Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Optics and Photonics: Evidence and Opportunities

Workshop Description:
Have you ever found yourself in a room and thought to yourself, "I don't belong here?" Or felt like a fraud about to be uncovered? Do you feel an extra burden to prove yourself because of your race, gender, or any other marginalized identity? If your answer is yes, then you are not alone. You might be experiencing Impostor Syndrome. Impostor Syndrome is a psychological phenomenon that affects people of all backgrounds, but it is especially common among those who are underrepresented in fields like optics and photonics. This interactive workshop will help you recognize, understand, and combat Impostor Syndrome.

Learning Objectives:
1. Identify signs and symptoms of Imposter Syndrome.
2 Understand the harmful impact of imposter syndrome on behavior and job-related outcomes.
3. Apply strategies for combating imposter syndrome and building confidence

Facilitator: Joseph M. Williams Ph.D.


Joseph Williams is a Full Professor of Education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Prior to joining the UNC School of Education in 2023, Dr. Williams served as an Associate Professor at the University of Virginia. He also held the position of Faculty Research Director for the UVA Equity Center’s Starr Hill Pathways (SHP), a year-round college and career readiness program for Charlottesville youth in grades 7-12 from historically marginalized communities. He earned his Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision from the University of Iowa and his M.S. in Mental Health Counseling from Minnesota State University. Dr. Williams' professional interest include multicultural and social justice training practices for counselors, educators, and helping professionals. In addition to publishing scholarly articles and book chapters in these areas, he offers consultation and professional development services to school districts, communities, associations, and corporations to improve diversity, inclusion, and equity efforts and engage people in productive dialogue and action.