Young Minds in Photonics – From Concept to Bio-Applications

Dr. Monika Janik completed her studies (BSc and MSc) at the Faculty of Chemistry at Wrocław University of Science and Technology, specializing in Biotechnology. She continued her education at the Université du Québec en Outaouais (Canada). In June 2019, she received her Ph.D. with distinction, specializing in photonics. Currently, she works as an assistant professor at Warsaw University of Technology. Her research combines biotechnological and photonic expertise, primarily focusing on developing biosensing technologies. She actively promotes interdisciplinary activities and, as a part of the Polish Young Academy, PAS, supports students in their scientific careers, offering mentoring and guidance on academic career opportunities and work at the university.

Dr. Lesly Jimenez, Assistant Professor at AGH University of Krakow, holds a PhD in Nanoscience and Nanomaterials from Cinvestav in Mexico. Her research focuses on lanthanide-based photoluminescent materials with upconversion capabilities for biomedical applications, particularly as nanotransducers in optogenetics to modulate neuronal activity. Her interest in neural stimulation began with research on magnetic hyperthermia to evoke hippocampal neuron activity, conducted at the University of Texas at San Antonio through the prestigious ConTex Postdoctoral Fellowship. She later advanced wireless optogenetics technologies at AGH University under two Long-Term Visit for Excellent Scientists grants. Dr. Jimenez has collaborated with leading groups in Mexico, the U.S., Italy, Canada, and Poland, building expertise in magnetic and photoluminescent nanomaterials. Her innovative work pushes the boundaries of nanotechnology in neuroscience and biomedicine.

Eslin Ustun is a Ph.D. candidate in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Ottawa, with a strong background in bioengineering. Her research focuses on neuronal communication using optogenetic techniques, combining biology and engineering to explore innovative approaches in neuroscience. She also serves as a lecturer at St. Lawrence College, teaching in the Computer Programming program and inspiring the next generation of tech professionals. In addition to her academic and teaching roles, Eslin is an active leader in the tech community. She is an event organizer with the Google Developer Group and the Optica Optoelectronics Technical Group, fostering collaboration and innovation in these fields. As a Women Techmakers Ambassador with Google, she advocates for diversity and inclusion in technology, mentoring and empowering women in STEM.