Submitted by IUVA YP Committee
To finish the year, this column will highlight the IUVA 2024 YP scholarship winners. We got the chance to interview these three incredible YPs, who have significantly contributed to the UV industry (and continue to do so)! We hope they offer some inspiration for the new year as we begin to wrap up 2024.
Amritpal Singh
Tennessee State University, USA
Amritpal Singh is a master’s student studying the use of UV-C technology in fluid and surface disinfection. Using UV-C technology, he hopes to extend the shelf life of perishable food products, mitigate foodborne illnesses and reduce food waste.
Why did you start working in the UV industry? I began working in the UV industry because of its innovative potential to revolutionize food safety and sanitation. I was drawn to UV technology’s ability to offer sustainable, eco-friendly solutions in sectors such as food processing as I had encountered food safety challenges in the Indian dairy industry.
After receiving the award, what have you been working on? I’ve focused on advancing my research by developing pilot-scale UV-C systems for liquid food processing. I later joined as a FSQA manager at Ancient Organics. This position allows me to introduce UV-C technology into our processes for enhanced food safety. This work aligns with my past projects to drive innovation in food technology by leveraging UV-C technology, ensuring both safety and environmental sustainability.
How did receiving the award enhance your professional progression? Receiving the award significantly boosted my confidence and credibility in the UV industry. It connected me with leading professionals, opening doors to collaborative projects and innovative research opportunities. This ultimately accelerated my career progression and broadened my professional network in the industry.
What are your long-term career aspirations? My long-term goal is to integrate my proficiency in food safety and quality assurance with innovative UV-C research. I aspire to lead advancements in food safety through cutting-edge technologies, like UV-C, and to continue enhancing the standards in large-scale operations.
Danmei Chen
University of Toronto, Canada
Danmei Chen is a Ph.D. candidate whose research is dedicated to enhancing UV reactor performance using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and other numerical modeling tools. She hopes her research will support development of rigorous regulations for UV systems to facilitate safe and efficient use.
Why did you start working in the UV industry? I became involved in the UV industry through my research. My experience with CFD modeling led me to explore how it can be applied to further optimize the proper use of UV for water/air disinfection and UV AOPs. I am drawn to the challenge of using numerical modeling to push the boundaries of UV technology. It’s rewarding to contribute to a field that is so dynamic and evolving. Plus, the UV industry attracts scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs who are driven by a shared goal – to improve public health. The sense of community and purpose in this field is truly inspiring.
After receiving the award, what have you been working on? Since the IUVA Americas conference, I’ve returned to Canada to continue working on the project I presented in Orlando. During that presentation, I introduced the theoretical merits and methodologies of using a combined variable approach to assess the performance of small-scale UV-LED systems. We have an onsite project in Mexico, and we’re currently planning another visit to gather data that will help validate our model.
How did receiving the award enhance your professional progression? The award represents recognition of my research team’s efforts, which is both rewarding and motivating. The award also opened doors for networking. It gave me a platform to share my research, which led to many meaningful conversations with UV professionals. As someone invested in fostering the next generation of UV professionals, I appreciate how the award helped me strengthen these connections.
What are your long-term career aspirations? I aim to continue working in the UV industry, ideally with R&D. I’m passionate about using UV technology to solve real-world problems, particularly in regions where resources are limited but the need for safe disinfection is high. Ultimately, I’d like to contribute to making UV disinfection a reliable and accessible solution for public health.
Marion Kerubo Mogusu
Egerton University, Kenya
Marion Kerubo Mogusu is a master’s student researching the integration of perovskite solar cells in UV lamps for point-of-use water treatment in developing countries with limited access to electricity. She hopes to prove the scalability and viability of this technology by minimizing production costs and maximizing power conversion of the solar cell. The impact of this technology in developing countries, like Kenya, where the burden of waterborne diseases is disproportionally high, could have impacts far beyond public health.
Why did you start working in the UV industry? The UV industry intrigued me because I am driven about finding innovative solutions to pressing global challenges, especially in developing countries where there is limited access to clean water and energy. I was drawn to the idea of using UV technology for point of use (POU) water disinfection systems because of its immense potential in public health applications like water treatment, without utilizing chemicals.
After receiving the award, what have you been working on? My major focus has been on my research, which is on fabricating perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Mainly, I have been synthesizing and testing a germanium doped cesium tin triiodide perovskite layer with the aim of developing a lead-free PSC that is more stable and efficient.
How did receiving the award enhance your professional progression? Being one of the recipients of the IUVA scholarship gave me a platform to engage with experts, researchers and professionals in the UV industry. Not only did the award provide recognition and validation for my work, but it also paved the way for several opportunities. I was invited to join the IUVA Young Professionals committee, which has given me a chance to engage with young professionals in the UV field, contribute to the organization’s discussions and gain leadership experience. Additionally, I got to network and connect with supervisors and researchers at the conference and, as a result, stand a chance of pursuing my Ph.D. studies abroad, a significant step in furthering my academic and professional development. These experiences have given me hope and created exciting possibilities for the future.
What are your long-term career aspirations? I aspire to be a lead researcher and advocate for sustainable energy solutions, particularly in areas such as water treatment, healthcare, electricity production and environmental protection. I hope to collaborate with experts and institutions globally to drive innovation in UV and solar technologies, eventually making a lasting impact on public health, economic development and environmental sustainability. Additionally, I am deeply committed to bridging the gender gap in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields here in Kenya and beyond through an initiative I founded called the Dare to STEM Initiative. This program is dedicated to motivating and empowering young girls to pursue careers in STEM, addressing the underrepresentation of women in these fields. I believe that fostering interest in STEM subjects at an early age is crucial to achieving gender equality and unlocking the full potential of the future generation.
If you are interested in being involved with the IUVA YP committee for 2025, reach out through the IUVA website (https://iuva.org/IUVA-Young-Professionals) or by email ([email protected]). We’re always looking for new ideas and perspectives on our committees!
