Career Accelerator

Dr. A. Boh Ruffin joined Corning’s Science and Technology Division in 2001 after earning a PhD in Applied Physics from the University of Michigan. His graduate research in ultrafast lasers, nonlinear-optics, and electro-optics provided him with the fundamental skills and insights pursue telecommunication and access networks research within Corning S&T’s Optical Systems and Networks Research department. During the early phase of his Corning career, he established the access networks research test bed for the Fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) program and co-invented various optical fibers with nonlinear thresholds optimized for supercontinuum generation, kilowatt lasers, or analog and coherent modulation formats. As a Corning scientist Dr. Ruffin developed an appreciation for RDE&M techno-economics and learned to leverage market trends to develop novel applications aligned with Corning’s core capabilities. His interests in commercial technologies also grew from his flair for demonstrating the value proposition next-gen products, such as SMF-28e® and ClearCurve® bendable fiber. Due to his technical depth and panache for customer engagements, he was “recruited” by Corning’s Gorilla® Glass sales organization in 2009. As an applications engineer, Dr. Ruffin helped grow the Gorilla Glass brand by teaching customers and system architects how to leverage Corning’s advanced materials and processes for consumer electronics applications. He continued to grow business acumen as a technology strategist for Corning Glass Technologies, where he assessed threats and opportunities for next-gen technologies for display markets. In 2017 he was recruited by Corning’s Manufacturing Technology and Engineering (MT&E) division to lead early-stages programs, applications, and technology transfers for laser processes. Finally, in 2021, Dr. Ruffin returned to Corning’s S&T to lead a world-class research group devoted to high-intensity light-matter interactions and laser applications that are aligned with Corning’s current and future business needs. • Dr. Ruffin holds bachelors, masters, and doctorate degrees in Applied Physics from the University of Michigan. He has co-authored 67 proprietary technical reports and 29 peer reviewed publications. He has filed over 36 invention disclosures, 20 patent applications, and 15 granted patents. Dr. Ruffin is a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Additionally, he is active in his community, where he serves or has served as a board member for various non-profits, such as the Corning Children Center, Taipei American School, Science and Discovery Center, and the Corning-Painted Post School district. He is the recipient of various awards and was most recently presented the 2021 MT&E Idea Award and the 2021 CCG Science Spectrum Trailblazer Award. Most notably, Dr. Ruffin’s greatest accomplishments are shared with his wife, Dr. Millicent Ruffin, as evinced by the resolve and well-being of their three sons.

Alejandro (Ale’) Mendoza is the Director of Human Resources at Optimax Systems Inc, a precision optics manufacturer, located in Ontario, New York. In this role, he is part of the Board of Directors at Optimax and focuses on aligning the company’s strategic goals and culture with a growing workforce. Before joining Optimax in 2006, Ale’ was a member of the United States Air Force, where he served in a variety of specialized roles. His military career included assignments with Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training, Space Surveillance, and Aircrew Life Support systems and training. In addition to his current role at Optimax, Ale’ has a passion for collaborating and building relationships with workforce development organizations. Ale’ serves the local community as a member of the Finger Lakes Advanced Manufacturing Enterprise (FAME), the Finger Lakes Community College foundation board and the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce HR Executive forum while regionally, he’s a member of the NY state workforce strategy group – Invest in skills NY coalition and nationally, he serves as a board member of the National Fund for Workforce Solutions and partners with the National Skills Coalition and Business Leaders United, including a member of their Manufacturing Industry Recovery Panel. He holds an associate degree from Monroe Community College (MCC), a bachelor’s degree from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), and a master’s degree from St. John Fisher College.

Dr. Anjul Loiacono is the VP of Quantum Signal Processing at Infleqtion. She brings a deep bench of experience in both the management and marketing of complex optics and photonics systems. During her 12-year tenure at Thorlabs, a designer and manufacturer of photonics equipment for research, manufacturing, and biomedical applications, Anjul oversaw the development and release of their flagship Optical Coherence Tomography product line, developed corporate strategies, managed strategic partnerships, and completed several acquisitions worldwide. Anjul received her Ph.D. from Duke University and also serves on the Optica Corporate Engagement Council, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting knowledge in optics and photonics worldwide.

