In the latest installment of Journeys in Optics, OPN spoke with Winnie N. Ye, a professor in the department of electronics, Carleton University, Canada. She recently won the Robert E. Hopkins Leadership Award for “her leadership in organizing international conferences, promoting diversity, and mentoring the next generation of photonics professionals and leaders.” Ye discusses the importance of diversity, collaboration and mentorship in research and academics as well as the challenges she faced during her career.

What inspired you to specialize in silicon photonics?

My fascination began when I realized that the silicon platform, the foundation of modern electronics, could also be used for photonics. The idea that we could use the mature CMOS manufacturing infrastructure to create photonic devices opened up incredible opportunities for scalability, integration and cost-effectiveness. Silicon photonics felt like the perfect intersection of fundamental physics, engineering innovation and real-world impact.

What were some of the pivotal moments or challenges you’ve faced during your academic career?

One pivotal moment was transitioning from an early-career researcher to leading my own research group. It required not only scientific vision but also mentorship and strategic planning. A major challenge has been balancing the pursuit of high-impact research with the responsibilities of leadership and service.

Another deeply personal challenge was navigating motherhood while maintaining an active academic career. Balancing the demands of parenting with research, teaching and leadership required resilience, adaptability and a strong support system. It taught me the importance of setting boundaries, prioritizing effectively and advocating for more inclusive academic environments that support caregivers.

These experiences have shaped my approach to mentorship and leadership, reinforcing the value of empathy, flexibility and community in academia.

You received the Robert E. Hopkins Leadership Award in part for promoting diversity—why is diversity important in research and academia?

Diversity enriches research by bringing varied perspectives, experiences and problem-solving approaches. In academia, it fosters innovation and ensures that scientific inquiry reflects the needs and values of a broader society. Promoting diversity also means creating inclusive environments where all individuals feel empowered to contribute and thrive, which is essential for excellence in research and education.

How do you approach interdisciplinary collaboration, and what advantages has it brought to your research?

I approach interdisciplinary collaboration with openness and curiosity. It starts with identifying shared goals and building mutual respect across disciplines. Collaborating with experts in materials science, electrical engineering, physics and computer science has expanded the scope of my research and led to breakthroughs that wouldn’t have been possible within a single domain. These partnerships have also enriched student training and opened new avenues for funding and impact.

Balancing the demands of parenting with research, teaching and leadership required resilience, adaptability and a strong support system.

How do you balance your research with leadership and advocacy in the photonics community?

I see them as complementary rather than competing roles, but balancing research and leadership does require intentional time management and a clear sense of purpose.

Leadership gives me a broader view of the field, helping me identify where my research can have the most impact. Advocacy ensures that we’re building a thriving, inclusive community for future scientists, which ultimately benefits the research ecosystem.

I prioritize activities that align with my values, whether it’s mentoring students, shaping research agendas or advocating for STEM. I also rely on a strong support network and delegate effectively within my team.

In your roles with Optica and IEEE, you’ve contributed significantly to shaping international discourse. What are the key challenges and opportunities you see for the future of photonics on a global scale?

One key challenge is ensuring equitable access to photonics education and infrastructure globally. Bridging the gap between high-resource and low-resource regions is essential for inclusive innovation.

On the opportunity side, photonics has a strong potential to play a central role in quantum technologies, AI, communication, computing and sustainable energy. Global collaboration presents tremendous opportunities in sharing expertise and infrastructure.

Diversity enriches research by bringing varied perspectives, experiences and problem-solving approaches.

What part has mentorship played in your success, and why do you think mentorship is important in academics and research?

Mentorship has been one of the most important factors in my career. My mentors not only guided me scientifically but also gave me confidence to pursue leadership roles. In turn, I view mentorship as a responsibility to the next generation—helping students and young researchers see their own potential, navigate challenges and find their voice in the scientific community. To me, mentorship is a long-term investment in people and in the future of science and engineering.

What advice would you give to early-career researchers who aspire to leadership roles in STEM fields?

Be proactive in seeking opportunities, even those that feel slightly beyond your comfort zone. Leadership is learned through experience—by contributing, listening and building trust. Start with small leadership roles to build confidence and visibility. Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you, and don’t be afraid to advocate for your ideas. Lead with integrity and empathy. Most importantly, remember that leadership is about service, which means enabling others to succeed and creating a community where everyone can thrive.