Christine Galib, former senior director of entrepreneurship and innovation for the Ion in Houston, has been named director of the regional photonics research and economic development “engine” based at Princeton University and funded by the National Science Foundation.

Galib will direct strategic and day-to-day operations of Advancing Photonics Technologies, a collaboration of university, industry and government agency partners in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. The region has a significant and growing presence in the photonics industry, where light is used in developing technologies with applications in healthcare, telecommunications, advanced manufacturing and other fields.

“We’re thrilled to have Christine on board to lead the Advancing Photonics Technologies engine,” said Craig Arnold, Princeton’s vice dean for innovation and principal investigator for the engine. “She brings a wide range of experience in innovation and economic development and is well suited to make an impact in New Jersey and the wider region.”

For the last five years in Texas, Galib served on the founding executive leadership team of the Ion, which anchors Houston's 16-acre innovation district. An early-stage startup advisor, adjunct professor, author, and strategic ecosystem builder, Galib has experience in wealth management, investing, entrepreneurship, and leadership development.

Galib earned a bachelor of arts degree from Princeton and has a master of science in education from the University of Pennsylvania and a doctorate from Drexel University.

In her free time, she enjoys going to the theater, reading, running and writing.

Also, Sean Gaughan has joined the photonics engine as business development lead. He was previously employed at SRI International in Princeton, the former RCA Sarnoff Research Center, where worked on the commercialization of CMOS optical devices and applied research business development.

Gaughan has 30 years of experience in manufacturing, supply chain and continuous improvement at companies like General Electric, Alcoa-Howmet, Keurig, Ascensia Diabetes Care and Brooks Automation.  He is an active volunteer STEM instructor and mentor who counsels students in optics, quantum physics and leadership. 

Gaughan has a bachelor of science degree in ceramic engineering from Rutgers University. He enjoys re-tasking his old family farm into something new, golf when he can and gets lost for hours in bookstores, libraries and record stores.