I have always had a passion for science, but it was watching movies like Iron Man and The Hunger Games during middle school that truly sparked my interest in optical engineering: I was inspired by the idea that anyone can become a superhero by pushing the limits of science and technology. While I may not have superpowers like Iron Man or Katniss Everdeen, the endless possibilities in the optical-engineering field fill me with wonder and excitement.

In my current role as an optical-design engineer and cross-functional team leader, I work with a group to design, build, and qualify complex metrology sensors for the semiconductor industry. This leadership role has allowed me to gain a holistic understanding of our product and the complexities of managing a diverse team.

Transitioning from an engineering role to a leadership role has been both an amazing opportunity and a challenging experience. It required me to learn new management skills and gain new perspectives about the engineering process. While I still perform technical tasks, my leadership role has pushed me to see the bigger picture and find new ways to motivate my team.

One of my proudest accomplishments was leading a project that faced multiple supply-chain issues. Despite the challenges, I fostered an environment of clear communication and transparency to minimize risks and meet our product plan. As a result, we were able to deliver our integrated product in record time.

When I was younger, I doubted myself; sometimes I hesitated to apply to certain opportunities or positions because I thought I was not smart enough or lacked the skills to withstand the challenges. This is the advice I wish I was given as I was starting: imposter syndrome is a real issue, but it’s important not to let self-doubt hold you back from pursuing your goals and seizing new opportunities. You have the ability to achieve anything you set your mind to, so don’t let fear of inadequacy stop you from reaching your full potential.

While it’s true that STEM fields have been historically male dominated, we are fortunate to live in a world that is rapidly evolving toward greater diversity and gender equality in institutions and corporations. Although there may be skeptics and moments of self-doubt, remember that you can always seek support from a mentor or trusted advisor. And, most importantly, you should pay it forward and help others around you.

Cherine Ghazouani
Team Leader and Optical Design Engineer, ASML
Born in Tunisia / Resides in United States
Educational Background: BS in Laser and Optical Engineering, University of Rochester, United States