From a young age, I’ve been curious about how things work. Inspired by my late father’s love for STEM and my mother’s dedication for teaching, I pursued a path in STEM education, and I feel blessed that I had female leaders in the community who inspired me. I was introduced to the fascinating world of magneto-optics by Dr. Muhammad Sabieh Anwar, who instilled in me that learning is not just the science, but also the importance of community engagement and educational outreach.

I work in quantum optics with a particular focus on using quantum weak values to study ultra-small magneto-optic and spintronic effects. This work includes synthesis of nanostructures and developing novel optical detection techniques to reach ultra-high accuracies in order to observe light-matter interactions that are smaller than the scope of current optical equipment. I also serve as a safety officer, supervise undergraduate theses, and train new research assistants and interns.

An integral part of my journey involves organizing laser and optics outreach activities for underprivileged communities through various platforms. As the first female president of the SPIE Student Chapter at Lahore University of Management Sciences under the mentorship of chapter advisor Dr. Muhammad Faryad, I organized seminars, promoted women’s inclusion, and facilitated equipment-building workshops.

The biggest obstacle has been finding the right balance. Being a woman in STEM can be overwhelming; unlike our peers, we at times feel added pressure to repetitively prove our position and commitment. Finding a work-life balance is achievable with discipline, consistency, and choosing a wise spouse, though it all may take time.

Join professional bodies — like SPIE — at early stages and participate in their programs; that brings inspiration and opens doors to opportunities. Embrace your unique perspective and lift others as you climb. Remember to push and pull! Surround yourself with supportive friends, family, and peers who push your aspirations forward, while seeking out mentors who are eager to pull you to new heights.

As the first woman in my immediate and extended families to soon achieve a doctorate in sciences, I aspire to inspire others to break barriers in their communities.

Wardah Mahmood
PhD Student, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering at Lahore University of Management Science
Born in Pakistan / Resides in Pakistan
Educational Background: BS Honor (Campus Gold Medalist) in Physics from COMSATS University Islamabad, Pakistan; M.Phil in Physics from Quaid-i-Azam University, Pakistan