Spark Photonics Foundation

???From Game Development to Photonics????? ? Meet Aeon Williams, Software Application Engineer at Spark Photonics!?? ? Aeon’s journey into STEM began with her love of programming and the creativity of game development. Educational opportunities at local schools and universities introduced her to problem-solving and innovation, sparking her curiosity and driving her passion for technology.?? ? Aeon’s career started in game development but soon expanded into data science and software engineering as she explored new work environments and project structures. It wasn’t until she joined Spark Photonics that she discovered the exciting field of photonics—a perfect blend of challenge and innovation that has kept her inspired ever since.?? ? Her advice for aspiring STEM professionals? “Pursue things that you find interesting and feel passionate about! There are so many different fields and opportunities in STEM, so don't be afraid to explore and find what you love."?? ? #WomenInSTEM #SPFstem #NationalCareerDevelopmentMonth ?#STEMJourney #PhotonicsCareers #SoftwareEngineering #Innovation #FutureOfSTEM

???From Physics Questions to Photonics Design: Cooper's STEM Pathway??? ? Meet Cooper Hurley, Photonics Design Engineer at Spark Photonics! Cooper’s journey into STEM began with an insatiable curiosity for science and math, nurtured by passionate teachers. His high school physics teacher, Dr. Clyfe Beckwith, played a pivotal role, encouraging Cooper to explore engineering after fielding countless challenging questions during class. ? Cooper’s career and education path have evolved over time. After starting a Ph.D. in photonics, he decided to leave the program to explore LED lighting design—a more artistic yet physics-driven field. This detour gave him fresh insights and an appreciation for the diversity of applications in the semiconductor industry. Ultimately, Cooper completed his master’s degree and returned to photonics with a renewed perspective. ? His advice for aspiring STEM professionals? “Take initiative, be curious, and ask questions!” ? #SPFstem #PhotonicsDesign #SemiconductorCareers #NationalCareerDevelopmentMonth

?? From Music to Photonics: Eliezer's STEM Journey ?? Meet Eliezer Shahid, Photonics Layout Engineer at Spark Photonics! Eliezer’s passion for STEM grew out of his love of music. Fascinated by how guitarists craft unique tones with effects pedals, he dove into electronics in high school. With the guidance of a teacher, Eliezer built his own guitar pedal—a hands-on project that ignited his curiosity about the science behind sound and technology. While studying Electrical Engineering at the University of Delaware, a college internship introduced Eliezer to the fascinating field of photonics. That experience inspired him to pursue a career where innovation and technology intersect. Eliezer’s advice for aspiring STEM professionals? “Don’t give up after your first failure. Whether it’s a project, exam, or startup, continue persevering." #SPFstem #PhotonicsCareers #MusicAndTech #NationalCareerDevelopmentMonth #InnovationInSTEM?#FutureOfSTEM

???From Remote Control Cars to Photonics Engineering??? ? Meet?Sean Nelan, Photonics Engineering Lead at Spark Photonics!?Sean's love for building and improving remote-controlled cars and planes from a young age naturally led him to the world of real cars. This passion drove him to seek out the?Formula Society of Automotive Engineers (FSAE)?at the University of Delaware, where he joined the collegiate race car team. Although Sean had always planned to pursue mechanical engineering, his curiosity led him to enroll in the electrical engineering program, seeking out the "exciting unknown." ? During his Ph.D. program, Sean sharpened his research and communication skills, learning how to effectively share his work with the scientific community. It was in grad school that he discovered the dynamic field of?photonics—a field where innovation and technology merge to create exciting possibilities. ? Sean’s advice for anyone entering STEM? Stay flexible. Interests and skills evolve, but pursuing something you’re passionate about is the key to success. ? #SPFstem #PhotonicsEngineering #NationalCareerDevelopmentMonth #Innovation #STEMJourney #PhotonicsCareers

