My undergraduate advisor taught optics and feminism: We read and discussed biographies of Marie Curie, helping me to develop a perspective on women’s progress in science over the last century. My advisor’s inspiration drives me to make a difference, both in my career and by advocating for greater opportunities and representation for women in science.
I am a project manager and optical lead for astronomical instrumentation that supports international observatories, including the Thirty Meter Telescopes' (TMT) NFIRAOS and Gemini’s GIRMOS imager. I lead multidisciplinary teams through various phases of design and construction, working with stakeholders to negotiate funding and schedule expectations.
Managing large, diverse teams can be challenging; I have found that fostering collaboration and accountability is key. Requiring researchers to document their work, and regularly review each other’s allows them to focus on problems together.
As an optical engineer with expertise in adaptive optics and imaging, I design, build, and test optical systems. In adaptive-optics systems like NFIRAOS, we build the equivalent of corrective glasses for the telescope, which accounts for atmospheric distortion. With imaging systems, such as the Gemini GIRMOS imager, we take pictures that astronomers use to study things like galaxy formation.
A key requirement of NFIRAOS is an ability to measure the exact positions of stars in the sky which requires nearly zero image distortion. In a review of multiple designs by industry experts, I presented a novel optical configuration that used two pairs of paraboloid mirrors to cancel both aberrations and distortion. I was thrilled to have my design selected by TMT’s panel of experts and incorporated into the system.
My advice to young women considering a career in STEM is to take the time to explore your passions and interests. When you recognize what fuels your curiosity, don’t hesitate to pursue it. The barriers that once existed for women in STEM are gradually diminishing. Have confidence in your abilities. You belong in the field just as much as anyone else, and your contributions are valuable.
I am passionate about developing cutting-edge instrumentation that not only contributes to our understanding of the Universe but also stands the test of time. Our group has built instruments that have been productive for over 20 years; I hope the instruments I build will have a similar impact. By developing innovative instruments, we empower current
and future generations of scientists to ask new questions, challenge existing theories, and uncover groundbreaking discoveries.
Jenny Atwood
Optical Sciences Team Lead, Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada
Born in United States / Resides in Canada
Educational Background: BA in Physics, Colorado College, United States; MS in Optics, University of Rochester, United States
