News: Optoelectronics
5 October 2022
Vector Photonics’ design engineer O’Dowd short-listed for TechWomen100 awards
Photonic-crystal surface-emitting laser (PCSEL) firm Vector Photonics Ltd of Glasgow, Scotland, UK says that design engineer Anna O’Dowd has been short-listed for the TechWomen100 awards, a WeAreTechWomen initiative helping to raise the profile of women in technology.
Picture: Vector Photonics’ design engineer Anna O’Dowd.
WeAreTechWomen aims to increase the number of women in tech; support companies wishing to attract, retain and develop female talent; upskill and enhance womens’ careers; encourage girls into STEM; and share effective initiatives that build awareness of successful women in technology careers.
At Vector Photonics O’Dowd has built a design simulation package for the company’s all-semiconductor, PCSEL devices that allows multiple elements of a PCSEL to be designed simultaneously, accelerating commercialization of the technology into data-center and co-located optics markets.
“It’s a privilege to work in Vector Photonics on PCSELs, a new class of laser. It is exciting to be involved from the beginning, making me one of the first women in the sector,” says O’Dowd. “I am passionate about science and technology and see these awards as my chance to role model, influence and mentor other women,” she adds. “Vector Photonics has supported OUP (Opening up Photonics) since the beginning, which champions inclusivity, accessibility and diversity, and we have staff on its steering committee. The TechWomen100 awards align with that agenda.”
O’Dowd has a first-class degree in Physics with Particle Physics and Cosmology, from Lancaster University, where she was amongst the top students, course representative and Physics ambassador. She went on to do an MSc in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology at the University of Glasgow – graduating top in her class. She is a member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) and is currently working towards chartered engineer status.
Vector Photonics appoints Anna O’Dowd as design engineer