?? Shaping the Future Semiconductor Workforce ??? Are you preparing a CHIPS NAPMP proposal? Consider partnering with the Spark Photonics Foundation! Our Education and Workforce Development (EWD) programs—SparkAlpha Explore, SparkBeta, and SparkGamma—are designed to engage K-12 and college students with semiconductors and photonics. Our programs align closely with key aspects of the NAPMP NOFO, including: ?Collaborating with K-12 institutions and strengthening pathways for future workforce in manufacturing, design, research, and packaging ?Focusing on outreach to underserved and underrepresented populations ?Building strategic partnerships with higher educational institutions and industry employers ?Leveraging the use of other government and private funding Our programming includes the following: ?? SparkAlpha Explore: Engages students with project-based learning around semiconductors and photonics.? ?? SparkBeta: Introduces students to Python coding and the role of code-based chip design in semiconductor manufacturing. ?? SparkGamma: Educates students on how chips are designed and fabricated, culminating in a real chip layout using commercial software.?? Already scaling with existing state and federal (DoD) grants, our programs are ready to expand further in response to the NAPMP NOFO. Reach out to us if you would like to consider these programs for your concept paper and full proposal! #CHIPSAct #Semiconductors #Packaging #Photonics #WorkforceDevelopment #EWD #STEMEducation #SPFstem

Congratulations to Mrs. Townley's STEAM classes for successfully presenting their photonics-based sensing devices in their final pitch! ?? Your creativity and hard work in tackling real-world problems through photonics innovation are truly inspiring. This is exactly the kind of hands-on learning that prepares future STEM leaders to make an impact in advanced technology fields. We’re proud to see students embracing the challenge and showcasing their ideas. Keep up the amazing work—you’re lighting the way for the next generation of innovators! ???? #SPFstem #IntegratedPhotonics #STEMEducation #Innovation #SparkAlphaExplore

Careers aren’t what they used to be! Over the years, career mindsets have evolved, opening new doors for people of all backgrounds. Want to see how things have changed? Check out our graphic for a side-by-side look at the shifts in career thinking: ?? Old Mindset: 'You need a degree for a good job.'?? ?? New Mindset: 'Skills and hands-on experience often matter more than a formal education.' ?? Old Mindset: 'Pick a career and stick with it for life.'?? ?? New Mindset: 'Careers are evolving journeys.' ?? Old Mindset: 'Learning stops after school.'?? ?? New Mindset: 'Lifelong learning is essential.' These shifts reflect the importance of skills, flexibility, and continuous learning in industries like photonics and semiconductors. Dive into the graphics to see more mindset changes and discover how these new perspectives can help you build a fulfilling career that suits your unique talents! ?? #CareerDevelopmentMonth #FutureOfWork #SkillsMatter #CareerMindset

The Spark Photonics Foundation is proud to collaborate with PSU CSATS and other leading organizations to open up high-growth career pathways in semiconductors, photonics, smart manufacturing, and beyond. By working together, we can offer K-12 and CTE leaders fresh insights into these rapidly evolving fields, helping students gain access to exciting STEM careers that are shaping our future. Thank you to all partners, including the Pennsylvania Department of Education and PA Department Of Labor & Industry, for supporting this critical push for Workforce Development and authentic STEM opportunities across PA. #SPFstem #CareerReady #Semiconductors #Photonics #SmartManufacturing #STEM #WorkforceDevelopment

???? Today, we pause to honor and remember the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of our veterans. Thank you to all who have served and continue to serve, protecting our freedoms and inspiring us with your resilience. Your commitment is deeply appreciated, and we’re grateful for the sacrifices you and your families have made. Let’s take a moment to recognize and thank our heroes, today and every day. #VeteransDay #HonoringOurHeroes #ThankYouVeterans #DoDSTEM

Why start career exploration early? Experts from a 2017 Institute for the Future workshop estimated that nearly 85% of the jobs today’s students will hold by 2030 haven’t even been invented yet—surpassing earlier predictions that 65% of grade-school kids from 1999 would end up in careers that didn’t exist at the time. ?? Whether either forecast comes to fruition, one thing is clear: the workforce of 2030 will need new ways to learn and develop essential skills. Early exposure to fields like photonics and semiconductors can help young students build adaptable, future-ready skills. ??? Explore resources, workshops, and programs that introduce young minds to photonics and tech and inspire them to embrace the incredible potential ahead. #FutureEngineers #CareerExploration #STEMEducation #PhotonicsFuture #InspireYouth #SPFstem