PNNL

Kate Hickcox, lighting research scientist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), has been selected to join the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) standards committee.

The IES is the leading lighting authority in lighting standards in North America, seeking to bring together experts whose collective knowledge advances lighting solutions and actions that benefit the public.

Most committee board appointments last approximately three years. During her time in the role, Hickcox will join other board members in overseeing the process by which IES standards are developed. This consists of regular reviews of votes on standards, making sure comments have been adequately addressed, and confirming the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) guidelines have been followed.

The final, approved standards will go on to inform everything from the guidance used by lighting industry professionals to the information that forms the basis of various product designs, output, and lighting best practices.

“Being able to participate on the standards committee is deeply gratifying,” Hickcox said. “You get to work with a team of experts who are passionate enough about particular lighting topics to volunteer their time to advance research and development in ways that benefit people’s everyday lives.”

At PNNL, Hickcox’s research focuses on lighting energy efficiency and sustainability, equitable use of lighting, health effects of light quality, lighting effects in outdoor nighttime environments, and energy equity and environmental justice. Hickcox’s specialized background blends the aesthetic, artistic side of lighting with scientific methodology to produce innovative design solutions for a myriad of applications.

“I have been incredibly lucky to work in a field that I am passionate about.” Hickcox said, “I love knowing that I’m able to make a positive impact on people’s lives.”

In addition to the IES Standards Committee, Hickcox is also the treasurer of the IES Portland Maine Section, secretary of the IES Technical Committee: Discomfort Glare in Outdoor Nighttime Environments, and lead of the DGONE Pedestrian-scale sub-committee. She has been a member of IES since 2009.