Christina C. C. Willis is a laser scientist, author, and public speaker with a passion for public policy. She served a year in the United States Senate as the 2019-2020 OSA / SPIE Arthur H. Guenther Congressional fellow and currently works as a Senior Analyst at the Boulder-based quantum technology company Infleqtion. In her free time she teaches yoga and volunteers as a firefighter. You can download her book Sustainable Networking for Scientists and Engineers for free from SPIE Press (https://spie.org/christinawillisbook) and you can find her on Twitter @willischristina.

Dr. Clara Rivero Baleine is a Lockheed Martin Associate Fellow and a Materials Engineering Manager at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control (LMMFC) in Orlando, Florida. She has been working in the Applied Research R&D Sensors Systems and Technologies group since joining Lockheed Martin Corporation in 2005. Her research work is focused on advanced material development for optical and photonic applications. Clara received her Ph.D. in Optics in 2005 from CREOL, the College of Optics and Photonics at the University of Central Florida. During this time, she had the opportunity to complete a cotutelle (joint Ph.D.) with the University of Bordeaux in France. She simultaneously received a Ph.D. in Materials Science (Spécialité Physico Chimie de la Matière Condensée) from the Institut de Chimie de la Matière Condensée de Bordeaux (ICMCB), University of Bordeaux 1. Clara is the recipient of the 2007 & 2016 Individual Excellence Award (LMMFC), 2009 National Women of Color Technology Star, 2009 & 2012 Lockheed Martin Innovate the Future Contest team finalist, 2015 Outstanding AlumKnights Award and 2019 CREOL Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Central Florida, College of Sciences – Physics, 2016 Missiles and Fire Control Technical Innovation Award, and 2016 Lockheed Martin Corporation NOVA Award for Technical Innovation. She is a senior member of Optica (formerly OSA). Dr. Rivero-Baleine has 18 granted patents and others pending.

Eve Griliches is the Product Marketing lead for the Optical BU. Previously, Eve was Director of Solutions Marketing at BTI Systems and Managing Partner of the global research firm ACG Research where she was VP of Optical Networking. Before ACG, Eve served as IDC Program Director for Telecommunications Equipment, where she provided in-depth analysis on key telecom market technologies. Additionally, Eve has more than 10 years of product line management experience at equipment vendors including Marconi (Ericsson), PhotonEx, Nortel Networks, Bay Networks and Wellfleet Communications. She also spent four years at Thinking Machines Corporation, one of the first parallel processing supercomputer companies.

George Bayz joined Synopsys as the Vice President and General Manager of the Optical Solutions Group with the Synopsys’ acquisition of Optical Research Associates (ORA) in October 2010. Bayz has over 25 years of senior management experience with high-technology firms. Prior to Synopsys, Bayz was President and CEO of ORA, served on the ORA Board of Directors and chaired the ORA Audit Committee, which provided oversight of the reporting practices of the company and the quality and integrity of the company's financial statements. Prior to ORA, he was President and CEO of PeoplePoint Systems, Inc., an enterprise software company; General Manager and Executive Vice President at Artemis International Solutions Corp., a provider of advanced project management solutions; President and CEO of Thinque Systems, a workforce automation solutions provider; and President and CEO of MAI Systems Corporation, a provider of information technology to the hospitality industry. Bayz received a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Southern California and a J.D. from Loyola Marymount University. He is a Member of the California Bar and is a California Certified Public Accountant.

