Title: My winding path to becoming a scientist
Dr. Kate Fenwick
Research Associate at the National Research Council of Canada (NRC)
Abstract: When I was in my early years of undergrad, I was terrified of being asked the question “what do you want to do after your studies?” I knew I enjoyed science, especially physics, but I had no idea what I wanted to do with this type of training. I could never have predicted that now, 12 years later, I would be a researcher at the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) in Ottawa, where I’d get to work in an ultrafast laser optics lab, developing quantum photonics applications. In this presentation, I will tell you about the many twists and turns in my winding “career path”––really, answering the question of how I ended up where I am today. In doing so, I hope to elucidate what it means to be a scientific researcher, how to become a scientist, and what it’s like working at the NRC. I’ll also tell you about some of the fun research projects I’ve had the chance to work on over the years!
Bio: Kate is a Research Associate, holding a Luise and Gerhard Herzberg Fellowship, at the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) in the Ultrafast Quantum Photonics group. She very recently completed her PhD studies in physics at the University of Ottawa, where she held a Vanier Scholarship. Prior to her PhD, she completed her BSc and MSc at Queen’s University, also in physics. Kate’s primary research interests lie in the field of ultrafast quantum photonic technologies, with a focus on ultrafast photonic quantum information processing. Outside of the lab, she can often be found trail running, swimming, or cross-country skiing in Gatineau Park (depending on the season). She is very excited to meet the students at OSSP!
Title: Finding your fit: Cultivating transferrable skills for the job market
Dr. Joseph Mastron
TOPTICA Photonics
Abstract: You don’t need to know your final destination to take the right steps now. In this talk, Joseph will share his journey through academic research to his current role as Applications Scientist and Product Manager at a world-leading photonics company. Drawing on his research background in nonlinear optical spectroscopy for Physical Chemistry applications, Joseph will unpack a toolbox of transferrable skills that can help you succeed in a variety of positions and even open future doors you weren’t expecting. With a focus on the Optics and Photonics sector, this session will guide you through recognizing and developing valuable competencies both within and outside the lab, as well as give an overview of common roles at companies like TOPTICA.
Bio: Joseph Mastron, Ph.D. works for TOPTICA Photonics at the North American branch in Rochester, NY, as a Product Manager for Optical Isolators and Biophotonics Applications Scientist. He earned his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of Chicago, where he developed novel multidimensional spectroscopic techniques combining infrared excitation and visible fluorescence detection. He continued his research as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Michigan, joint between Chemistry and Physics departments, applying ultrafast laser methods across UV, visible, and IR regimes to study energy transfer in photosynthesis and catalysis.
Throughout his career, Joseph has combined technical depth with leadership and service, including serving as Copresident of the UM Postdoctoral Association, organizing science communication workshops with the local CommSciCon-MI chapter, and co-chairing the Biomedical Applications subcommittee for CLEO. Today, he bridges research and industry, helping researchers achieve their research goals with cutting-edge laser systems while simultaneously managing a high-value product line of laser components.
Stay tuned for more announcements!
