Tracing the Historical Development of Far-UVC Light Sources

Microscope looking at infectious diseases

The story of Far-UVC light technology is one of innovation, perseverance, and scientific discovery. To understand its present-day applications and potential, it’s essential to delve into its historical development, tracing the journey from its conceptual beginnings to its current state of advancement. The concept of using ultraviolet light for disinfection dates back to the late […]

Mold study highlights safer Far-UVC light cleaning alternative

Mold spores, macro. Mould light, yellow, transparent

Research suggests that to prevent common mold growth, low-dose Far-UVC light could be applied as a chemical-free addition to manual cleaning of indoor surfaces. A recent study has determined that intermittent low-intensity Far-UVC light can inhibit mold growth below the threshold limit value of 23 mJ/cm2. At 222nm, Far-UVC light was shown to prevent development of […]

Air and Surface Treatment Using Germicidal Ultraviolet-C (GUV)

Germicidal ultraviolet lamp glows on a rough wall

GUV technology has the potential to contribute significantly to lower pathogen concentrations on surfaces and in the air in many areas of human activities, in food supply and yet to be discovered areas. Consequently, this is expected to lower pathogen transmission and, therefore, infections. However, based on its limitations as a photonic technology, an honest […]

The effects of Far-UVC light for the potential benefit of public health

Dr David Brenner, the Director of the Center for Radiological Research at Columbia University, discusses the work that he and other scientists have done over the last several years around the effects of Far-UVC light for the potential benefit of public health. We are honored to have him on Lit Thinking’s Science Advisory Board.  Learn […]

Interview with Dr. David Brenner of Columbia University on Far-UVC 222-nm and the COVID pandemic

The recognition that respiratory pathogens which cause COVID-19 were transmitted through airborne mechanisms was a critical insight into the nature of the disease and the need to decontaminate airborne spaces to eliminate these pathogens. From a technological perspective, the work by Dr. David Brenner and colleagues at Columbia University’s Center for Radiological Research in recent […]

Health Care Institutions: Disinfection Lighting Can Help Address Three Key Challenges

Team of doctors concentrating on a patient during a surgery in hospital

Disinfection ultraviolet lighting solutions can be a cost effective and immediate way to help mitigate Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) resulting from airborne and surface contaminates. An exciting, new technology, 222 nm UV-C, with the ability to treat a wide range of contaminants, has recently entered the market. Independently tested to be both safe and effective in […]

Lit Thinking to Attend the AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo

Lit Thinking is headed to Nashville in March for the AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo. Stop by our booth 2244 to learn more about the power of human-safe Far-UVC and its applications for the healthcare environment at AORN in Nashville, March 10-12! Enter to win a Stanley Cup at booth 2244 and learn more […]

Lit Thinking’s Inaugural Science Advisory Board Meeting to Discuss Future of Far-UVC

During the inaugural Science Advisory Board meeting at Hudson Yards in New York City, the Lit Thinking team had the privilege of convening with two distinguished scientists, Dr. David Brenner, Professor of Radiation Biophysics, College of Physicians & Surgeons at Columbia University Medical Center – Center for Radiological Research and Dr. Edward Nardell, Professor of […]

Welcome Dr. Shashwat Rathkanthiwar!

Lit Thinking is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Shashwat Rathkanthiwar, a seasoned material scientist and prolific researcher with over a decade of expertise in III-nitride semiconductors. His groundbreaking approach integrates semiconductor materials science, physics and electronics, envisioning revolutionary advancements in electronic, optical, quantum, and critical device technologies. Dr. Rathkanthiwar will spearhead the research […]

Welcome Wendy Walling

We are happy to announce that Wendy Walling has joined the Lit Thinking team! Wendy brings more than 20 years’ experience in sales, marketing, and business development and a passion for promoting the power and performance of Germicidal Ultraviolet (GUV) technologies especially in #healthcare environments. “I couldn’t be more excited to join Lit Thinking and […]

Dr. Shashwat Rathkanthiwar

Director, MOCVD Research
Dr. Shashwat Rathkanthiwar is a seasoned material scientist and prolific researcher with over a decade of expertise in III-nitride semiconductors. His groundbreaking approach integrates semiconductor materials science, physics and electronics, envisioning revolutionary advancements in electronic, optical, quantum, and critical device technologies. Dr. Rathkanthiwar will spearhead the research on Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) of ultrawide bandgap nitride semiconductors, enabling far-ultraviolet optoelectronics and kV-class power electronics. 
 
Dr. Rathkanthiwar earned his undergraduate degree in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur, India, shifting gears to Nano Science and Engineering for his doctorate at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, where his thesis focused on III-nitride ultraviolet photodetectors. His postdoctoral tenure at North Carolina State University’s WideBandgaps Laboratory honed his expertise in epitaxially grown nitride semiconductors on native substrates, addressing doping, point defect management, and strain relaxation. 
 
