Dorukalp Durmus

Dorukalp Durmus serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Architectural Engineering within the College of Engineering at Pennsylvania State University, where he directs the Lighting Laboratory. His research integrates fundamental visual perception studies with applied lighting system design to address critical challenges in energy efficiency, human health, and environmental sustainability.

Dr. Durmus's work spans adaptive illumination systems, color science, and human-environment interactions, with specialized focus on circadian rhythm optimization, light pollution mitigation, and art conservation applications. His laboratory conducts cross-disciplinary research examining socioeconomic, sociotechnical, and socio-cognitive dimensions of lighting design through both controlled human subject experiments and real-world system implementations.

Analysis of his 2024-2025 publications reveals dominant research trajectories in spectral optimization for specialized applications (art conservation, circadian health), behavioral responses to lighting environments, and sustainability frameworks addressing ecological impacts of artificial lighting. His work consistently bridges engineering precision with human-centered outcomes across diverse contexts from museum preservation to urban ecosystems.

Scientific recognition includes:

• Lighting Industry's 40 Under 40 (2024)

Dr. Durmus leads the Lighting Laboratory's cross-disciplinary team that secured Penn State's energy and environmental seed grants for projects including 'Assessing Energy Impacts of Electric Lighting Using Alternative Spectral Sensitivities' and 'Developing Tools for Urban Lighting Systems Supporting Healthier Circadian Cycles'. The laboratory maintains dual research tracks: fundamental investigations into human visual responses to stimuli, and applied development of lighting systems for optimized energy consumption, occupant well-being, and ecological compatibility.