From Intern to Leader

Alexandra Culler began her journey as an intern at Zemax while completing her master’s degree in Applied Physics at the University of Oregon. What began as a nine-month internship grew into a career centered on solving customer challenges, building community and helping others succeed. 

Today, Alexandra manages the post-sales Optics team across the Americas. From helping customers solve complex technical problems to improving processes and finding creative ways to keep her team connected, variety has remained one of the things she values most about her work.

Finding new perspectives in the Swiss Alps.

A Career Built on Curiosity 

I joined the company as an intern with more general physics knowledge than optics expertise. Like many new graduates, I worried about looking as though I didn’t know what I was doing. 

Instead, I found a team that encouraged questions, gave me room to learn and helped me discover my strengths. Over time, I became comfortable being the expert on certain topics and helping others in return.

That experience has shaped the way I approach both my work and leadership today.

A New Challenge Every Day 

One of the things I enjoy most about my role is the variety. Through post-sales support, I get to learn about the work customers are doing across the industry and help them solve new problems every day. 

Some of those challenges have had fascinating real-world applications. I once helped a national laboratory model X-rays to ensure radiation wasn’t leaking into neighboring labs. In another case, I worked with a medical device company and our developers to resolve a critical software issue that could have delayed its manufacturing process. 

Those experiences show how meaningful technical problem-solving can become when you understand what is at stake for the customer.

Bringing the Optics community together in Tucson.

Building Community Beyond the Product 

Not every meaningful project has been purely technical. 

One project I particularly enjoyed was building the Zemax user forum. I helped design the site and hosted user surveys to understand what the community needed. As participation grew, the forum eventually developed into its own user-driven ecosystem. 

For me, it demonstrated that supporting customers can also mean creating spaces where people can connect, exchange ideas and help one another.

Connecting the community at Canada’s first Purple Poster session.

A Culture Built on Trust 

The Synopsys value that resonates most with me is trust. 

In STEM, you sometimes encounter the mindset that “if you want something done right, do it yourself.” To me, trust means the opposite. It means believing in your colleagues’ abilities, knowing they have your back and being comfortable admitting when you need help. 

I have grown through the trust others placed in me. That experience taught me that asking for help isn’t a weakness. It is part of building respect, learning from others and becoming a better engineer and leader.

“I have grown through the trust placed in me.” 

Keeping our remote team connected, one game day at a time

Making Work Fun 

Team culture has played an important role throughout my career. 

Even as we’ve moved to a more remote way of working, personal check-ins and regular game days have helped us stay connected. I enjoy finding ways to make the workday fun because strong working relationships make it easier for people to ask questions, offer help and collaborate when challenges arise. 

For me, a strong team is one where people can do great work together and enjoy the journey along the way

Connecting with colleagues at Photonics West 2026.

My Advice to New Joiners

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. 

You don’t have to walk into a new role knowing everything. Give yourself room to learn, find the people you can learn from and discover the strengths you bring to the team. 

Stay curious about the problems your customers and colleagues are trying to solve. Sometimes the best opportunities for growth come from taking on something you haven’t encountered before.

What You Might Not Know 

In 2022, I attended at least 23 concerts, including a festival in Kotka, Finland. And yes, I’m a metal fan. 

A few years ago, I also wrote a fantasy novel about the length of The Hobbit. It has received more than 50,000 hits online. 

I enjoy knitting too and recently made a baby blanket for one of my coworkers. And one more thing you might not guess from my day job: I have three tattoos, including a half sleeve.

Doing what I love at The Fray concert in Seattle