Together we are fueled by curiosity and a desire to make a difference in the world, and our 2024 group of women in optics — now featured in a brand-new notebook format — is no different. We have followed diverse pathways to contribute to science and society in meaningful ways.
Each individual story is unique, but there are strong themes that bind these powerful experiences together. These engineers, researchers, and industry leaders share personal tales of finding joy and success in their work, addressing self-doubt, requesting assistance when needed, and learning from failure along the way.
Most importantly, they emphasize the role we all play in furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM. These reflections remind us that we can all serve as supporters, allies, advocates, and mentors to others embarking on similar journeys.
As you enjoy these inspiring autobiographies and the wonderfully designed pages of this year’s notebook, please ask yourself: what can I do to empower those who will follow in these women’s footsteps?
Olivia Fehlberg
Design Engineer, Edmund Optics, Inc.
SPIE Senior Member
Chair, SPIE Early Career and Student Sub-Committee
Full Professor, Chairperson
Group Leader
Business Development Director
Research Fellow
Optical Engineer
Technical Program Manager
Junior Leader (Assistant Researcher)
Staff Application Engineer
Applications Engineer
Program Manager
Professor, Research Director
Owner, Managing Director
Team Leader and Optical Design Engineer
Director of Marketing and Business Development
Vice President of Engineering Research
Head of Marketing
Professor of Astronomy, Founding Director, Artist
PhD Research Scholar
Research Fellow
Global Sales Director
Executive Director
Product Manager
Professor
Associate Professor
Assistant Professor
Senior Research Scientist
Postdoctoral Researcher
Postdoctoral/Academic Research Fellow
PhD Candidate
Assistant Professor
Research Scientist
Nominations for the 2025 notebook closed on 29 February 2024. The nomination form for the 2026 edition will open in August 2025.
