George Dwapanyin
In the latest installment of Journeys in Optics, OPN spoke with 2024 Optica Ambassador George Dwapanyin, a research fellow at the University of St Andrews, UK. He received his bachelor of science in physics from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. He was then awarded the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, which enabled him complete his master's degree in optics and photonics at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany as well as a European masters in photonics engineering, nanophotonics and biophotonics from the Polytechnic University of Catalunya, Spain. He also holds a master’s degree in physics from Aix Marseille University, France. His Ph.D. in physics was awarded by Stellenbosch University, South Africa in 2020. Dwapanyin is also a member of Photonics Ghana, a group that promotes research and economic growth through photonics in Ghana and throughout Africa. As an Optica Ambassador, he has contributed to outreach in Ghana as well as providing mentorship and guidance to students worldwide.
What led you to focus your research on advanced imaging techniques?
I have always been fascinated with finding ways of improving health care. Due to this, I have leaned toward fundamental research focused on improving diagnostics, which led me to be intrigued by optical imaging. And the field is constantly evolving, with advancements in technology offering new ways to visualize and understand complex systems.
I would strongly encourage everyone, irrespective of their background, to be part of an academic or professional community.
My interest lies in building optical imaging systems―the challenge of developing and refining these systems can be intellectually stimulating and rewarding. I love systems that have real-world applications, particularly in health care. For example, my recent work using digital holographic microscopy in IVF treatment has a strong potential to help improve the success of assisted reproduction, which is a global problem. Additionally, my research in applying Raman spectroscopy for colon cancer research and in liquor classification for anti-counterfeiting (by ensuring contaminants in the bottle are detected without opening the bottle) all highlight the vast importance of advanced imaging techniques in improving health and safety.
Can you talk about your decision to pursue three separate master’s degrees? How did this fit in with your career trajectory?
It was not really a planned decision to pursue three separate master’s. I was fortunate to be accepted as the only African student in the first cohort of the Europhotonics International Master in Photonics, joint with the Erasmus Mundus (now Erasmus plus) program. During that time, it was administered by three countries: France, Germany and Spain. As part of the rules, one is not permitted to have the entire program in one country. After moving to KIT (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology) in Germany, there was an opportunity to move to Spain, which I took advantage of.
It was a challenging yet thrilling experience. Challenging in the sense that I had to meet the requirements of each institution in order to graduate. These master’s programs from the different institutions gave me a very broad scope and understanding of various aspects of the field of optics and photonics, which have helped me make informed decisions in my career path—including my field of specialization when it came time to pursue my Ph.D.
How did you become involved with the Radiation Protection Institute of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, and what was that work like?
In Ghana, there is a compulsory one-year national service requirement after completion of a bachelor's degree. During this period, I was posted to the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) where I worked with the Radiation Protection Institute (RPI).
Working at RPI was a great experience. I was trained in radiation dosimetry assessment and other aspects of radiation health physics. I was fortunate to be part of the pioneering research group in non-ionizing radiation in the institute.
Before joining the Erasmus Mundus scheme that started my career in optics and photonics, I had begun a master’s degree in radiation protection. I had one of the best supervisors I’ve ever had, and the mentorship I received from him has helped shape me into who I am now. I still maintain a very cordial relationship with the people at GAEC to this day and often visit them whenever I am in Ghana.
What part do you feel community has played in your career?
Being part of the Optica community and other professional organizations has played a tremendous role in my career development with regard to opportunities, mentorship and unlimited access to networking. I got my position at the University of St. Andrews through a connection I made at the Optica Foundation Siegman International School on Lasers, so I can say that I am a living testimony of how the community can help in career progression.
Through these networks, I have had a great mentorship experience from peers and more established members who have helped me navigate challenges and make informed career decisions. They have also served as a hub of knowledge and learning through the many workshops and seminars have facilitated my skill development.
I would strongly encourage everyone, irrespective of their background, to be part of an academic or professional community. These can be at the local, national or international level, but it is crucial to start somewhere. These organizations can offer recognition and validation which can enhance an individual's reputation and open up new opportunities.
They foster collaborative environments enabling innovation and encouraging the exchange of ideas, leading to both personal and industry-wide growth. Through celebrating the achievements of peers highlighted by Optica and other organizations, I have also found myself inspired and motivated to set and achieve higher goals. Moreover, being part of a supportive community contributes to social and emotional well-being, reduces feelings of isolation and increases job satisfaction. Overall, active engagement in a community significantly enriches one's career and personal life.
