So, congratulations! With your passion for STEM, you’ve got a great start! Let’s focus on learning. Learn new skills, learn from successes and failures, learn from people around you, and learn about yourself—a career in STEM is an exciting journey that’s full of possibilities and opportunities. Keep learning and dream big!
It feels natural for me to follow my parents’ footsteps and have a career in the field of science and technology. My childhood excitement for DIY projects with my dad seems to be the early precursor to it. My inspiration started in my family, and grows with each experience and with the incredible people I’ve gotten to know throughout my education and career.
My primary responsibility is to lead my team to design and develop laser and optical solutions for our laser processing systems, and to successfully implement and transition the solutions to manufacturing environments. I work with our product team and advanced research team on near-term and long-term product roadmaps and technology development.
My biggest challenges have come with transitions such as my transition from academia to industry. I was aware of the necessary mindset shift, but I learned to navigate industry culture as I went along. My second major transition was from engineer to a management role. It was a process to adjust and shift my focus from technical details to team development and growth. I enjoyed the challenge and find it immensely rewarding to understand the true meaning of leadership.
Helen Li
Director of Engineering, Laser & Optics, MKS Instruments, Inc.
Born in China / Resides in United States
Educational Background: PhD in Optics, University of Michigan, United States
