#WeAreOSA

This #WeAreOSA podcast explores diversity, visibility, and intersectionality through the unique perspectives of three OSA members – Timothy Imogore, Klaus Jaeger, and Sile Nic Chormaic. They seek to reinforce the importance of inclusion as part of their career journey and their optics community.  Sile, Timothy, and Klaus’ stories come at a critical moment in time, amid OSA and the scientific community making concerted efforts to address exclusion and work towards inclusivity. Although each has each had times when they felt alone, isolated, or excluded, these OSA members can envision how differences can be highlighted and embraced and how that will make the field of optics and photonics stronger and more welcoming. 

This episode offers a glimpse into the unique rapport between a mentor and mentee with first-hand stories from two OSA members – Chris Dainty, 2011 OSA President, and Arlene Smith, 2020 OSA Board of Directors. Their narrative explores how a mentor-mentee relationship can lead to a long-lasting friendship.

OSA’s Ambassadors are emerging leaders in the optics and photonics community with some fascinating stories. Four ambassadors – Amol Choudhary, Chad Husko, Gabrielle Thomas and Mengjie Yu – talk to Megan Nadolski about their journey in optics so far, what it’s like to be part of the global OSA community, and how they feel about being a role model for others. They also share how being part of this community advances their careers. Hear their passion for sharing experiences and perspectives with students and other early career professionals -- inspiring the next generation of leaders, providing career advice and highlighting the importance of imparting their technical knowledge and mentoring young people.