CTO – AdvR
As Chief Technology Officer within AdvR, I lead the company’s technical strategy and development efforts across advanced nonlinear optical technologies. My focus is on advancing AdvR’s capabilities in waveguide fabrication, characterisation, and applications while supporting the development of next-generation photonics and quantum technologies.
I have led numerous commercial and federally funded development programmes involving frequency conversion, photon pair production, and electro-optic modulation. Through this work, I have helped advance integrated photonics technologies and bring high-performance nonlinear optical solutions from research into practical applications. My work supports applications across quantum computing, quantum networking, quantum sensing, and advanced optical communications systems.
Main Areas of Expertise
My expertise is centred around waveguide fabrication, characterisation, and nonlinear optical applications. My technical background includes frequency conversion, electro-optic modulation, integrated photonics systems, and the development of waveguide-based components for quantum and optical communications technologies.
I joined AdvR in 2016 and have worked extensively on the development and commercialisation of nonlinear optical devices and integrated photonic systems. Throughout my career, I have led projects focused on engineered waveguide technologies, nonlinear frequency conversion, squeezed light generation, and electro-optic devices for both commercial and federally funded programmes.
I earned both my Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and my PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Montana State University-Bozeman, graduating with honours in both programmes. During my time at Montana State University, I worked as a PhD Candidate and High Temperature Corrosion Lab Manager while conducting research in advanced engineering and photonics-related technologies.
Prior to joining AdvR, I gained engineering and manufacturing experience through technical roles at GT Advanced Technologies, where I worked as a Mechanical Engineering Intern, and at Montana State University as an Undergraduate Researcher. These experiences helped build a strong foundation in engineering design, manufacturing, materials science, and applied research.
Today, my work continues to focus on developing practical and innovative photonics technologies that support emerging applications across quantum science, nonlinear optics, and advanced optical systems.
Hobbies & Interests
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my wife and young daughter. My hobbies include fishing, camping, hunting, gardening, and spending time with family.
Academic Achievements
- High-efficiency periodically poled lithium niobate ridge waveguides for nonlinear optical applications
- Integrated waveguide sources for photon pair generation and quantum photonics
- Advances in electro-optic modulation using nonlinear optical waveguides
- Frequency conversion in engineered nonlinear optical devices
- Characterisation techniques for integrated photonic waveguide systems
- BS Mechanical Engineering, Montana State University
- PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Montana State University