With 31 journal publications, 80 international conference presentations, 1 patent, and over 15 invited talks, Dr. Rathkanthiwar’s contributions have garnered Editor’s Pick selections in Applied Physics Letters, alongside numerous awards and recognitions for research excellence, including Best Oral and Poster Presentations. Dr. Rathkanthiwar serves as an independent reviewer for 14 major journals and also chairs technical sessions at esteemed conferences such as American Conference on Crystal Growth and Epitaxy, Compound Semiconductor Week, Electronic Materials Conference, and Materials Research Society Meeting.

Braden C.

UCF Intern

My experience at Lit Thinking has been very impactful towards my growth as an engineer. I started working here in the middle stage of the product development process and we now have a fully developed product that’s actively on the market. I have been able to work directly with the Director of Engineering, which has allowed me to understand what it means to be an engineer. As interns we get access to a broad range of engineering applications including mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing.

Juan C.

UCF Intern

My experience as an intern at Lit Thinking™ has been outstanding. There has been an immense improvement in my leadership, hands-on, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Lit Thinking™ has helped me enhance my professional career as a Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Central Florida by working through the Engineering design process to develop Visium 1™

Juan

“My experience as an intern at Lit Thinking has been outstanding. There has been an immense improvement in my leadership, hands-on, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Lit Thinking has helped me enhance my professional career as a Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Central Florida by working through the Engineering design process to assist with developing Visium.”

Juan C.
University of Central Florida

Braden

“My experience at Lit Thinking has been very impactful towards my growth as an engineer. I started working here in the middle stage of the product development process and we now have a fully developed product that’s actively on the market. I have been able to work directly with the Director of Engineering, which has allowed me to understand what it means to be an engineer. As interns we get access to a broad range of engineering applications including mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing.”

Braden C.
University of Central Florida

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Josh Oelker

Director, Business Development - Commercial

Josh Oelker joins the Lit Thinking team as an accomplished sales and business development leader with over 15 years’ experience that includes nearly a decade of invaluable involvement in Germicidal Ultraviolet (GUV) solutions for a multitude of applications. His background involves building relationships and fostering revenue within many areas, such as Commercial buildings, HVAC, Healthcare, Education and Food processing, as well as with many channels, segments, and partnerships. In addition, Josh has worked with different types of GUV technologies, including Far UV, LED UV, Xenon pulse and PCO. 

Josh started his career in GUV at Steril-Aire, where he rose from a Regional Sales Manager to a National Sales Manager, responsible for the overall revenue of a 30-year-old UVC/IAQ company. During his time there, he created, developed and launched an IoT UVC Sensor and monitoring platform with a cloud-based dashboard that allows continual awareness and efficacy. He also co-authored white papers on UVGI efficacy for disinfection and UVC for Energy Savings/Sustainability. 

In his most recent role as Director of Business Development- HVAC at PURO, Josh established an HVAC distribution network for new and future products from scratch. He collaborated on expanding the company’s product portfolio of UVC HVAC options and gained invaluable experience with other UVC and IAQ technologies. 

Josh’s passion for GUV has led him to explore the diverse benefits of UV disinfection in partnership with the USDA, the University of Minnesota and international biosecurity researchers. As an Associate ASHRAE member and an industry-expert, Josh has given numerous PDH accredited presentations on the efficacy and application of GUV for safer, healthier and more efficient buildings. 

Wendy Walling

Director, Business Development - Healthcare

Wendy Walling joins the Lit Thinking team as a seasoned sales, marketing and business development professional with over 20 years’ experience that includes an invaluable background in Germicidal Ultraviolet (GUV) technologies for Healthcare applications. Her diverse background includes the development and launch of antimicrobial textiles under the trademark license of the Clorox Professional Products Group and a 12-year career as a Marketing and Communications leader with Cox Target Media, a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises.

 

In her most recent role as Global Director of Marketing at Intellego Technologies AB, Sweden, Wendy designed and built from the ground-up the company’s primary brand and business unit, UVC Dosimeters. She successfully expanded the company’s product portfolio of photochromic dose indicators for measurement of ultraviolet energy for 254 nm, 260-280 nm and 222 nm, and directly managed the company’s private-label business for customers in the US, Korea, Greece, South Africa, Colombia, Peru and the UK. In addition to developing UV auditing protocols for the largest healthcare system in the US, Wendy served as the host of Intellego’s thought-leadership video and podcast series, Making the Invisible VISIBLE, available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

 

Wendy’s passion for the promotion and adoption of GUV technologies has garnered the attention and respect from peers at the International Ultraviolet Association where she is an active member of its Healthcare Task Force and GUV working groups. She has served as a member of the Global Biorisk Advisory Council, a Division of ISSA and a contributor to the 2022 GBAC Validation & Auditing Technology Guide.