What does it mean to you to be an Optica Ambassador? Do you have a favorite moment from this experience so far?
I have had the opportunity to mentor young professionals and students, providing guidance and support to help them navigate their academic journeys and develop their careers.
Being an Optica Ambassador has been an amazing opportunity for which I will forever be grateful. Representing the foundation by raising awareness of the importance of optics within science and technology is both an honor and a responsibility for me. I have had the opportunity to mentor young professionals and students, providing guidance and support to help them navigate their academic journeys and develop their careers.
The Ambassador position has helped strengthen my work in creating an inclusive environment, supporting diversity and facilitating collaborations within the field. This role has offered me personal growth opportunities by helping to develop my communication and leadership skills.
I have had a lot of memorable experiences so far, but I would say my outreach activities in my home country of Ghana comes out on top. This work was a collaborative effort between myself, the 2023 Optica Foundation Chang Pivoting Fellowship winner Fabian Ruf, and the newly formed student chapter at the KNUST (Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology) and Red Clay studios in Ghana.
We were able to reach over 1,200 students from different academic levels, especially in communities that have never “seen the light” of optics outreach. The feedback from the month-long program will always warm my heart―it offered me a chance to give back to the community that raised and nurtured me into who I am today. Other memorable experiences include the SCOT (Scottish Conference in Optical Technologies) conference organized by the Optica student chapters here in Scotland.
So, in all, being an Optica Ambassador has been a golden opportunity, which I will cherish for years to come.
What roles do collaboration and mentorship play in your career?
Collaboration and mentorship have been pivotal in shaping my career. Working with diverse teams across various disciplines has broadened my perspective, fostered innovation and facilitated the exchange of ideas, leading to more comprehensive and impactful research outcomes.
Mentorship, both as a mentor and mentee, has been equally valuable; receiving guidance from experienced professionals has provided me with crucial insights and skills, while mentoring others has allowed me to refine my understanding and contribute to the growth of the next generation of researchers. These experiences have not only enhanced my technical expertise but also developed my leadership and communication abilities, which are essential for a successful and fulfilling career.
Can you talk about your involvement with the 2020 Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI) Rapid Action Committee at Optica, and the work you have done with the group?
As an active member of Optica’s 2020 DEI Rapid Action Committee, my involvement focuses on creating a more inclusive and equitable environment within the optics and photonics community. Our work involved identifying barriers faced by underrepresented groups, advocating for policy changes and developing initiatives to promote diversity in membership, leadership roles and participation in events and programs.
We have organized workshops, seminars and training activities aimed at raising awareness about DEI issues and providing resources for members to foster more inclusive practices. One such program that I am especially proud of is Optica’s Amplify Black Voices in Optics initiatives, which aim at increasing and promoting the participation of the Black community in optics and photonics through a scholarship, publishing grant and immersion program.
The DEI committee also collaborated with educational institutions and other professional organizations to support the recruitment and retention of diverse talent in the field. By promoting a culture of inclusivity and actively working to eliminate discrimination and bias, we aimed to ensure that the optics and photonics community is welcoming and supportive of all individuals, regardless of their background. The work continues for us today as I and many members of the DEI RAC serve in an advisory role.
By promoting a culture of inclusivity and actively working to eliminate discrimination and bias, we aimed to ensure that the optics and photonics community is welcoming and supportive of all individuals, regardless of their background.
What advice do you wish you had received early in your career that you would like to pass on to others?
One piece of advice I wish I had received early on is the importance of building and nurturing a strong professional network. I only joined professional networks at the start of my Ph.D., and I always wish I had started earlier. Connections with peers, mentors and colleagues can open doors to new opportunities, collaborations and insights that are invaluable for career growth.
Alongside technical skills, which we gain by virtue of our respective programs, please develop your soft skills like communication, leadership and adaptability to changing situations, as these are crucial in your journey.
I have spoken to countless postgraduate students who tremble at the thought of giving public presentations. My advice to people with glossophobia is that these skills are essential for navigating the complexities of any career path and for effectively sharing your work with others so embrace the challenge and you’ll surely overcome it.
Finally, it's important to embrace setbacks as learning opportunities, stay resilient and be open to new experiences. Remember that every challenge can be a stepping stone to greater achievements and personal growth.