Carolyn MacDonald

Who or what inspired your career choice? My father was very influential in encouraging me to study mathematics at an early age.

What is exciting about your work? I enjoy working with research students. Our research is intellectually stimulating and also has the potential to improve diagnostic techniques to detect cancer.

Knowing what you know now, what educational route would you recommend for aspiring optical scientists? Keep your options open. Take a broad spectrum of courses in basic physics, in electronics, programming, biology, and other fields that will help you understand possible applications and branch out in your career.