Dr. Gregory Quarles was hired in May 2019 as the CEO and Board member for Tucson-based Applied Energetics, Inc, a recognized leading company developing ultrashort-pulse lasers, frequency agile optical sources, and laser guided energy technologies. He was subsequently named President and CEO in 2020. Greg had previously served on the AE Scientific Advisory Board. Prior to joining Applied Energetics, Dr. Quarles served as the Chief Scientific Officer for Optica (formerly the Optical Society of America) since November of 2015. He is an experienced Chief Executive Officer, Board Member and renowned physicist with 25 years of experience driving cutting-edge laser, optics, nanopowder, directed energy devices, and photonics technology development and operations within advanced industrial companies. Greg is a globally recognized leader for his strategic partnerships with the Department of Defense, the U.S. Congress, and his innovative work developing new laser devices for medical, national security, and industrial applications. He has also spent the past fifteen years interacting with global leaders in the optics, photonics, and academic communities discussing policy opportunities. Greg has been awarded five patents related to his research in solid-state lasers, has twelve pending, and has published over 130 peer-reviewed and conference publications. Dr. Quarles has been a member of the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, Sensors and Instrumentation Technical Advisory Committee (SITAC) since 2015. Earlier in his career, Greg was a founder, COO and Managing Partner of EdgeLight Incorporated, a start-up enterprise pioneering wearable light therapy in Tucson, AZ. He has also managed his own consulting firm since 2013, as President and CEO of Opto-Electronics Management Network. Prior to starting this consulting business, Greg served as the CEO at B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc., and was Director of Corporate Research, Development and Technology for II-VI Incorporated, from 2002 -2010. His previous experience includes serving on eight Corporate and not-for-profit Boards, including the Optica Board of Directors, working at II-VI Incorporated for 18 years, and the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory for 5 years. Dr. Quarles is a graduate of Oklahoma State University and holds a Ph.D. and MS in Physics, and a dual BS in Math and Physics. He has served as Assistant Editor for both Optical Engineering and the IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics and is a Fellow of both the Optica and SPIE and a Senior Member of IEEE.

Based in the Netherlands, Jose Pozo is the architect of Optica's strategy to serve corporations around the globe. His education and European-focused professional experience place him in an excellent position to connect with and support Photonics21, and his current global portfolio of corporate programs is a valuable asset. In his role as Optica's Chief Technology Officer, Pozo leads the organization's international corporate engagement efforts. He and his team focus on building relationships across the diverse community of optics and photonics companies around the globe. They successfully give a voice to innovators and encourage mutually beneficial industry connections. Jose works directly with CEOs to assist them with expanding their trusted network of contacts and collaborators, and partners. Prior to joining Optica, Pozo was the Director of Technology and Innovation with the European Photonics Industry Consortium (EPIC). Originally from Spain, Pozo spent more than 25 years working in photonics in several European countries, including Belgium, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. He earned a Ph.D. in quantum physics from the University of Bristol, UK, and an M.Sc. and B.Eng. in telecom engineering from UPNA, Spain / VUB, Belgium. Prior to joining EPIC in 2015 as CTO, he was a Senior Photonics Technology Consultant with PNO Consultants; his clients included: CERN, Thales, and TE Connectivity. Jose also worked with The Netherlands Organization (TNO) for Applied Scientific Research and as a post-doctoral researcher at the Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands.

Keeley earned her BSc from the University of Arizona. She started her career at OptoPower/Spectra-Physics doing product development of fiber coupled and stacked laser diode arrays for medical, industrial and defense applications. She then joined DILAS Diode Laser, Inc. as one of its two founding members in 2005 as product manager. She continued her career with DILAS taking on rolls in both quality and operations management. After DILAS was acquired by Coherent, she returned to her role as Product Line Manager for high power diode laser component products for defense applications and has also led multiple production ramping efforts to support the expanding needs of the defense industry.

Kenneth has over 23 years of experience in the photonics industry specializing in Project Management and Product Development. During his career he founded and help develop Edmund Optics’ Project Management department and New Product Introduction process. As Director of Engineering and Project Management, he leads a global team of Designers and Project Managers in the US, China and Germany in the development of new product. Kenneth holds a graduate certification in Project Management from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and received his BS in Optics from the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY. • Founder and Co-chair of Edmund Optics’ US Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee • Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Published Articles contributed to: • Optics that focus on manufacturing https://www.machinedesign.com/archive/article/21815751/optics-that-focus-on-manufacturing • Hemispherical Display Uses Single Lens and Digital Projector https://www.photonics.com/Articles/Hemispherical_Display_Uses_Single_Lens_and/a17374

