From the earliest days of Ocean Optics women have made significant contributions to our company’s engineering and technology efforts. Women representing a cross-section of engineering disciplines and backgrounds have helped to create a richer, more diverse company culture, adding different perspectives and boosting our businesses.
In Their Own Words
As we celebrate International Women in Engineering Day 2026, we asked our engineering colleagues to share words of wisdom what would they tell their younger self based on everything you’ve learned along the way, and who inspired them to pursue careers in engineering.
Here are their answers:
For some, that journey begins with inspiration close to home. As Diana shared, her path started with her mother, an astronaut trainer at NASA, and the early exposure to science, space research, and the people behind it. Those experiences fueled her curiosity and showed how engineering and science come together to solve meaningful problems, and how representation can open the door to possibility.
Diana Laboy-Rush
Product Manager
My path to engineering began with my mother, a biologist and astronaut trainer at NASA.
Growing up, I had a front-row seat to science and space exploration.Those experiences sparked my curiosity and showed me how science and engineering work together to answer important questions and improve lives.
For others, engineering is driven by purpose and impact. Sophia describes it as “a gateway to innovation and discovery… where research is transformed into real world solutions with meaningful impact.” Her motivation extends beyond her own success. She’s inspired to help shape a future where more women feel empowered to pursue and thrive in STEM, supported by mentors and role models who make that path more visible and attainable.
Sophia Adams
Engineering Intern
Engineering represents a gateway to innovation and discovery, where research is transformed into real world solutions.
I’m motivated not only to succeed, but to inspire future generations of women to pursue engineering without being discouraged.
Our voices are not only valid, but essential in shaping the future of technology.
And along the way, the journey is strengthened by community. Samantha reminds us: “Remember, you’re part of a team that supports each other and works towards shared goals, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.” That spirit of collaboration is part of what makes innovation possible.
Samantha Jacobson
Sr. Electrical Engineer
Remember, you’re part of a team that supports each other and works towards shared goals, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.
I would not be where I am today if it were not for the support and encouragement I received from my parents, friends, teachers, and professors. I have always had an engineering mentality, taking everything imaginable apart, analyzing it, and putting it back together.
Together, their stories reflect what we see every day. Women contributing across disciplines, advancing optical technology, and solving real-world measurement challenges across industries.
Their work reminds us that innovation is strongest when it’s built on diverse perspectives, curiosity, and collaboration.
To the women in engineering at Ocean Optics and around the world: thank you for the impact you make, the problems you solve, and the future you’re helping to build.
And to those considering a path in engineering—there is space for you here, and your ideas matter.