BSE · Photonics & Optical Engineering

Building the future
of light-based systems.

Engineering student at Bridgewater State University with NSF-funded research in photonic integrated circuits, LiDAR, and free-space optical sensing. Interests in national security, space optics, and advanced sensing.

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2
NSF-funded grants
1
Published paper
3+
Years lab research
2
NASA programs

01

Technical skills

Programming & Modeling

PythonMATLABJava CLaTeXGDSPY KLayoutSolidWorks3D Optix Fusion 360Siemens NX

Optical & Lab Tools

Optical probe stationSpectrum analyzers Lock-in amplifiersOscilloscope Fiber splicingFiber fusion Die bondingGDS layout

Systems & Devices

LiDARPICsMEMS mirrors EO ModulationInterferometry SpectroscopyBeam diagnostics Arduino

Geospatial & Astro

JMARS GISStellarium SkyXMaximDL Astrophysical imaging

02

Experience

Dec 2022 –
Present

Research Assistant

BSU Optics Laboratory — CHIRP Research Group

NSF-funded research across two grants: Microchip Sustainability (2022–24) and STAMPEDE (2025–present). Conducts free-space optical filtering and PIC characterization. Investigates MEMS LiDAR architectures using metasurface narrowband pass filters as alternatives to volume Bragg gratings. Trains researchers on Class 3–4 laser safety protocols.

Jan 2023 –
Present

Physics & Math Tutor / Teaching Assistant

BSU Academic Achievement Center

Supports STEM students in advanced mathematics, Newtonian physics, optics, and electromagnetism. Served as Teaching Assistant for General Physics 2 (Spring 2024) and College Algebra (Fall 2025), leading independent class sessions, office hours, and lab assistance.

Jan 2023 –
Sept 2024

Astrophysics Research Technician

Bridgewater Experimental Astrophysics Research (BEAR)

Astronomical imaging and data processing using SkyX and MaximDL. Maintained a multi-terabyte observatory database. Team acquired NASA MASGC grant during tenure.

Jan 2021 –
May 2024

Observatory Outreach Host

BSU Observatory

Hosted public and private stargazing events for schools, scout groups, and astronomy clubs. Set up telescopes showcasing star clusters, nebulas, planets, and solar eclipses.


03

Projects & training

ACTIVE · 2025–PRESENT

MEMS LiDAR Research

Investigating MEMS-based LiDAR architectures for compact 3D sensing in autonomous systems. Integrating GMR narrowband pass filters from TelAztec for ultra-precise spectral filtering.

SENIOR DESIGN · 2025–PRESENT

GMRF Laser Feedback System

Collaborating with TelAztec to design a guided-mode resonance filter providing narrowband optical feedback for laser diodes within a MEMS LiDAR experimental platform.

NASA · 2025

L'Space Academy

Programmatic mechanical engineering role on Martian cave and lava tube exploration. Applied JMARS GIS and Siemens NX for geospatial analysis and mechanical modeling.

MIT–BSU · 2023

AIM Photonics Bootcamp

Hands-on beam steering, fiber alignment, and photonic packaging. Led a fiber splicing and fusion workshop, combining MIT and BSU laboratory environments.

NCUR · 2025

National Research Conference

Presented photonics research on free-space frequency filter characterization at NCUR Pittsburgh, funded by BSU undergraduate research.

NASA · 2021

NCAS Virtual Internship

Principal investigator with payload specialist focus. Investigated habitat life support and radiation protection technologies for the Artemis lunar surface mission.

PUBLICATION · ACCEPTED SEPT 2025

A Review of Solid-State LiDAR Principles and Metasurface-based LiDAR Sensors

Elif Demirbas, Braden Boucher, Matthew Baker, Joshua Andrews, et al.


04

Contact

PHONE
(781) 600-5114
LOCATION
Bridgewater, MA