I have cultivated a multi-faceted career in the optics and photonics industry, encompassing extensive experience in material science, optical engineering, product management, and business development. This diverse background has allowed me to contribute to various facets of the industry, driving innovation and growth across multiple domains.Currently, I am working as a consultant in optical engineering, leveraging my expertise in optical design and a variety of software platforms for experimental operations and data analysis. My proficiency and continuous learning includes advanced tools such as FRED, OptaliX, and WinLens3D for optical design, as well as LabView, MatLab, and Microsoft Office for data analysis and experimental operations. Additionally, I am skilled in using ImageJ for image processing and Essential MacLeod for thin-film design and analysis.In summary, I am passionate about applying my knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems and create innovative products that enhance people's lives. I value curiosity, enthusiasm, honesty, humility, and grit as essential qualities for any successful company.
By-Tor Optics Llc
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CeoBy-Tor Optics LlcCleveland, Oh, Us
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Application EngineerG&H Photonics Sep 2022 - Feb 2024Cleveland, Ohio, United States• Served in product line management for electro-optical components and photonic crystals at G&H's Cleveland site.• Implementing standardized pricing methods, delivering quotes, and supporting orders. Known for providing prompt and comprehensive solutions to customer inquiries and technical queries. • Managed R&D projects with Engineering, ensuring progress reporting to corporate, meeting deadlines, and driving product improvements and emerging line development. • Hosted R&D and Commercial gate reviews, adeptly presenting on engineering efforts, financial analysis, market trends, and production capabilities. • Collaborated closely with Operations to implement cost-saving measures and enhance manufacturing feasibility, ensuring competitiveness in the global market. -
Research And Development ScientistAzimuth Corporation Feb 2020 - Jul 2022Dayton, Ohio Area• Distinguished as a senior research scientist within the Agile Soft Materials group at the Air Force Research Lab's RXAP (Photonic Materials) branch. • Led the design, characterization, and development of thin film liquid crystal-based diffractive optics for beam steering and defense applications. • Presented invited talks at prestigious conferences, crafting manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, and fostering collaborations with small businesses and academia on cutting-edge liquid crystal and polymer research initiatives. -
Business Development RepresentativeLightspace Technologies Oct 2018 - Apr 2019Riga, Latvia• Promoted 3D volumetric and optical diffusing technology and products as contracted employee for a Latvia-based tech company, expanding its footprint in the AR/VR and 3D display markets. • Leveraged expert knowledge in liquid crystal displays to enhance the design and metrology of proprietary optical diffuser projectors, crucial components in multi-plane volumetric three- dimensional displays. • Proactively garnered interest from representatives of other OEM companies through trade show attendance. -
Liquid Crystal EngineerCompound Photonics Apr 2015 - May 2017Phoenix, Arizona• Served as the lead investigator for a critical lifetime testing project, overseeing the rigorous evaluation of liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) imagers. Dispatched a skilled team of engineers in equipment setup and protocol development to drive enhanced performance and reliability.• Responsibilities included supervising lifetime testing processes, assessing sample imagers for voltage holding ratio (VHR) and contrast, and providing guidance to the liquid crystal team on material selection and testing specifications. • Established company protocols for sample imager preparation and qualification, enhancing efficiency for the Liquid Crystal Team. • Collaborated with the Process Team to implement organic alignment layer processes for LCoS panels, optimizing production capabilities. -
Electro-Optics Materials PhysicistDigilens Inc. Apr 2012 - Feb 2015Sunnyvale, Ca• Employed as liquid crystal polymer physicist at an SBIR-funded startup in Silicon Valley, played a pivotal role in the early-stage development of holographic waveguide technology.• Specialized in optimizing and measuring the diffraction efficiency of holographic optical elements crafted from liquid crystal polymer composites, facilitating the Optical Engineering Team in meeting product specifications. • Led the design, construction, and calibration of optical rigs capable of creating and characterizing these elements. • Conducted thorough data analysis of holographic optical elements, presenting findings to clients and maintaining a digitized library of records for the company. • Effectively managed a major client-funded project aimed at boosting efficiency and birefringence in holographic optical elements, ensuring alignment with client objectives and delivering impactful results. -
Materials PhysicistSerious Energy Aug 2011 - Mar 2012Sunnyvale, Ca• Integral member of a project team tasked with developing a cutting-edge liquid crystal polymer matrix-based Bragg reflector, engineered to adapt to temperature fluctuations and enhance energy efficiency when applied to windows.• Spearheaded the design and construction of a specialized apparatus aimed at precisely quantifying the degree of alignment in nanoscale-thickness liquid crystalline films, crucial for optimizing performance.• Conducted comprehensive characterization of novel liquid crystal polymer composite blends, meticulously analyzing their optical properties, film thickness, phase transition temperatures, and alignment characteristics to inform strategic decision-making and optimize performance outcomes. -
Graduate Research AssistantKent State University Aug 2006 - Aug 2011Kent, Ohio, United States• Created macro- and micro-patterned liquid crystal elastomers films in order to develop environmental sensors.• Color tuning studies on polymer-stabilized reflective cholesteric liquid crystal materials by applying external DC fields and measuring the shift of reflected light from these materials.• Electro-optic studies on polymer-stabilized vertical alignment mode liquid crystal displays.• Introduced a dense polymer network inside a nematic liquid crystal system in order to stabilize a polarization and to generate ferro-electricity.• Created chiral propeller liquid crystal droplets and observed the response under applied external fields.• Conducted numerous studies in the thermal and electric response of liquid crystal polymer dispersions. -
Research Intern2010-2011 Crystal Diagnostics Oct 2010 - May 2011Kent, Ohio, United States• Assisted in the assembly of cassettes and characterizing lyotropic chromonic liquid crystal materials to be used for their research and development of liquid crystal biosensors for microbial and pathogen detection in aquatic systems.
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Visiting Student ResearcherUniversity Of Oklahoma Jun 2007 - Jul 2007Performed STM studies of thiol monolayers deposited on gold film. -
Graduate Teaching/Research Assistant2003 - 2006 University Of Southern Mississippi Aug 2003 - Jul 2006Taught introductory physics labs that covered topics in mechanics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism. Used Pasco instruments and software in the instruction.Conducted electro-optic experiments of polymer dispersed liquid crystals that used novel materials developed at the Polymer Science Department.
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Undergraduate Laboratory Intern2003 Argonne National Laboratory May 2003 - Aug 2003Prepared experimental equipment for testing time-reversal asymmetry in 225-radium samples.
S E Hicks Education Details
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Chemical Physics
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Music, Physics
Frequently Asked Questions about S E Hicks
What company does S E Hicks work for?
S E Hicks works for By-Tor Optics Llc
What is S E Hicks's role at the current company?
S E Hicks's current role is CEO.
What schools did S E Hicks attend?
S E Hicks attended Kent State University, University Of Southern Mississippi, Florida State University, University Of West Florida.
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