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Kelsey Yee

Title:
Laser Engineer
Kelsey Yee
One of my favorite parts about this job is the idea that I could be the first person implementing a certain technique or working on an invention that no one in the world has seen yet.

What does your job entail?
My job involves fabricating and designing components for novel, high-energy lasers, but I sometimes write code and analyze data. My career path has led me towards becoming a co-inventor on two patents and participating as a speaker in the 2019 American Physical Society’s March Meeting. Earlier in my time here I also had the amazing opportunity to operate a lidar in an airplane for Hurricane Florence disaster relief. I really enjoy the supportive work environment here that allows me to grow and try new things every day!

What aspects of your work do you take the most pride in?
One of my favorite parts about this job (and STEM in general) is the idea that I could be the first person implementing a certain technique or working on an invention that no one in the world has seen yet. This really drives me.

What do you consider to be the greatest accomplishment of your life?
Passing the Advanced Placement Chinese Language and Culture exam in high school is what I've always considered to be the accomplishment I've worked the hardest for. In the span of a few months, I had to go from essentially an elementary-school level of Chinese to a very competent one. I felt like I proved to myself that I could accomplish anything with enough hard work after that.

Free of all limitations, what is a technology that you wish existed?
I think an interesting technology would be something that allowed people to communicate their intentions and feelings perfectly. This could clear up a lot of misunderstandings between people on a small and large scale, and I hope that would make the world a better and more inclusive place.