Diane Turnshek

Diane Turnshek is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Pittsburgh, and a Special Lecturer at Carnegie Mellon University's Department of Physics. She holds an M.S. from the University of Arizona and a B.Sc. from Villanova University. Her research focuses on light pollution mitigation, dark sky advocacy, and astronomy outreach. She has received grants from NASA and NSF for community education programs targeting K-12 students and has advised Pitt's Dr. Who Club and CMU's engineering teams.

Her awards include the International Dark Sky Defender Award (2015) and honorable mentions for educational excellence. Turnshek coordinates the Astronomy Public Lecture Series at Allegheny Observatory and leads efforts to reduce light pollution in Pittsburgh, including the city's LED streetlight conversion project. Her work bridges astronomy, environmental science, and public policy, emphasizing the ecological and health impacts of artificial light.

Teaching highlights include courses on science fiction and astronomy at Pitt's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. She has been featured in media across the U.S. and internationally for her advocacy, including TEDx talks and podcasts. Ongoing projects include drone-based light pollution mapping and collaborations with urban planners to promote sustainable lighting practices.