New York, NY — The New York City Section of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IESNYC) proudly highlights the recipients of the 2024 IESNYC Thesis Awards. This prestigious accolade honors exceptional achievements in the realm of lighting design and research. The IESNYC is thrilled to recognize the outstanding work of Gavin Cantrell, Xiaoxiao Cui and Sachintha De Vas Gunawardena.
Shoshanna Segal, President of the IESNYC and Principal at Hartranft Lighting Design, commented, “We are proud to support the academic endeavors of these talented individuals. Their innovative research and creative designs are vital to the future of lighting. The IESNYC’s commitment to education and professional growth is exemplified by initiatives like the Thesis Awards, which help foster the next generation of lighting professionals.”
Gavin Cantrell, Master of Professional Studies in Lighting Design (MPSL) candidate, New York School of Interior Design, received recognition for his thesis, a complete lighting design for the DePaul Theatre School in Chicago, IL. Gavin’s design concept, inspired by the idea of a “Lava Lamp,” serves as a colorful counterpoint to the architecture and subtly nods to the school’s history of mixing and exchanging ideas.
Gavin expressed, “Receiving the IESNYC Thesis Award reaffirms my commitment to transitioning into architectural lighting design. This recognition strengthens my belief that I’ve chosen the right career path. The IESNYC is an indispensable resource and community for all students of light. In-person events such as the student lighting competition at LEDucation are some of the few chances for the greater NYC student lighting community to come together in such a creative and supportive way.”
Xiaoxiao Cui, MFA Lighting Design, Parsons School of Design, was recognized for her thesis titled “Lighting Psychology in Virtual Reality: Revisiting John Flynn’s ‘Lighting Modes’ Theory.” Xiaoxiao’s research investigates the role of lighting design in virtual reality (VR) environments and its influence on human perception and behavior. Her study replicates John Flynn’s experimental methodologies within a virtual conference room using MetaQuest Oculus 2, revealing the high degree of congruence between VR and physical environments in shaping evaluative impressions and perceptions of spaciousness.
“As a designer, I am passionate about integrating historical influences with futuristic concepts,” she explained. “My work bridges the present and future by merging advanced technology with the human experience.”
“I am deeply honored to receive the IESNYC Thesis Award, which recognizes my dedication to advancing lighting design through interdisciplinary approaches in the evolving technological landscape,” said Xiaoxiao.
Sachintha De Vas Gunawardena, PhD, Architectural Sciences (Concentration in Lighting), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, has been honored for his dissertation titled “Investigating Component Life and LED Driver Failure Prediction Method.” His work addresses the critical challenges in the lifespan of LED lighting systems, focusing on the failure of LED drivers. Sachintha explored the degradation patterns of electronic components under varying conditions and developed predictive methods for LED driver lifetimes. This research offers valuable insights into improving the reliability and performance of LED lighting systems.
Sachintha shared, “Receiving the IESNYC Thesis Award is a significant recognition within the lighting community for my dissertation work. This acknowledgment affirms the importance of my research and enhances my career path in lighting. The IESNYC plays a crucial role for young professionals in the lighting industry by serving as a vital platform for education, networking, and professional development.”
Mike Barr, IESNYC Board Member and Thesis Award Chair (Lutron Electronics Co. Inc.), emphasized the importance of the Thesis Awards in supporting emerging talent. He stated, “The IESNYC Thesis Awards are more than just a financial award. It is a recognition of the hard work and passion that students bring to the study of lighting design. We are excited to support these students as they continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in our field.”
Each recipient receives a $2,500 award along with this significant recognition.
The IESNYC is an advocate for lighting education, dedicated to nurturing and inspiring the next generation of lighting professionals and future leaders. In addition to the Thesis Awards program, the IESNYC champions various initiatives such as the annual IESNYC Merit Scholarship, the Student Lighting Competition, the IESNYC Guiding Lights Circle mentorship initiative, and numerous year-round educational programs. Through these efforts, the IESNYC aims to advance the art and science of lighting by supporting the education and development of future industry leaders.
The IESNYC extends its congratulations to Sachintha De Vas Gunawardena, Xiaoxiao Cui, and Gavin Cantrell and looks forward to seeing their continued contributions to the field of architectural lighting.
For more information about the IESNYC and its initiatives, please visit www.iesnyc.org.
About the IESNYC
IESNYC (www.iesnyc.org) is the New York City Section of the Illuminating Engineering Society. The IESNYC is a volunteer professional membership organization whose members share a mutual appreciation for and fascination with all things lighting. They are lighting designers, architects, engineers, consultants, lighting manufacturers, lighting representatives, electrical distributors, and allied professionals. IESNYC members are dedicated to promoting the art and science of illumination engineering to their members, professionals, the lighting industry, and the public through inspiring events, informative programs and educational series, social outreach, and networking opportunities.