Title:A Journey from Academia to Industry Abstract:How I ended up working on the Department of Defense projects. Sharing my past research experiences from academia to industry to DOD projects. I started my journey as a physicist set for academia but discovered other possibilities that changed my way of thinking. During the seminar I will share my decade and a half of research experiences and discuss not so conventional paths to research. I will discuss my work as a Materials Scientist for optics and photonics applications. Speaker:Alket MertiriPrinciple Member, Technical Staff, Draper Bio:Alket Mertiri is a Principal Member of the Technical Staff at Draper. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Physics and Mathematics from Boston University concentrating on condensed‐matter physics and applied mathematics. He then pursued graduate studies in Materials Science and Engineering at Boston University. His research focused on ultrafast infrared spectroscopy and photothermal microscopy, leveraging quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) and infrared detection to enable label‐free biochemical sensing and imaging. Beyond his research, Mertiri took an active role in science advocacy. While serving as President of the Boston University chapter of the Optical Society of America (OSA), he participated in a visit to Washington D.C. to meet members of Congress and advocate for sustained funding in science and engineering. Host: Professor Ulkuhan Guler

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Employee Drop In: Benefit Enrollment Help Session: Do you need assistance entering your Open Enrollment benefit elections into Workday? Do you have a question about one of the benefit plans offered in 2026? Drop in to see a member of the Benefits Team during this session to get the support and help you need to make your benefit choices before November 5th. Please note: this is an informal drop-in session and not a formal presentation.

REGISTER WHO'S COMING?Join your host Arly Dungca '08, president of the WPI Alumni Association, for an alumni gathering in Cambridge, MA! Get together with old and new friends for snacks, drinks, and WPI memories.Wednesday, October 29, 20256:00 to 8:00 PMGeppetto100 N. First StreetCambridge, MA 02141This event is sponsored by the WPI Alumni Association. Appetizers and bar service will be available. Two-hour parking is available in front of 222 Jacobs Street every day. A self-park garage located 100 yards north of Geppetto at 211 Water Street is available after 4:00 PM. ($10 with validation from the restaurant host stand; please note there is a four-hour max.)The use of public transportation is encouraged. The nearest MBTA station is Lechmere Station on the MBTA's Green Line.Space is limited - advanced registration is strongly encouraged

Live Stats

Employee Drop In: Benefit Enrollment Help Session: Do you need assistance entering your Open Enrollment benefit elections into Workday? Do you have a question about one of the benefit plans offered in 2026? Drop in to see a member of the Benefits Team during this session to get the support and help you need to make your benefit choices before November 5th. Please note: this is an informal drop-in session and not a formal presentation.