Fall 2024 Physics Careers Seminar Series Concludes with Talk by Alumnus Dr. Michael Highman from TOPTICA Photonics

The Fall 2024 Physics Careers Seminar series concludes on Thursday, November 21 with a talk by alumnus Dr. Michael Highman from TOPTICA Photonics, Inc., who will talk about "The Traveling Salesman Solution" at 12:00 noon in 204 Loomis (Interaction Room). Details of Dr. Highman's seminar are given below.

Time: 12:00 noon on Thursday, November 21, 2024

Location: 204 Loomis. A Zoom link will also be forwarded to the Illinois Physics Grad Student email list. For a copy of the link, please contact Lance Cooper (slcooper@illinois.edu).

Title: The Traveling Salesman Solution

Speaker: Dr. Michael Highman, Government Accounts Manager, TOPTICA Photonics, Inc.

Abstract: TOPTICA Photonics is a leading manufacturer of high-end laser equipment for quantum, biological, and test and measurement applications. In my talk, I will detail what it is like to work in sales and account management for the US operation and why a technically trained person may want to pursue such a path. In addition, I will be happy to discuss the differences and transition period of moving from academia into industry.

Bio: Dr. Michael Highman is the sales and accounts manager for government clients in the eastern half of North America for TOPTICA Photonics. He joined TOPTICA immediately following the completion of his PhD in the group of Bryce Gadway at UIUC. His undergrad was completed at Otterbein University under the supervision of Aaron Reinhard. During nonworking hours, Michael enjoys video games, cooking, and running. He lives in Rochester, NY with his domestic partner Corrinne and two cats, Markie and Chester.

You can see the rest of the Fall 2024 Physics Careers Seminar series here: https://physics.illinois.edu/calendar/careers-seminar