Women of Impact: Interview with Judith Su

Judith Su, associate professor of biomedical engineering and optical sciences, discusses the revolutionary potential of optical sensors for rapid, precise medical diagnostics and the importance of advocating for working parents.

In the "Conversations with Women of Impact" interview series, Women of Impact award winners provide perspectives on the future of their fields, share what inspires them, and discuss what they've been up to over the last year.

Tell us about your research.

We are developing next generation optical sensors and, through collaboration with top researchers, using our sensors in areas including understanding fundamental science, improving medicine, and environmental monitoring.

What kind of impact are you trying to have in your field?

I want my sensors to help make important discoveries in biology and other areas. They could provide a paradigm shift in how we diagnose diseases by measuring tiny molecules, which could help us detect diseases sooner, find harmful chemicals in our surroundings, and even discover new drugs.

In your view, what are some things people and institutions can do to retain and advance women in their work?

It is critical for institutions to provide high quality on-site daycare for young children of employees. It is also important to have a strong female presence in administration and in leadership roles to ensure all policies are fair and faithfully carried out to women particularly during the challenging stage of raising a family.

Tell us about a mentor who made a significant impact on your career.

I am very fortunate to have several mentors who helped shepherd my career. Professor Bruce Hay of Caltech has a strong belief in my research. When I gave a seminar at Caltech last November, he stayed after people left to offer insight and constructive critique. Professor Jennifer Barton at the University of Arizona has guided my career here, generously providing me with wise advice.

How do you foresee your field changing over the next 10-20 years?

We should be able to run diagnostic tests right where the patient is, rather than sending samples to a lab, and get results within seconds. We should be able to detect diseases before symptoms appear. With early detection, healthcare costs could be reduced, and healthcare could be democratized.

What are you reading and/or listening to lately?

I have a two-year-old and a one-year-old at home and so I’m mainly reading children’s books and listening to them ask for mommy.

What have you been up to since receiving the award last year?

Mainly, I have been busy with my son Lloyd and daughter Ava as they are always my priority.

I received the NSF CAREER award, the University Early Career Innovation & Entrepreneurship Award, and graduated as a member of the University of Arizona’s Research Leadership Institute’s inaugural class. I received tenure and was promoted to associate professor. I served as the PI of seven active grants, and directed several and graduated one Ph.D. student.

I taught a biophotonics course. I gave several invited departmental seminars, including Stanford’s Chemical Engineering colloquium, a seminar at Caltech’s Biology and Bioengineering Division, and a seminar in the Electrical Engineering Department at Stanford. I also gave an invited talk at a Gordon Research Conference.

I served on the editorial board of three journals and filed two patents. I served on the Board of Scientific Counselors for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. In addition, I served as the general chair of Optica’s Integrated Photonics Research (IPR) in Busan, Korea in July. At the same venue, I also gave the opening and closing speech for the International OSA Network of Students.

I have been travelling to all conferences with my kids. At CLEO in San Jose, California, I found that Optica’s website had a statement that prevented accompanying minors from participating, so I contacted Optica’s leadership, and the policy has since been reversed. I believe in removing obstacles that may hinder women from participating. Next year, as the general co-chair, I hope to provide more childcare opportunities for Optica’s IPR 2024 meeting in Quebec City, Canada.