Illuminating the Future of Photonics: Las Positas College MESA Students Visit Lumentum
In November, 2025, 25 students and faculty from the MESA Program at Las Positas College (LPC) visited Lumentum, a global leader in optical and photonic innovation whose technologies power cloud infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and next-generation sensing systems. With more than 11,000 employees worldwide and over $2B in revenue, Lumentum sits at the center of the optical networking and laser markets. Its technologies support major customers, including NVIDIA, and help redefine what’s possible in data communications and photonic engineering.
The event, part of the Bay Area K-16 Collaborative’s worksite visit series and organized by the employer intermediary Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation, contributes to a broader effort to create structured opportunities for students to explore high-demand industries and connect their academic training to real careers.
“Our students greatly appreciated the visits from C-level employees, the lab tour with Dr. Richard Faulhaber, a community college alumnus himself, and the helpful advice about networking and résumés from the Human Resources team and staff at Lumentum. Thanks to Derrick Osborne and his team for the comprehensive career day that they provided for our students.” - Kristi Vanderhoof, Career Center Coordinator
A Deep Dive Into Optical and Photonic Innovation
The LPC students were welcomed by Derrick Osborne, Lumentum’s enthusiastic HR Project Specialist and “Chief Vibes Officer,” who introduced the company’s vertically integrated model, which spans every part of production, from wafer-level processing to packaging to finished products. This structure gives Lumentum a distinctive advantage across the semiconductor ecosystem.
Through hands-on lab tours led by Dr. Richard Faulhaber, Director of Engineering and a physicist with deep expertise, students explored laser labs, optical fiber systems, sensing technologies, and high-precision measurement tools. They learned how Lumentum’s photonics enable subsea and long-haul communication networks, improve data center connectivity, and support consumer applications, such as Face ID, autonomous vehicle sensing, and advanced manufacturing.
Before entering the labs, students completed mandatory environmental, health, and safety (EHS) training led by Susan Ronhaar, Senior EHS Manager for North America, who also introduced EHS as a STEM career pathway that integrates chemistry, environmental science, radiation safety, and hazardous materials management.
Hearing From Leaders Who Have Walked Multiple Paths
A highlight of the visit was the participation of Lumentum’s executive team, including CFO Wajid Ali, who spoke candidly about entering the workforce, navigating opportunity, and building a career during uncertain economic cycles. He emphasized the power of networking, the importance of seizing opportunities early, and the reality that the job market has always been competitive, reminding students that persistence and visibility matter.
Many of the speakers shared non-linear STEM stories, including several who began their own journeys at community colleges. They encouraged students not to fear changing direction academically or professionally and to explore the breadth of roles within photonics, from engineering and R&D to supply chain, business operations, people teams, and facilities. One memorable piece of advice: at a career fair, don’t only visit the busiest booths. “Talk to the companies with no lines,” one speaker said. “That’s where meaningful conversations happen.”
Insights From the CTO: Staying Ahead of an Optical Revolution
Students were equally energized by a drop-in conversation with Matt Sysak, Lumentum’s Chief Technology Officer. He discussed how CTOs anticipate market needs years in advance, track emerging fields such as AI and quantum computing, and listen to both customers and internal engineering teams to map long-term product strategy.
Students also inquired about AI’s evolving role in the workforce. Matt explained that Lumentum uses machine learning for data sorting and optimization, but emphasized that curiosity and lifelong learning remain the most valuable traits in technical hiring. “I look for people who like to solve problems and stay curious.”
Opening Doors Through Internships and Mentorship
The visit concluded with a deep dive into Lumentum’s structured 12-week paid internship program. Students learned how new interns are paired with both a manager and mentor, intentionally placed outside their immediate team to help them build confidence, navigate workplace culture, and feel supported from day one.
Interns present their final projects to Lumentum’s executive team, and strong performers can receive conversion offers a full year before graduation.
A résumé workshop and an informal networking round closed out the afternoon, providing students with personalized feedback and practical tips for standing out in a competitive talent pool where some roles receive thousands of applicants within days.
This worksite visit would not have been possible without the team at Lumentum, including Derrick Osborne, Madison Marcus, Aeryn Lesesne, Richard Rasay, Kaitlyn Comstock, Silvana Lopez, and Ramya Venkatesh, as well as leaders at Las Positas College, including Jason Maxwell, Kristine Vanderhoof, and Ashley McHale. The Bay Area K-16 Collaborative and Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation remain committed to building stronger, more sustainable education-industry partnerships that bring more students to the very companies that power California’s innovation economy.
“It was a pleasure meeting so many driven early-career professionals and sharing a behind-the-scenes look at what we do at Lumentum. Seeing their excitement in the labs and discussing future opportunities for students and early-career hires was truly rewarding. I’ll definitely be reconnecting with these students when our intern roles open.” - Madison Marcus, Lumentum Talent Acquisition