When starting my bachelor’s degree, my goal was to use my love for physics to contribute as a medical physicist. While looking for an internship as a second-year engineering student, I met Professor Caroline Boudoux. It was the first time I had ever met a professor of engineering physics — and a biophotonics enthusiast — to whom I could personally relate.

I realized that the ambition I had set for myself could go much further! I started my biophotonics research in Caroline’s lab, while continuing to pursue a PhD in biomedical engineering through a collaboration between Polytechnique Montreal and the Wellman Center for Photomedicine in Boston.

I am now the director of business development at Castor Optics, a company developing and manufacturing fiber optics components. Because it is a small company, my responsibilities are vast and varied: I am responsible for the development and implementation of our business plan, management, and planning of our R&D programs, as well as the commercial and business strategy development.

I believe my greatest accomplishment is yet to come. The first year I joined Castor Optics, along with the team, we increased our sales by more than 40 percent by releasing new products and providing new customers with innovative and dedicated fiber optics solutions. I am now working with my colleagues to build a company based on three main pillars: innovation, valorization, and fulfillment. Not only are we working to provide our customers with innovative technologies that are fresh out of academic laboratories, but we are also providing our employees with a work environment that is stimulating, respectful, and where they can blossom as professionals.

The biggest challenge in my career has always been myself. I have taken a couple of leaps so far in my career and received tremendous support from my peers and family. Only my doubts about my capabilities have slowed me down. Fortunately, I have great mentors and an extremely supportive partner. Now aware of my self-doubting, I surround myself with an extremely competent team and do not hesitate to reach for additional training or resources.

Believe in yourself, and you are not alone. Graduate studies specifically can feel extremely isolating. Do not hesitate to rely on colleagues for support: get involved in professional organizations to meet peers, and reach out to mentors to help you gain a broader perspective.

Kathy Beaudette
Business Development Director, Castor Optics Inc
Born in Canada / Resides in Canada
Educational Background: Bachelor of Engineering Physics, MASc, and PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, Canada