Curiosity about fundamental science and the intention of benefiting human beings with technology inspired me to work in photonics, where fundamental science and real-world applications are closely connected.
I currently contribute to the hardware development of augmented reality. Specifically, I work on the photonic design of the waveguide combiner for the near-eye display.
My study opened new possibilities in the interdisciplinary area of nanophotonics and free electrons. I did my PhD thesis on dielectric laser accelerators (DLAs), which utilize dielectric nanostructures to modulate laser pulses to accelerate electron beams. The goal is to build an efficient and compact particle accelerator on a chip. With a high acceleration gradient and a compact size, DLAs have a wide range of applications in scientific research, industry, and medical diagnosis and treatment.
The biggest obstacle that I have faced is lack of confidence. It took me a long time to overcome this obstacle, and it is a life-long journey to keep cultivating and solidifying my self-confidence. It’s important to care for your mental as well as physical health; to step outside your comfort zone; and to continue to build your knowledge and competence.
It is also important to have a long-term goal in career development. It can guide you in making career choices. On the other hand, it is equally important to keep in mind that life is never a straight line. Be open-minded about things that you are passionate about, things that may diversify your experiences and leverage your uniqueness.
I wish someone had told me to allow myself to take bigger steps earlier on. When I started exploring a new field, I concentrated too much energy into building the technical foundations, rather than understanding the high-level principles. Thus, the mindset of taking small and solid steps sometimes delayed my progress of achieving an ambitious goal or exploring a new field quickly. I found that, in taking bigger steps, I learned much faster and developed a broader range of skills. Give yourself the chance to take on such challenges — it helps you move towards your long-term goal faster.
The path towards a successful career can vary from person to person. With the awareness and appreciation of your uniqueness, you may have more confidence in exploring your path towards your career goals. To those interested in STEM, I’d say keep your enthusiasm and persistence: you will enjoy yourself and shine in your field.
Zhexin Zhao
Research Scientist, Reality Labs Research, Meta
Born in China / Resides in China and United States
Educational Background: BS in Electronic Engineering, Tsinghua University, China; MS and PhD in Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, United States
