This month, we shine a dual spotlight on two exceptional volunteer leaders in photonics, Dr. Ana “Karen” Reyes and Dr. Ángeles Camacho Rosales, for their outstanding contributions to global optics education and student outreach. These two IEEE Women in Photonics initiative volunteers recently embarked on a powerful initiative: the “Light Leaders: Wavelengths and Wheels” Tour, a multi-city journey across the UK and Ireland to engage, educate, and empower the next generation of photonics leaders.
The tour followed their participation at the Education and Training in Optics and Photonics (ETOP) 2025 Conference, where Karen delivered two impactful sessions on inclusive outreach and equity in STEM and Ángeles served the conference’s organizing committee. Their sessions showcased the power of role-playing in STEM Outreach through an interactive workshop where participants embodied the experiences of members from developing regions, learning how to create outreach that is truly equitable and impactful. Their talks also addressed the structural gaps in photonics outreach, urging the community to move from intention to implementation when it comes to community engagement,
With a mission to grow student chapters and strengthen the educational pipeline into photonics, they visited five prestigious institutions on their journey, each stop a fusion of technical brilliance, community building, and leadership in action.
Photonics on the Move: Road Trip Recap
Their journey began at the historic University of Glasgow, Scotland—an institution with over 570 years of innovation. From the iconic Kelvin Building, they delivered two technical talks and two professional development workshops, inspiring students to see beyond the lab and into the broader impact of light-based technologies. “We don’t just talk about optics, we live it, share it, and plan to light the way,” said Ángeles. Their sessions reflected this ethos perfectly.
At Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, within the Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences, the pair led a workshop on “Awareness about Global Outreach Activities,” exploring how optics can bridge cultures and ignite global collaboration. The environment was one of inspiration, filled with future changemakers ready to carry the torch.
Next, they arrived at the University of Nottingham, a city steeped in scientific legacy and the perfect backdrop for a day of technical depth and historical reflection. Karen presented on interferometric characterization of materials, while Ángeles discussed specialized fiber optic technologies and their real-world applications in industry. They also led a workshop on “Professional Flexibility: Mastering Transferable Skills,” and explored the Diamond Quantum Sensing Hub, a node where light and quantum sensing converge to shape the future. Standing at the same blackboard where Einstein once lectured, they were reminded: “We walk in the footsteps of giants.”
At the University of Cambridge, joined by Dr. Kasia Komolibus, the team hosted sessions on global networks, professional development, and the benefits of IEEE and OPTICA joint-student chapters. Ángeles capped off the day with another compelling talk on specialized optical fiber solutions, reinforcing the relevance of photonics in tackling global challenges.
Their final stop brought them to the University of Southampton’s Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), returning to where fiber optics first began. This symbolic and powerful end to their journey featured a relaxed dialogue with students, discussing how participation in societies like the IEEE Photonics Society can fuel both academic success and professional growth.
About the Leaders
Dr. Ana Karen Reyes is a physicist, optical metrology expert, and postdoctoral researcher at the Universidad Tecnológica de Tulancingo in Mexico. She serves as an Associate Vice President for Multicultural Outreach for the IEEE Photonics Society and is an OPTICA Ambassador. A tireless advocate for inclusion, she has led over 30 talks globally, designing outreach for underserved communities and implementing workshops for blind and visually impaired learners.
Dr. Ángeles Camacho Rosales leads New Product Development for Optical Fibers at Coractive Inc. and earned her Ph.D. in Optoelectronics from the University of Southampton. Her leadership spans international collaborations, mentoring programs, and impactful inclusion initiatives. Twice recognized by Forbes Mexico as one of the 100 Most Influential Women in the country, she brings science to life, beyond labs, across borders.
Both Karen and Ángeles make great volunteer leaders because they combine deep technical expertise with an unwavering passion for community impact and mentorship. They don’t just share knowledge, they ignite curiosity, encourage collaboration, and empower others to find their place in the global photonics community. Their ability to connect with students, adapt to multidisciplinary environments, and lead meaningful conversations about both science and professional development shows a rare blend of authenticity, empathy, and vision. They lead by example, showing that leadership in STEM isn’t just about advancing research, being role models for others to gain inspiration from.
In Their Words
“This journey reminded us why we do what we do: to bring science closer, open doors, and keep light moving forward.”
