Marshall: After 27 years with GE, I still love lasers and I still love to solve problems. A French maker of PET (positron emission tomography) scanning systems for Medical Systems had a good one. Its photomultiplier tubes contained particles that reduced the system's yield. Over dinner, voila! I realized a laser could vaporize the particles. We developed a process that increased yield 8% and we've since filed two patent disclosures, which ensures that we will create value from our technology.

Danielle: I lead a 25-person lab focused on wideband semiconductor devices. They can revolutionize the lighting industry in LEDs, but we've also found they may have applications in warning sensors and pollution reduction devices. Synergies like these are possible at GE because we have such diverse businesses and the resources to take risks and pursue all the possibilities.

Marshall: I've earned 40 patents, but the best part of my career has been sharing what I've learned with young people and inspiring them to appreciate science and engineering. When they ask why I seem so happy, I tell them it's because I work with the best toys in the world – lasers.

Danielle: I especially love how we work in teams and turn concepts into practical, beneficial realities that work for customers.