Dr. Loudon Blair is Senior Director of Corporate Strategy at Ciena. Since joining the company in 1997, he has performed several roles in the development of Ciena’s networking products including the formation of Ciena’s vision for new and evolving network architectures. Today, he is responsible for strategic planning and assessment of industry and technology trends. Prior to joining Ciena, Dr. Blair worked for Gorca Systems Ltd., where he managed a system engineering team within the Iridium low earth orbit satellite system at Motorola Satellite Communications. Dr. Blair also worked for BT Laboratories in the UK, where he focused on the development of novel network architectures, and at Hitachi Central Research Laboratory in Japan, where he investigated the role of Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifiers in 10G WDM transmission systems. Dr. Blair received a B.Sc. degree (with first class honors) in Electronics from the University of Dundee, Scotland and a D.Phil. degree in Engineering from the University of Oxford, England. He has 24 patents granted with a further 1 patent pending. He is a Member of the IEEE, Member of the IET and has been a long-term contributor to the OFC conference where he has served as general co-chair and steering committee chair.

Matthew Weed is a member of the original engineering team at Luminar, a leading automotive lidar provider, and is currently focused on the company’s future through analysis and roadmapping of the autonomous vehicle and sensor industries. His career has focused on commercializing advanced optics and photonics technologies and he has done so in drug delivery, medical diagnostics, and now automotive. In addition to his work at Luminar, Matthew is an active member of his international technical community sitting as a Board Member of the Florida Photonics Cluster and College of Optics & Photonics at UCF. Academically, he earned his PhD through studies of the integration and fabrication of chip-scale photonic devices at CREOL, the College of Optics at the University of Central Florida and received his Bachelor of Science in physics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He holds 32 US patents in laser, lidar, and other sensing technologies.

Peter Wigley is Technology Strategy Manager for Corning Optical Communications in Corning, NY. He has held a broad range of technical, product related and strategic roles within Corning since 1995, related to photonics, optical fibers, optical amplifiers, dispersion compensation and optical communication systems. Following acquisition of Corning Photonic Technologies in 2003 by Avanex he was responsible for the commercialization of their Tunable Optical Dispersion Compensation products. He re-joined Corning Advanced optics in 2012 and became responsible for technology strategy for Corning Optical Communications since 2018. He has contributed to a broad range of optical communications related product innovations resulting in 31 issued patents related to optical components for amplification and signal processing, more recently focusing on user experience and digital transformation in access networks. Peter holds a PhD in Laser Optics from Imperial College, London and has been a senior member of the OSA since 2000.

In Mr. Rubin’s prior senior executive role at Thorlabs, he was responsible for Thorlabs’ Imaging Systems Division, a standalone organization with its own sales and marketing, as well as global responsibility for all of Thorlabs’ Life Science activities. Among the positions he held at Thorlabs, Mr. Rubin founded and grew Thorlabs’s fast-growing operation in China, and spearheaded Thorlabs’ entry and significant growth in the Life Sciences market. As a member of the senior executive team, Mr. Rubin leads new strategic initiatives for Thorlabs, including new product lines, acquisitions, and growth into new markets. Prior to joining Thorlabs, Mr. Rubin co-founded XLight Photonics, an optical communication startup, which was later sold to a telecommunications private equity firm. Mr. Rubin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronic Engineering from Ben Gurion University, a Master of Business Administration degree from New York University, Stern School of Business, and is a graduate of the Executive Education, Program for Leadership Development at Harvard Business School.

Tommy Franklin co-chairs Wolf Greenfield’s Electrical & Computer Technologies Group. He provides a wide range of IP services including strategic patent portfolio development, conducting and defending due diligence, development of licensing agreements, patent validity and infringement opinions, trade secret policy development, and litigation-related counseling for both plaintiffs and defendants. Drawing on his broad technical background, Tommy works with clients spanning numerous technical fields, including photonics, medical devices, electromagnetic sensors, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), semiconductors and fluidic systems. Tommy represents both large and small companies, and is well versed in the different issues and pressures faced by different organizations. He is committed to understanding the business objectives of each of his clients and developing and implementing IP strategies that meet those objectives. He is particularly experienced at working with startups at many stages of the business, and at developing winning IP strategies that address the various interests brought to the table by the company’s inventors, executives and board members.