Inside Rensselaer, February 13, 2009: Lighting Research Center Graduate Student Wins National Lighting Award

Lighting Research Center Graduate Student Wins National Lighting Award

A graduate student at Rensselaer’s Lighting Research Center was selected to receive one of two national scholarships from the Besal Lighting Education Fund, which aspires to encourage talented and committed students to pursue a career in the lighting industry.

As a 2008-2009 Robert J. Besal Fund Scholarship recipient, Rosa Capó, a second-year master’s student at the Lighting Research Center, will receive $4,000 to support her graduate studies. She is currently studying daylighting design and developing creative ways to combine daylight with electric light to develop home and office environments that save energy and are aesthetically pleasing.

Capó’s scholarship application included a computer-simulated model of an office that combined daylighting, direct and indirect fluorescent lighting, and occupancy sensor technology along with specific color schemes for office materials, undercabinet lighting designs, and task lighting that occupants could control. The result was an energy-efficient, productive environment that was stylish and inviting.

“In our multidisciplinary teaching approach, students learn that lighting design should combine science, technology, and style,” said LRC Associate Director Russ Leslie. “Rosa’s projects demonstrate this important balance, and we are pleased to see her efforts and skill recognized by the Besal Fund. We are proud to have her in our program.”

“In our multidisciplinary teaching approach, students learn that lighting design should combine science, technology, and style,” said Lighting Research Center Associate Director Russ Leslie.“Rosa’s projects continue to demonstrate this important balance, and we are pleased to see her efforts and skill recognized by the Besal Fund. We are proud to have her in our program.”

Prior to attending the Lighting Research Center, Capó earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus.

Applicants for the Besal scholarships go through a rigorous selection process. Students submit either an essay or a project and two letters of recommendation. Three practicing lighting engineers review all the essays and projects, and the selection committee discusses each candidate’s merits at length.

The Besal Fund was established in 1983 as a nonprofit endowed fund in tribute to the leadership of and to honor the memory of the late Robert J. Besal, who served as a vice president for Lithonia Lighting, an Acuity Brands company. The Besal Fund is made possible by contributions from Acuity Brands Lighting, its sales representatives, and employees. Acuity Brands Lighting is North America’s largest manufacturer of lighting equipment for commercial, industrial, outdoor, and residential application.

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