ORC PhD student named in Forbes’ 100 Most Powerful Women in Mexico

Ã?ngeles Camacho Rosales, a PhD student at the University of Southampton’s Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), has been named by Forbes as one of the 100 Most Powerful Women in Mexico 2018. She is joined by actresses, diplomats and engineers who stand out for the passion and mastery with which they dominate in their professional fields.

The Forbes Mexico list recognises the leadership of those who open doors to more women, and transform, develop, encourage and inspire other women to overcome obstacles and fulfil what they set out to do.

In 2017 Ã?ngeles was honoured with the Women in Science Engineering and Technology (WiSET) award for her work in developing initiatives to raise awareness of issues relating to diversity in the workplace through innovative activities within the student body of the ORC, engaging members of the University, school children and the public. Her work promotes a gender equality culture and helps recognise the contribution of women to the field of optics and photonics.

Ã?ngeles is also President of the University of Southampton Optics and Photonics Society (OPSoc), where she set up a Diversity Officer role, and Chair of the XVI Symposium of Mexican Students and Studies in the UK which is taking place at the University’s Highfield Campus this week. Under her leadership, a significant number of distinguished guests and speakers are attending the three-day event.

A former industrial engineer in her home country of Mexico, Ã?ngeles came to the UK six years ago. Being a mother of two she decided she wanted to further her interest through a PhD and master the English language.

Now in the third year of her PhD at the ORC, Ã?ngeles’ research is focused on developing an additive manufacturing process for optical fibre fabrication. She is a member of the Silica Fibre Fabrication Group led by Professor Jayanta Sahu, a world leader in special fibre technologies. Special fibres are the foundation of the global optical internet, as well as key to future manufacturing with light and to sensing our environment.

Earlier in the year, Ã?ngeles was one of a select group of ORC students invited to attend the presentation of the Queen’s Anniversary Prize at Buckingham Palace, where she met His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, and the Duchess of Cornwall. Ã?ngeles was interviewed about her experience as part of the University’s celebration of International Women’s Day.

Professor Sir David Payne, Director of the ORC, said: “I am delighted but not surprised to learn that Ã?ngeles has been recognised by Forbes Mexico. This really is an extraordinary achievement for a PhD student and we are bursting with pride for Ã?ngeles, who has worked tirelessly and passionately to encourage more diversity in the optics and photonics sector. She truly is a stand out student and a fantastic ambassador for our strong connection with Mexico.â€?