Yue (Zora) Liu Receives the 2026
Richard Kelly Grant

Recognized for Her Creative Approach to Exploring Human and Environmental Needs Through Light

What happens when we ask not only how much light people need, but what kind of light creates better nighttime environments for both people and the planet?

For Yue (Zora) Liu, that question is at the heart of her work.

Liu, a Ph.D. candidate in Architectural Engineering at Penn State, has been named the 2026 recipient of the Richard Kelly Grant in recognition of her creative and thoughtful approach to the art and science of illumination.

Her research explores how people perceive and respond to light in nighttime environments, with a particular focus on visual perception, color, visibility, navigation, and the ecological impacts of artificial light at night.

Exploring Better Nighttime Lighting

Liu is interested in finding a balance between human needs and environmental responsibility. Her work examines how dimmer, warmer nighttime lighting can help reduce the impact of artificial light on the environment while still allowing people to see color, judge safety, and navigate confidently in low-light conditions.

Through controlled experiments, she is building evidence-based approaches to understanding how lighting conditions affect human experience—and how those insights can inform more thoughtful approaches to nighttime lighting.

The work reflects the kind of curiosity that Richard Kelly championed: questioning conventions, exploring what light can do, and looking at illumination from new perspectives.

What inspires me most about Richard Kelly’s legacy is his curiosity, his willingness to question conventions, explore what light could do, and push the field forward at a time when architectural lighting was still emerging as a profession.”

Liu hopes to carry that same spirit into her own research, exploring how nighttime environments can support human experience while being more thoughtful about the impact of light on the environment.

“I hope to carry that same spirit into my own research by exploring how we can create nighttime environments that support human experience while being more thoughtful about the impact of light on the environment,” she said. “This recognition means so much to me, and it encourages me to keep asking questions, keep exploring, and hopefully help shape a more thoughtful future for lighting.”

A New Generation of Lighting Voices

The Richard Kelly Grant recognizes individuals 35 and under who demonstrate an innovative approach to light as art and/or science. Administered by IESNYC under the auspices of the Illuminating Engineering Society, the Grant supports emerging voices working in illumination across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Addison Kelly, representing the Richard Kelly Grant, sees in Liu’s work the same spirit of curiosity and creativity that defined Richard Kelly’s approach to lighting.

“Zora's work embodies that spirit by asking important questions about how we experience light at night and how we can use it more thoughtfully.”

Liu’s research brings together science, human experience, and environmental responsibility—an intersection that is increasingly important as the lighting profession considers not only what light makes possible, but also its broader impact.

About Yue (Zora) Liu

Yue (Zora) Liu is a Ph.D. candidate in Architectural Engineering at Penn State, where she specializes in lighting and is pursuing a minor in Computational Science. She holds an M.S. in Light and Lighting from University College London and a B.A. in Environmental Design from Jiangnan University.

Before beginning her doctoral studies, Liu worked as an Assistant Lighting Designer at Arup Hong Kong and as an Urban Planner and Lighting Consultant at the China Academy of Urban Planning and Design in Shenzhen, contributing to projects and studies spanning architectural, urban, and nighttime lighting.

PURPOSE OF THE GRANT

To recognize and encourage creative thought and activity in the use of light. Cash award(s) will be granted to the person(s) who preserve and carry forth Richard Kelly’s ideals, enthusiasm and reverence for light.

ELIGIBILITY

Anyone 35 years or under, studying or working in the art and/or science of illumination, in the United States, Canada or Mexico.

CRITERIA

Applicant must demonstrate accomplishment as well as the potential to contribute to the art and science of illumination. Proposed, completed, and on-going work involving light may be submitted and should clearly illustrate the way in which the conceptual or applied use of light in new and innovative ways is used to solve or better understand a problem.

The Grant Committee will consider works using light in:
Architecture • Art • Education • Environmental Design • Health • Fixture Design • Software Design • Theater