From Academy to Industry: My Journey as a Laser Development Engineer

Dr. Baktash will share her career journey and delve into the crucial skills and knowledge that have propelled her career in the high-tech industry of laser development. She will discuss the unique challenges and rewards of transitioning internationally, including navigating cultural differences and leveraging diverse work environments in two European countries. Attendees will gain insights into the daily responsibilities of a laser engineer, the continuous learning required to stay at the forefront of technological advancements, and practical advice for new engineers interested in following a similar path. This talk will provide valuable perspectives on building a successful career in engineering, the significance of adaptability in international careers, and the ever-evolving landscape of laser technology.

About the Speaker

After and in parallel to my first MSc study in Electrical Engineer in major telecommunications, I started my early roles at telecom center in Iran as wireless and local network switching supervisor and lecturer at different electrical and computer engineering departments. Inspired by Physics, I pursued my academic development by studying a second MSc in the field of laser and photonics in Germany while I was working as research and teaching assistant in the institute for high frequency and communication technology at University of Wuppertal.

I then studied my PhD in the Optoelectronics Research Center (ORC) at University of Southampton, UK, working on high power pulsed fiber lasers. My PhD thesis initiated my UKRI work experience as laser scientist at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory-STFC to upgrade the Petawatt Vulcan laser and later my industrial role as laser development engineer at Trumpf Laser UK, in Southampton and currently at Coherent Corp, Glasgow.

During my postgraduate study, I had the opportunity to be elected and join as the academic officer at the University of Southampton Optics and Photonics Society (OPSoc) for three consecutive years from 2015 to 2018. During my time in this incorporated society with Optica and SPIE student chapters, I was awarded the 2017 SPIE Officer Travel Grant to attend the SPIE student chapter leadership workshop. In 2018, I hold the International Light Day Technical public forum and coordinated the photonics technical sessions at the first optical technical congress at the XVI Symposium of Mexican Students and Studies in the UK. I was elected as Optica senior member in 2022 and since early 2023 I have voluntarily joined the Lasers in Manufacturing Technical (FL) Group of Optica as social media officer, that has been awarded the Greatest Growth in Activity prize by the Optica Board of Meetings.