contributor to the UK economy. Renowned as one of the world’s leading centres for photonics, the vibrant sector enjoys over £1.3 billion in turnover per annum and currently employs more than 7,200 people in high value-add jobs. In order to keep growing, we need to keep expanding the talent pool. A true cluster with more than 50 companies at its heart, supported by a globally recognised academic base and a powerful network of translational assets and RTOs, Scotland’s photonics sector is well-placed to continue addressing some of the world’s grand challenges, making its reach and influence truly global. Since 1994, the sector has been supported by Photonics Scotland (previously the Scottish Optoelectronics Association), one of the oldest national photonics organisations in the world and one of the largest technology communities in Scotland.
Bio:
Alison has more than 20 years of experience working in academic, industrial and consultancy roles. In her current role she is responsible for the Photonics Scotland network at Technology Scotland, which is a community for all photonics and photonics-enabled organisations in Scotland.
Dr. Lydia Sanmarti-Vila
ICFO, Spain
Title: Expanding Horizons in Photonics Careers through the CARLA Programs
Abstract: Photonics is a rapidly evolving and multidisciplinary field with critical applications in healthcare, green energy, cybersecurity, mobility, and industry. Despite its growing importance, the field faces a shortage of skilled professionals due to limited education and training opportunities, a lack of awareness about career paths, and the fast-paced advancements requiring continuous skill development. Innovation and entrepreneurship are key drivers in the photonics ecosystem, yet many early-career professionals remain unfamiliar with these opportunities. To address these challenges, the EU-funded CARLA project created photonics career camps to inspire students and researchers. In collaboration with 100+ stakeholders, it engaged 2,171 participants and reached 230,000 more. Building on this success, the newly awarded 360 CARLA project expands the initiative by introducing structured career development programs focused on key photonics application areas: biotech and medical photonics, quantum technologies, energy and sustainability, and Industry 4.0. This talk will highlight the impact of CARLA and introduce the vision and objectives of 360 CARLA and what has been done so far.
Bio:
Lydia coordinates the Outreach team at ICFO, in charge of a large portfolio of programs that blends scientific expertise with a multidisciplinary approach to develop a diverse portfolio that engages audiences across all sectors of society.
Dr. Jessica Wade
Imperial College London, United Kingdom
Title: Building a Better Research Culture Research culture impacts the quality, integrity, and impact of our science.
Bio:
Jess is a Royal Society University Research Fellow and Lecturer in Functional Materials at Imperial College London. Broadly speaking, her research considers new materials for optoelectronic, spintronic and quantum devices, with a focus on chiral molecular materials.
She was previously an Imperial College Research Fellow in SPIN-Lab at Imperial, which is led by Professor Sandrine Heutz. She worked as a postdoctoral researcher in the Fuchter and Campbell groups at Imperial College London, where she optimised these chiral systems such that can absorb/emit circularly polarised (CP) light for CP OLEDs and OPDs. For her PhD Jess concentrated on organic photovoltaics and the development of advanced characterisation techniques to better understand molecular packing under the supervision of Dr Ji-Seon Kim.
Outside of the lab, Jess is involved with several science communication and outreach initiatives. She is committed to improving diversity in science, both online and offline, and since the start of 2018 has written the Wikipedia biographies of women and people of colour scientists every single day.
Invited Speakers
Mohamed-Slim Alouini, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi Arabia
Astghik Chalyan, STEM and Outreach Officer in Optics and Photonics at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
Sara Diegoli, Anchored In Ltd., United Kingdom
Anya Guy, Washington State university, USA
Alexander Jantzen, Aquark Technologies, United Kingdom
Caroline Muellenbroich, University of Glasgow, UK
Miles Padgett, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
Ana Karen Reyes, Universidad Tecnológica de Tulancingo, Mexico
Evi Somers, PhotonDelta, The Netherlands
Alexis Spilman Vogt, Monroe Community College, USA