That “time is relative” is a concept determined by Einstein as part of his theory of relativity. The theory indicates that “the rate at which time passes depends on your frame of reference.”
If you convert this physics concept into social terms, you get: “Time flies when you are having fun.”
Many can vouch for both sides of time and that certainly includes me when I consider my year as SPIE President. Nine months have flown by since I started my journey.
It has been a productive time of engaging SPIE meetings, especially in disciplines that are not my own, meeting students and colleagues from around the world, and connecting with future leaders of SPIE and of optics and photonics generally.
My goals were focused on leadership development, mentoring, and workforce development while maintaining my work in building a diverse and inclusive SPIE community. All are long term activities that will need continued shepherding.
The international nature of SPIE brings with it unique challenges depending on where you are in the world. For example, defining equity, diversity, and inclusion and the strategies needed to make change happen varies depending on whether you are in Australia, India, France, or the United States.
When I look at a conference in one part of the world and see an all-male organizing committee with little thought to including female members, I see a clear need to work with that community to build equity.
Unfortunately, this is not unique to one part of the world but is a global occurrence that persists even today. SPIE has been working diligently over the past six years to move away from such bias. We need to continue to collectively change the culture that leads to such bias in science and technology.
I want to encourage SPIE Members to give back to the SPIE community by mentoring early career professionals (peer-to-peer mentoring is just as important), engaging in SPIE governance, and developing a program of workforce development. Students and young professionals need to know that the future in optics and photonics is an exciting and inclusive place. I will again ask you to reach out to me, or to any SPIE officers, or staff and we can find ways for you to engage.
My last three months as SPIE President will take me to the UK, Japan, India, and Australia. So, yes, I plan to end my term in the same way I began—by connecting with the global SPIE community. But do remember that time does not stop come 31 December. I will continue as Immediate Past President and be present at many SPIE events moving forward.
I will repeat what I said in my first letter: If you see me, stop by and say hello and let’s take a selfie together. These are memories that will last me a lifetime and remind me of why I am here—connecting minds.
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Anita Mahadevan-Jansen 2022 SPIE President |
