As part of the 20th-anniversary edition of SPIE's Women in Optics notebook, Wardah Mahmood, a SABARA awarded PhD student at SBASSE, has been recognized for her outstanding work in quantum optics. Her research focuses on using quantum weak values to study ultra-small magneto-optic and spintronic effects. Her innovative approach includes synthesizing nanostructures and developing high-precision optical detection techniques, pushing the boundaries of current optical equipment.
Wardah, the first female president of the SPIE Student Chapter at LUMS, encourages fellow students to join professional bodies like SPIE early in their careers. She emphasizes the importance of supporting and lifting others as you advance in your journey, saying, "Surround yourself with those who push you forward, and seek mentors who can pull you to greater heights." 
In her feature, Wardah shares how the mentorship of Dr. Muhammad Sabieh Anwar, Dr. Muhammad Faryad, and her supportive peers from the Physics Department at LUMS were instrumental in helping her achieve her goals.
This special edition celebrates the legacy and future of women engineers, scientists, and leaders who continue to shape the world of optics and beyond.