Bishnu Pal, author of "Frontiers in Guided Wave Optics and Optoelectronics" and dean of academics at Mahindra University's Ecole Centrale School of Engineering, is our guest. From his start in semiconductor physics to numerous collaborations in the areas of fiber optics, silicon photonics, specialty fibers, and optical materials, Pal walks us through his journey in optics and photonics, which earlier this year saw him recognized with the SPIE Maria J. Yzuel Educator Award in recognition of four decades of educational leadership and sustained contributions in the field.