Smart Sun Exposure: Enabling Wireless UV Sensing

Macquarie University | Sydney, New South Wales, Australia | February 2019 - November 2020

This was a pioneering research project completed during my Master’s degree that developed an innovative wearable ultraviolet light-detecting system with wireless communication capabilities. This project addressed the critical health challenge of balancing beneficial UV exposure for vitamin D synthesis while preventing harmful overexposure that can lead to skin damage and cancer.

The project involved comprehensive design and implementation of a real-time UV monitoring system that could wirelessly transmit ultraviolet intensity measurements to alert users before reaching dangerous exposure levels. The system represented a significant advancement in personal health monitoring technology, combining sensor engineering, wireless communications, and health safety applications.

Key Technical Achievements:

  • Designed and implemented a comprehensive wearable UV sensing system
  • Integrated wireless communication capabilities for real-time data transmission
  • Developed algorithms to accurately detect and measure ultraviolet light intensity
  • Created user alert mechanisms to prevent harmful overexposure
  • Integrated the system for practical, everyday use

The innovation gained recognition through media coverage highlighting its potential as a world-first technology for personal UV protection. The project’s significance was further acknowledged through coverage discussing its potential to help users make informed decisions about sun exposure while maintaining the health benefits of appropriate UV light. Additional media attention highlighted the wearable UV device’s capability to ping users out of the sun when exposure levels become dangerous.

This work contributed to the emerging field of wearable health monitoring devices and demonstrated practical applications of sensor technology in preventive healthcare, providing a foundation for consumer-grade UV protection systems that could help reduce skin cancer risks while preserving the essential health benefits of controlled sun exposure.