Jon Sterk
About Jon Sterk
Jon Sterk is a Senior Member of Technical Staff at Sandia National Laboratories, specializing in optical engineering and quantum physics.
Current Position at Sandia National Laboratories
Jon Sterk works as a Senior Member of Technical Staff at Sandia National Laboratories, where he functions as an Optical Engineer and Quantum Physicist. His tenure at Sandia began in 2011. The laboratory, located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, benefits from his expertise in optical engineering and quantum physics. His role likely involves working on advanced projects in areas like photonics, quantum computing, and other aspects of quantum technology.
Experience at the Joint Quantum Institute
Jon Sterk served as a Faculty Research Assistant at the Joint Quantum Institute, University of Maryland and National Institute of Standards and Technology from 2007 to 2011. During his 4-year tenure, he gained substantial experience in quantum mechanics and experimental physics. The institute is known for its research and advancements in quantum science, and his role there positioned him at the forefront of cutting-edge scientific research.
Educational Background and Academic Achievements
Jon Sterk earned his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering (optics) from the University of Michigan, where he studied from 2004 to 2011. His academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from Cornell University, which he obtained from 2000 to 2004. This robust educational background provided him with the foundation in optics and electrical engineering that has been crucial in his research and professional roles.
Previous Roles in Research and Industry
Jon Sterk accumulated diverse experience through various roles. He was a Graduate Student Research Assistant at the University of Michigan from 2005 to 2007. Prior to that, he worked as an Undergraduate Researcher at Cornell University from 2003 to 2004. His industry experience includes two summer internships at Northrop Grumman, formerly known as TRW, in 2002 and 2004. These roles provided him with hands-on experience in engineering and research.
Specialized Skills and Research Involvements
Jon Sterk has developed custom optimization code in Julia for photonic devices—a skill indicative of his deep understanding of both software and hardware aspects of optical engineering. He has also experimentally tested and characterized state-of-the-art surface electrode ion traps, demonstrating his practical expertise. Additionally, he has worked with complex optical setups involving lasers across the UV to IR spectrum, indicative of his comprehensive experience in applied optical physics.