Kenneth Kin-Yip Wong
University of Hong Kong, Hong KongFor contributions in ultrafast imaging and photonic signal processing, and service to the optics community.
The words “Let there be light” represent many different things to people. For Kenneth Kin-Yip Wong, the words begin his personal motto: “Let there be light, and let us get that right.” This sentiment dates back to when he started his graduate studies. At that time, he related it to his work in optical communications and how to get the light and detect it, and now it translates to his current work in imaging. Another facet of the saying relates to his passion for inspiring the next generation of scientists. He also emphasizes the importance of translational work and communicating your research to society. These many layers are conveyed in such a short motto, so long as you keep an open mind.
Kenneth’s journey into optics was somewhat unique. For the final year project in his undergraduate studies, Kenneth selected a professor who pushed him in his earlier years of training and worked in wireless communication as his project supervisor. He found the professor’s high expectations stimulating and wanted to continue working with the professor more closely. Unfortunately, that professor left for a sabbatical during Kenneth’s final year, leaving the budding scientist with few options. He selected a different professor in a related field, fiber optics. While at the time this seemed like a major disruption in his training, without this opportunity, he might not have transitioned into optics and photonics, which has proven to be a wonderful and fulfilling area for Kenneth throughout his career.
After finishing his undergraduate studies in Australia at the University of Queensland, Kenneth moved to the United States to attend Stanford University for a master’s degree. He later worked at Hewlett-Packard (HP) Labs as a research engineer. He shares that these two early experiences opened his eyes to a wider view of optics and photonics. He also appreciates that he didn’t have to choose a specific field early on by going directly into a PhD. He admired the dedication of the engineers at HP and was inspired to continue his studies with a clearer idea of what he wanted to study.
Thanks to these early experiences, Kenneth developed a knack for identifying how different research areas can work together to enhance one another. In his recent work in ultrafast imaging, he uses his expertise from fiber lasers and the parametric process to inform and expand his new area. He finds that many of the parameters sought in communications, like high speed and wide bandwidth, are similar to what is needed in ultrafast imaging. He shares that this path isn’t what he planned, but the connections he’s drawn between all of his research lines have provided a rich and creative career.
One of the main ways Kenneth can draw these connections is through attending conferences, and he encourages his own students to do so as well. The face-to-face interactions that are finally starting to resume at most conferences are an imperative part of establishing yourself as a scientist and a big factor in your continued success and creativity. He shares, “You have to master your own area first, but you also have to keep your eyes open to a wider perspective and know what’s going on in other research areas. I really like to engage in the community, talking to and learning from others.” One of his favorite parts of this opportunity is returning home and discussing with his group, where each student shares something they learned at the conference. This continues and expands the learning opportunity for everyone. Kenneth’s favorite conference? CLEO! He shares that CLEO was his first conference in 2000, and he continues to enjoy attending CLEO, CLEO Pac Rim, and CLEO Europe.
When Kenneth isn’t working, he enjoys spending his time skiing and snowboarding. He discovered his love of these sports when he was living in the United States, and while he doesn’t get to take weekend trips to the mountains as easily today, he still makes the journey when the opportunity arises. He comments that the experience of learning to snowboard is similar to the journey of research, which is perhaps why he finds the hobby so intriguing. He shares, “It's inevitable to fall, and you simply have to stand up, brush away the snow, and continue your journey.”
Photo Credit: Kenenth Wong
Profile written by Samantha Hornback
