Monica Allen
US Air Force Research Laboratory, USAFor outstanding contributions to the fundamental science and application of plasmonics and nanophotonics for detection, imaging, and sensing.
Monica Allen is driven by finding purpose in her work. In her position at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), she sees the immediate impact of her sensing and imaging research every day. Through her work, she interacts with the people who will use and benefit from her research, which inspires her to keep pushing and innovating to help them in real-world situations. She is passionate about keeping the names and faces of the people she serves top-of-mind. One way she does this is through a yearly event she organizes with her husband, Optica Fellow Jeffery Allen, on Memorial Day. Each year, they gather volunteers to read aloud the names of all soldiers who have died in action since World War II. She shares that this is a moving experience each year, and an essential reminder that her work really makes a difference.
She is also passionate about the outreach and training opportunities she gets through her position. Monica frequently volunteers for recruitment efforts, and allows interns and trainees into her lab to experience research at AFRL. Her lab is also actively developing a STEM pipeline in the United States and abroad. Her group collaborates with and brings students from all over the world to come and learn together. The most significant advice she shares with young scientists is the importance of taking a break and getting out of the lab. She says, “You don’t have to do it alone. Everyone gets overwhelmed at times, but it is imperative to keep the bigger picture in mind…in 10 years, you won’t remember this, so stick with it, take a walk, and talk to someone for a fresh perspective.”
Monica was interested in optics from an early stage in her career. During her undergraduate work in electronics and telecommunications in India, all of her electives were optics courses. She had a unique experience in this program as one of four women in the graduating class. Monica reflects that this could have been a big challenge, but, in reality, she felt very supported by her professors and colleagues. By the time she finished her degree, she felt prepared to continue her journey in the United States to pursue optical research at the University of Texas at Arlington.
Monica chose this school for a couple of important reasons. First, the professional societies had a robust presence, and she was intrigued by the opportunities offered. Optica and IEEE had organized groups on campus, and students could gather to network, solve problems, and even tinker in a lab full of donated equipment. Another deciding factor for Monica was an NSF POWER grant, which supported women in research and engineering. At Arlington, Monica joined Dr. Theresa Maldonado, who led a group of women supported by the grant, providing a built-in support network of students and colleagues. For her PhD, she also worked with Dr. Kambiz Alavi, whose focus was on detectors. This broadened her research and inspired her to pursue the research she does today.
Beyond her work in the lab, Monica appreciates the work-life balance she’s achieved through the AFRL. Throughout her career at Air Force bases across the country, she has felt supported to pursue interests beyond her research-related activities. She’s eager to share that experience, knowing many people don’t expect this level of support—and she works to dispel those common misconceptions. Monica also appreciates the many different areas of research she can pursue in her lab, so long as they align with the mission of AFRL. She shares, “The Air Force has allowed me to leave my comfort zone. This has been tremendously helpful for me to grow as a person, researcher, and advisor. Every day I can learn something new and broaden my horizons.”
Photo courtesy of Monica Allen
Profile written by Samantha Hornback
