Caroline Boudoux - 2018 SPIE Women in Optics Planner
Associate Professor of Engineering, École Polytechnique Montréal
Cofounder, Castor Optics Inc., Canada
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Country of Birth: Canada
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My parents inspired me to pursue science and engineering. Now, at the École Polytechnique Montréal, I lead a team of both undergraduate and graduate students, research associates, and technicians that develops medical imaging systems based on optics and photonics. At Castor Optics, I participate in the commercialization of a technology – the double-clad fiber coupler – that was invented at the École Polytechnique Montréal.
Being easily intimidated by people who I feel are more talented than I am is my biggest challenge – and that includes quite a lot of people! What I know now is that most genuinely talented people want to help, share their knowledge and their knowhow. I realized that if I find the courage to ask questions, most of the time I gain useful advice, and sometimes a new friend, even a mentor.
I had incredible mentors from the start, which was more fortuitous rather than planned. I met my mentors over time through classes, internships, and informal discussions at local and international conferences. While I can't take credit for having looked for mentors, I can take credit for initiating conversations, stepping out of my comfort zone, one question at a time.
Find a project, a cause, you're passionate about. Then learn the required skills. Until you find that project, that cause, learn as many skills as you can.