Frank de Vocht’s remarks dismissing me as “a single guy typing furiously in his basement” misrepresent not only the depth of my life’s work but also the purpose that drives me. While his comment may have been an attempt at humor, it provides an opportunity to highlight the journey I’ve been on, the breadth of my experience, and the principles I’ve dedicated my life to—principles rooted in a commitment to learning, innovation, and public safety.
A Lifelong Dedication to Study and Learning
I enrolled in college full-time at the age of 15, before I could even drive. By then, I had already cultivated a hunger for understanding the world through science, engineering, and advanced thought. Over the years, I’ve immersed myself in a broad spectrum of fields, including:
- Automotive Engineering: Understanding mechanical systems and their intersections with emerging technologies.
- Wireless and RF Engineering: Innovating in fields that connect the world while addressing their potential risks.
- Light-Based Communications: Developing next-generation systems like Li-Fi, which leverage photons for data transmission in ways that are safer and more sustainable than traditional microwave-based systems.
In addition, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most brilliant minds in science, including my involvement with the Alpha Institute for Advanced Study, led by the late Dr. Myron Evans, whose contributions to theoretical physics have left a lasting impact. These experiences have shaped my understanding of how to approach challenges with both rigor and humility.
Bridging Academia and Practical Engineering
While I deeply respect Frank de Vocht’s dedication to his academic field, my journey has taught me something that academia sometimes overlooks: the importance of applying knowledge practically and thinking beyond immediate paradigms. Professors, for all their expertise, can sometimes fall into short-sightedness, focusing narrowly on their specialties without fully considering the broader implications.
My work bridges the gap between academic understanding and practical innovation. It’s not just about theoretical safety—it’s about developing real-world solutions that improve people’s lives, such as:
- RF Safe: Founded in 1998, RF Safe was created to educate the public and develop solutions to reduce exposure to wireless radiation.
- First-to-Market Innovations: From belly bands for expectant mothers to cutting-edge antenna designs, I’ve consistently sought ways to make wireless technologies safer and more effective.
- Patents in Li-Fi Technology: My most recent work in light-based communication systems demonstrates how we can use photons to transmit data without the risks associated with microwave radiation—offering both safety and environmental benefits.
This work is not about eliminating technology; it’s about making it safer. Just as seatbelts didn’t stop us from driving cars but made them safer, my work seeks to evolve wireless communication in ways that protect both human health and the environment.
A Broader Perspective on Public Safety
My approach is rooted in the idea that knowledge is a gift, and it is our responsibility to use that knowledge to make prudent, logical choices. This includes acknowledging the potential risks of technologies like microwave radiation—not as fearmongering, but as a precautionary principle:
- Avoidance Isn’t Rejection: It’s not about abandoning microwave-based systems entirely; it’s about reducing unnecessary exposure and transitioning to safer alternatives when possible.
- The Potential of Li-Fi: My work in Li-Fi exemplifies how we can achieve this transition. By using photons for data transmission, we can avoid the biological disruptions linked to microwave radiation while still embracing the connectivity that defines our modern lives.
A Legacy of Learning and Innovation
This journey of study and innovation didn’t begin in a basement, and it certainly hasn’t stayed there. It began with a thirst for understanding at 15 and grew through decades of education, engineering, and advocacy. Along the way, I’ve collaborated with brilliant scientists, tackled complex engineering challenges, and faced personal loss that has only deepened my commitment to this work.
The loss of my firstborn daughter, Angel Leigh Coates, in 1995, profoundly shaped my life’s mission. Her passing, later linked to environmental factors through a study showing a 300% increase in her specific birth defect, gave me a purpose that transcends profit or recognition. RF Safe was born from that pain and the promise I made to her: That means I will fight for answers and safer technologies for the rest of my life.
Moving Forward with Respect and Collaboration
I hope this response serves not as a rebuttal but as an invitation. While Frank de Vocht and I may approach the topic of safety differently, there is an opportunity for us—and others in the scientific and regulatory communities—to engage in respectful dialogue. The goal should always be to learn, to teach, and to innovate in ways that serve the greater good.
We live in a time where access to information empowers us to make better choices. My hope is that people—scientists, engineers, and everyday individuals—will embrace that opportunity. By doing so, we can harness the potential of technology while ensuring it aligns with our health, safety, and environmental goals.
Closing Thought
Frank de Vocht’s comment may have been aimed to diminish, but it only highlights the importance of what I do. I’ve spent my life studying, creating, and advocating—not from a basement, but from a platform of purpose built on decades of experience and unyielding commitment.
I will continue to learn, innovate, and share knowledge with those willing to listen because the stakes are too high for sarcasm or dismissal. The future isn’t about holding onto outdated ideas or technologies—it’s about lighting the way forward with safer, smarter innovations. And that’s a journey I’m proud to be on, no matter where it takes me.
