Columbia University in the City of New York · Biomedical EngineeringWelch UVC Lab
David Welch · New York, New York
Research Focus
Dr. David Welch's lab focuses on using far-UVC irradiation as a safe method to reduce airborne disease transmission, particularly in healthcare settings. By examining the effects of these wavelengths on human health and safety, the research aims to create a new intervention technology that effectively inactivates airborne viruses without harming individuals present in the environment. Their work has significant implications for public health, especially in preventing outbreaks of diseases like COVID-19 and influenza.
far-UVCairborne disease transmissionpublic health technologyultraviolet irradiationhealth safety
Research Aims
5AIM 01Test the efficacy of far-UVC radiation in inactivating airborne viruses
AIM 02Evaluate the safety of far-UVC exposure for eyes and skin
AIM 03Determine appropriate exposure limits for far-UVC radiation
AIM 04Investigate the long-term effects of far-UVC on health in mouse models
AIM 05Develop guidelines for the implementation of far-UVC technology in public spaces
Skills the Lab Values
UV light safety assessmentmouse modelsbiological effects evaluationin vitro studiesradiation measurement techniques
Output against the department
Publications121bottom 25% of dept.447th of 595
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations16ktop 23% of dept.137th of 595
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.