by
Joan Trombetti, Writer | March 23, 2009
Joseph Zuclich, Ph.D., a research laser biophysicist retired from Northrop Grumman, will be awarded the prestigious 2009 George M. Wilkening Award for his exceptional contributions to laser bioeffects research, development of human exposure limits and safety standards, especially in the area of optics.
Established in 1997, the award is named after the first ANSI Z136 Standards Committee Chairman George M. Wilkening. The award recognizes individuals who have made extensive contributions to laser safety in science, medicine, industry or education.
"Dr. Zuclich has earned a place in laser safety history by helping to define laser safety limits. His career has included scientific investigation across a broad field of laser exposure parameters, specifically in laser-tissue interaction and ocular hazards," said Peter Baker, Executive Director of LIA. "We are proud to present him with this well-deserved award."
Dr. Zuclich's lifelong contributions to the field span more than three decades. As Principal Research Scientist at KRUG Life Sciences for almost 20 years, he formulated laser safety standards and protective measures against acute and chronic ultraviolet exposures. His early UV research resulted in the publishing of near-UV corneal action spectra, and corneal and lens laser damage thresholds for nsec thru 1000-sec exposures.
Later, Dr. Zuclich pioneered work in the NIR which ultimately changed the step-function exposure levels in the safety standards to smooth-line functions.
Since 1993, in his role as a Research Laser Biophysicist at Northrop Grumman (where he now consults), Dr. Zuclich's research focused on ocular hazards and effects of laser exposures on visual function. His work has been instrumental in vision research, laser bioeffects and developing optics laser safety standards.
During his distinguished career, Dr. Zuclich has received many industry awards, as well as a patent on quantifying optical properties of the human lens. He also served on the ANSI bioeffects subcommittee.
Nominations for the George M. Wilkening Award are open to candidates who have made outstanding contributions to laser bioeffects research and biophysics related to the establishment of human exposure limits, in safety standards development and education, and in applied laser safety and/or the development of engineering control techniques to increase the wider applications of laser technology in industry, medicine, and daily life.
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