Spotlighting the Physics Department
Laser Physics is one of Dr. Marco Scipioni’s passions in life – but so is the great outdoors. Raised in a rural town in Italy, Dr. Scipioni wanted to somehow combine his love for nature and physics. After a conversation with his friend turned business partner, Gates Hinds, work began on the technology behind what is now known as the Lumiton Sunshift – an athletic tee with laser technology embedded within the fabric. “We wanted to start with a t-shirt, as it is a universal item of clothing,” Dr. Scipioni says.
The laser technology within the Lumiton Sunshift harnesses the power of the sun, turning an everyday shirt into a wellness product that enhances health and performance at a cellular level. According to Lumiton’s website, “The apparel is infused with highly efficient laser dyes that absorb sunlight, become energized, and produce red and near-infrared light for the body,” and this light has been proven to have numerous health benefits. After starting a Kickstarter campaign to fund the product, the company exceeded its goal of raising $50,000 early, which Dr. Scipioni is “very proud of and grateful to our backers for.”
The work being done with Lumiton has impacted Dr. Scipioni – who teaches classes within the Physics department at Queens – and his teaching in numerous ways. He has been able to have one Queens student intern for Lumiton so far, and expects there to be more opportunities for students in the future as the brand grows and evolves. Dr. Scipioni views his work for Queens and Lumiton as “symbiotic,” and says that the work done for Lumiton “sharpens the way I teach and communicate different physics topics to my students.”
Looking ahead to the future, Dr. Scipioni wants to expand the Lumiton line to other items of clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, leggings, and even a line for kids. He is also open to the possibility of one day outfitting student athletes at Queens in Lumiton apparel. “It would be a perfect fit,” he says.
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