Living History

Amplify Black Voices in Optics

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I observed an intravascular procedure while taking a biomedical optics course. It opened my eyes to unmet needs in medicine, and showed the need for new innovations in medical imaging.

Christine Hendon
Associate Professor, Columbia University, USA

I currently work at a science museum, where I am a science educator. I teach teachers and teacher leaders how to best teach hands-on, equitable science in their classrooms.

Desiré Whitmore
Senior Physics Educator,, Exploratorium, USA

In 2007, I had to wait for an hour to log into my email account while sitting in the only internet shop in my hometown in Kenya. Now, I am a researcher in the field of laser and optical fiber telecommunication systems and working on the future of the internet.

Duncan Kiboi Boiyo
Professor, Machakos University, Kenya

I am involved in fiber optic communication teaching, training and research. Mainly, I work on optical fiber characterization, fiber link designs and measurements, optical sensing and optical networks for various applications.

Enoch Rotich-Kipnoo
Lecturer, University of Kabianga, Kenya

The future depends on optics.

Estelle Temgoua
Assistant Lecturer, University of Buea, Cameroon

I am passionate about research and strategic innovation. Thus, I love to be part of the technological advancement in the design and manufacture of Optical Geometric Phase elements used for different important applications.

Esther Nabadda
PhD Student, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elchem, Spain

I love to explore the applications of the different concepts of light and how they come together to enhance our understanding of various phenomena and nature.

George Okyere Dwapanyin
Research Fellow, University of St Andrews, United Kingdom

I manage a team of optical transport network engineers. We plan, implement and commission transport network equipment such as Ciena 6500 (submarine and terrestrial), wave servers, and the CES 51 and 39 series.

Godwin Ahonkhai
Head, Core Network, MainOne, Nigeria

Do you like challenges and want to become an innovator for the next big piece of technology? In that case, I'd say study optics and photonics. There are many exciting science explorations and real-life applications that use this science, including communications, information processing, medicine, manufacturing, and quantum computing.

Joshua Burrow
Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, Brown University, USA

Optics (and the study and manipulation of light) is all around us. It's a great mix of being fundamental, applied, impactful, visual, and fun!

Kimani Toussaint Jr
Senior Associate Dean, School of Engineering, Brown University, USA

I like to study and discover the hidden mysteries of the universe, especially those related to light and share these discoveries with others.

Lucien Mandeng Mandeng
Researcher, National Advanced School of Engineering of the University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon

Optical wireless communication was an emerging technology with lots of research gaps when I started my PhD, but it was more interesting compared to radio frequency technology. Now I realize that optics is the future of communication, and I am enjoying learning about it.

Mulundumina Shimaponda-Nawa
PhD Student, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa

I am the founder and director of the Photoacoustic & Ultrasonic Systems Engineering (PULSE) Lab, where we integrate optics, acoustics, and robotics to innovate novel diagnostic and surgical imaging technology that will improve patient care.

Muyinatu Lediju Bell
PULSE Lab Director, Johns Hopkins University, USA

The study of optics and photonics is needed for our communications infrastructure, improvements in medical technology, developing autonomous systems and quantum computing. Optics and photonics are the future!

Nwamadi Bede K
Head Field Operations (Transport Network: Optical & Microwave), MainOne, Nigeria

My internship during my undergraduate was the eye opener for me into optics and photonics. I had the privilege of working on the SAT-3 submarine fiber optics cable.

Oluropo Dairo
Faculty, Redeemer's University, Nigeria

Optics and photonics has massive applications in telecommunication, energy, medicine, defense and security and more. Inventions in this field have revolutionized the world and enhanced human lives.

Paul Ikechukwu Iroegbu
PhD Student, Chongqing University, China

I was born during the era of laser development and hence I decided that I should understand how it works if I am going to use it in helping find optics based solutions to life challenges.

Peter Baricholo
Senior Lecturer, National University of Science and Technology, Zimbabwe

In the near future, applications in telecommunication, computing, spectroscopy and imaging will require optical systems vs. electronic. Studying in this field means shaping your academic career in line with the broader future of technology.

Reinhard Karembera
Postdoctoral Researcher, Nelson Mandela University Center for Broadband Communication, Namibia

My research focuses on non-linear and stochastic phenomena in optical nanoscale resonators. In particular, I seek to understand which features are universal in photonic crystals and micro-resonators made of glass.

Rodrigues Bitha
PhD Student, University of Auckland, New Zealand