Mariana Figueiro with the Daysimeter, a prototype tool designed at the LRC for light and health research. Photo Credit: Rensselaer/Dennis Guyon

Mariana Figueiro, an assistant professor at Rensselaer’s Lighting Research Center, has received the James D. Watson Investigator award from the New York State Office of Science, Technology, and Academic Research (NYSTAR). With the help of this $200,000 grant, Figueiro will be exploring the effects of light on human physiological rhythms.

“Our research will examine the effects different wavelengths of light have on a novel class of photoreceptors, as well as the associated retinal mechanisms associated with human phototransduction and their respective role in regulating physiological rhythms,” said Figueiro, director of the LRC’s Light and Health program. “I am very pleased to receive this award, and I am grateful to NYSTAR for supporting our efforts.”

LRC director Mark Rea said the research could make a real difference in lighting practice. “Dr. Figueiro’s work could redefine the way lighting is manufactured and installed in our work and home environments,” Rea said.

Michael Relyea, executive director of NYSTAR, said the Watson awards are designed to recognize and support outstanding scientists and engineers who show potential for leadership and scientific discovery early in their careers in the field of biotechnology. “The world-class research being performed by some of the best young minds at New York’s colleges and universities is supported by these grants and complements our other high-tech economic development initiatives,” Relyea said.

In announcing this year’s awards, which totaled $1.4 million, Relyea explained that the James D. Watson Investigator initiative is part of the $225 million Generating Employment through New York State Science (Gen*NY*sis) program. NYSTAR’s programs are designed to spur technology-based research and economic development in New York state; promote national and international research collaboration and innovation; better leverage the state’s research expertise and funding for investments from the federal government, foundations, businesses, and others; and to acquire venture capital funding.

Published February 26, 2007