Last but not least of this serie of meeting Mantis’ team: our remarkable first employee.

Thank you for following us through this journey, we will come back once the team grows.

Can you talk a bit about your background, expertise and role at Mantis Photonics?

I completed my degree in Physics at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona in Catalonia, Spain. Then, I moved to Belgium to pursue the European Master of Science in Photonics at Universiteit Gent. After my studies, I started a Ph.D. at the same university. During my doctoral research, I focused on developing a single-particle electrophoresis technique and on exploring its diverse applications, particularly in the biomedical field. After my academic adventure, I landed in Sweden and started working at Mantis Photonics. I am primarily involved in the development of the hardware, as well as the analysis of the hyperspectral images.

What do you like the most about your job?

Of course, the best part is riding my bike to work every morning! 😉
But beyond that, I really enjoy discussing and geeking out with my teammates, especially over technical stuff and data analysis (linking optical responses to actual diseases is fascinating). I find workflow planning quite satisfying, personally. But I must admit that I love those “lowkey days” where I can read articles, structure and analyse data, or polish presentations. And last but not least, I cherish those post-lunch brainstorming walks.

If you were to describe Mantis in 3 words, what would they be? Describe yourself in 3 words as well.

Biophotonics meet healthcare.

Scientific detective walker.

What inspired you to pursue this career and made you want to be part of Mantis?

The first thing that draw my attention was the company name. I found the idea of subtly incorporating the implied technology (i.e. hyperspectral imaging) by including “mantis” (shrimp) in the company name absolutely brilliant! 😊

Also, this technology aims to assist in healthcare which further resonated with me, making me more willing to join the team.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work that contributes to your creativity and overall well-being?

I find that staying active and spending time outdoors helps me unwind and definitely boost my creativity. Some of my favourite things to do after work are climbing, swimming and dancing. But I also enjoy simple pleasures like hiking in nature while birdwatching or simply walking until I am bored and exhausted.

What is your motto in life? Are you able to apply it to Mantis?

I like to follow the “80% rule” to avoid perfectionism and procrastination: It’s better to do something 80 percent right than nothing at all while waiting for perfection that may never come. I believe that finding the “good enough” is key and it definitely has an impact on productivity.

Where do you see the company in 5 years?

Mantis would have already developed and sold robust hyperspectral cameras to researchers and doctors. Fascinating results would have already been found with Mantis camera. Mantis would have a dedicated research team where new diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis would be investigated.

Being part of an international team, is there a language you like to use more? Maybe one you would like to learn now?

English is the most spoken. However, I enjoy speaking Dutch with my teammates 😊

I am doing my best to learn Swedish. Lyka till!

Favourite dessert?

Dark chocolate but my guilty pleasure is peanuts coated with dark chocolate.

What job did you want to do as a kid?

I wanted to be a writer or a farmer who lives somewhere in the mountains. My mind is full of stories, and I used to make my grandpas write them down for me.

If you could have any superpower, what would you choose?

Talk with animals.

What is your bedside table book?

Hidden in Shadows (The Åre Murders #2) by Viveca Sten

My mum hooked me into reading crime novel and Swedish authors are one of my favourites.

Want to start a conversation with Ingrid?

ingrid.amer.cid@mantis-photonics.com