‘International Day of Light’ showcases light-based technologies
(SACRAMENTO)
UC Davis Health recently spotlighted how light-based technologies are powering breakthroughs in diverse fields such as medicine, education, science, art, culture, sustainable development, communications, and energy.
On May 16, the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Biomedical Technology Program with the National Center for Interventional Biophotonic Technologies partnered with the Office of Community Outreach and Engagement to host the International Day of Light at Aggie Square, where researchers featured their light-based technologies to community partners.
May 16 marked the anniversary of the first successful laser firing in 1960 by physicist and engineer Theodore Maiman – this historic achievement paved the way for groundbreaking technologies that we benefit from today.
Community partners and biotechnology researchers come together to celebrate the International Day of Light on May 16.
The event brought together 18 community partners, including members of the Cancer Center’s Community Advisory Board, federally qualified health centers, and community-based organizations from the Cancer Center’s 19-county service region.
Not only did partners get to see the light, but they also got to demonstrate technologies, explore the real-world applications, and speak to researchers leading this leading-edge work. Researchers broke down complex concepts, while audience members shared their insights, perspectives, and asked questions about cancer research.
One audience member said, “Wonderful presentations. I felt like these were easy to understand without needing a background in science.”
It was truly a bidirectional and meaningful exchange. Dr. Randy Carney, associate professor of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, said, “One of the most meaningful moments for me was talking with a community leader who challenged me to think differently about where our diagnostic technology fits into people’s lives. This reminded me that building trust and addressing cost and access can’t be afterthoughts. Conversations like this truly reshape how our team approaches design, these features have to be engineered in from the start.”
This event was a shining example of what happens when science and community meet in conversation and engagement.
Dr. Chester Austin from Northern Valley Indian Health showcases how the FLIM brush works using a steak as a model.
Dr. Laura Fejerman, associate director of the Office of Community Outreach and Engagement at the cancer center, said, “Our Office of Community Outreach and Engagement has been working hard to bring community partners and researchers together for meaningful collaborations. We want to ensure that the people we serve have clear opportunities to engage and have a say in the science produced by UC Davis investigators. The International Day of Light was a wonderful example of how to facilitate bidirectionality.”
Dr. Julie Dang, executive director of the Office of Community Outreach and Engagement at the cancer center, added, “This event brought community and researchers together, not just to share information, but to genuinely learn from one another. It was a unique opportunity to break down barriers, build trust, and create two-way exchanges where both scientific expertise and lived experience are valued equally.”
The International Day of Light highlighted the importance of collaboration between researchers and community members. By fostering mutual learning and open dialogue, the event demonstrated how research innovations can be shaped to meet better the needs of the communities it serves.
