This issue’s member spotlight is on Jeff Hungarter!
At what point in your career did you come to understand lighting was the career path for you?
I think once I got into product management it really became clear that I was falling for lighting. I realized that I would walk into buildings and stare at the ceiling, trying (like most other IES members) to figure out what type of lighting was being used and if it was our Alto green end cap lamps. The story behind sustainability and the impact that I could have on putting less waste into the world really resonated with me. After that it was moving from traditional to LED technology and that did it for me- light + technology, I was sold!
What is the best thing about the Society? Why do you continue to renew?
Honestly, it’s the relationships I’ve made within the organization and what I’ve learned from these other light lovers. Attending the IES conferences has been the most educational trade shows and the most fun as well. I really learned a lot of circadian and human health and light from the top scientists and professional in the industry at these conferences. People in the industry like researcher Dr. Mariana Figueiro, lighting innovator Gary Trott, and lighting designer Brienne Wilcox have really inspired me to think differently about innovation around light and health.
Past/Recent Projects
The project I’m most proud of was launching the daylighting experience called the Cadiant Dynamic Skylight. The program took over two years of research from our R&D team, as well as lots of voice of customer from the specification community with early prototypes and working to understand how we could give people the connection to nature that we all desire so much. The result was an amazing daylighting solution that looked like a real skylight and through connected technology could actually be programmed to move the sun across the day. It was an inspiring project to be a part of with a great team coming together to deliver an amazing innovation.
When not serving the advancement of the art and science of lighting, how do you like to spend your free time?
I love spending time playing basketball with my kids and playing tennis with my wife. Honestly, any way to connect with nature whether that’s a round of golf or enjoying some rays at an outdoor brewery, I’m in!