Dr. Russell J. Barbour

Founder and CEO of Advanced Microcavity Sensors Inc., 2015 – present

PhD in Physics, Heriot-Watt University, 2005-2009

MPhys Physics, Heriot-Watt University, 2001-2005

I studied an undergraduate degree and PhD in Physics at Heriot-Watt University.  Heriot-Watt University was my primary choice because of its strong links to industry, and the strong programs in physics and engineering that they offer. My experience studying at Heriot-Watt was fantastic and I became friends with a few of my fellow students and remain good friend to this day. The physics department was always very welcoming. The teaching and research staff always had time for questions outside of the formal lectures.

After my undergraduate degree, I studied for a PhD at Heriot-Watt in Semiconductor Microcavity Optics. This was an amazing experience, which helped me learn the basics of scientific research, experimental methods and theoretical analysis.  The successful completion of my PhD enabled me to immigrate to the United States and pursue further postdoctoral training at the University of Oregon. Over the next few years I continued to learn and gain experience with a postdoctoral research position at the University of Washington, followed by a Research Scientist position at Montana State University Spectrum Lab.

In 2015, I decided to embrace scientific entrepreneurship and founded a research and development company, Advanced Microcavity Sensors Inc. I work full-time at this small physics company along with 5 employees based in Bozeman, MT, Seattle, WA and Los Angeles, CA.  We are developing ultra-spectral imaging sensors and micro-lasers for use in biological and biomedical imaging (early detection of many cancers). The company has raised over $2MM in research funding to date and we have numerous contracts with both federal (U.S Airforce and the National Science Foundation) and state agencies to continue the development of our optics based products. The core skills that I gained from my time at Heriot-Watt University have enabled this exciting and challenging career path.