Levent Sahin, CCNY
Virtual
ThursdayMarch 14, 2024
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm EST
Credits TBD
Intermediate
Integrated lighting for circadian entrainment offers proven lab and field benefits, but gaps remain in understanding human-light interaction. While current guidelines provide value, consensus is lacking among key organizations for designing lighting that accounts for the human circadian system. These criteria are limited to only day-active individuals, overlooking nighttime-active populations. This oversight is worrisome, as these vulnerable individuals are at a higher risk of circadian disruption and related health problems. This presentation addresses this gap by proposing solutions informed by both lab and field studies.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Understand the importance of circadian rhythms on wellbeing and chronic health conditions in humans
- Assess gaps in current circadian lighting guidelines. Examine their limitations and relevance for diverse populations.
- Integrate research and practical insights to propose inclusive lighting solutions. Develop remedies for circadian disruption in nighttime-active individuals.
- Engage in critical discussions on the significance of consensus within key organizations
Speaker
Levent Sahin
Adjunct Faculty/ Research Scientist
CCNY
With over 20 years of experience as an accomplished research scientist and lighting design professional, Dr. Sahin has dedicated his expertise to investigating the impacts of light on diverse populations. His work has encompassed both visual and non-visual effects of light, targeting groups such as students, shift workers, military personnel, and the elderly with cognitive impairments.
Dr. Sahin’s diligent research efforts have yielded significant scientific insights, leading to evidence-based applications and highly cited numerous publications in best-ranked peer-reviewed technical and scientific journals. His articles have garnered more than 600 citations, reflecting the impact of his contributions.
One of Dr. Sahin’s groundbreaking discoveries highlights the alertness-enhancing effects of red light. This discovery is currently undergoing practical testing, demonstrating its potential to enhance acute alertness without disrupting circadian rhythms. This innovation is finding applications in real-world settings, including federal offices overseen by the General Services Administration, US Air Force control rooms, and the Metro Istanbul dispatch center.
Dr. Sahin’s research has also extended to investigating the effective use of 40 Hz flickering light as a means to aid Alzheimer’s disease patients.
Dr. Sahin’s educational background includes a Ph.D. from the Lighting Research Center and an MSc in Industrial Product Design. Presently, he serves as an Adjunct Professor at CCNY Spitzer School of Architecture. In this role, he collaborates with his students to explore the interconnectedness between the built environment and ecological factors, fostering a deeper understanding of this symbiotic relationship.