How it Started
In March 2020, during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Skagit Valley Chorale in Washington state held a rehearsal. Despite following recommended guidelines at the time, such as handwashing and avoiding physical contact, the choir rehearsal resulted in a significant outbreak of COVID-19.
Approximately 60 members attended this rehearsal, and within a few weeks, over 50 members tested positive for COVID-19, with two deaths reported and many others experiencing severe illness. This event gained attention because it demonstrated the potential for the virus to spread through airborne transmission, particularly in indoor settings with poor ventilation.
The incident highlighted the importance of understanding the role of aerosols in COVID-19 transmission and the need for improved ventilation and other measures to mitigate the risk of infection, especially in enclosed spaces where people gather for extended periods.
Tom Dunbar, Founder and CEO of tomPhyzx LLC, began research & development to address the lack of technology on the market to accurately measure and eliminate the presence of pathogens in the air. Today the company has been awarded multiple patents for innovative UV-C light measurement and air sanitization technologies. In 2023 tomPhyzx LLC acquired manufacturing startup uvcPhyzx Corporation including all protypes and preproduction devices based on the tomPhyzx IP portfolio.
Meet Tom, the Ideas Behind tomPhyzx
Tom founded tomPhyzx, LLC in the summer of 2020 to tackle the urgent air purification challenges posed by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the resulting COVID-19 pandemic. With a career spanning over two decades, Tom brings a needed expertise in physics and engineering to the field of air sanitization.
Before establishing tomPhyzx, Tom dedicated 22 years to educating future scientists as a Professor of Physics at Corning Community College. His professional journey also includes significant roles as a Development Engineer at Kodak and Westinghouse/IST, where he honed his skills in innovative product development and optical engineering.
Tom holds a Master’s degree in Optical Engineering from the University of Rochester and a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Physics from Susquehanna University. His extensive academic and professional background positions him as a leading authority in air purification technologies.
Residing on Keuka Lake in New York's picturesque Finger Lakes region, Tom balances his professional pursuits with a love for fishing and boating.
The Science Behind tomPhyzx
Discover how tomPhyzx’s groundbreaking research and mission to innovate in air sanitation can help mitigate future risks of airborne pathogens and virus outbreaks.
