Karin C.H.J. Smolders

Karin C.H.J. Smolders is an Associate Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), affiliated with the Human Technology Interaction (HTI) department under the Faculty of Industrial Engineering and Innovation Sciences. She holds a PhD in Lighting Research/Environmental Psychology (2013) from TU/e, alongside a BSc in Innovation Sciences and an MSc in Human Technology Interaction (2008). Her research focuses on the intersection of lighting, chronobiology, and psychological well-being, emphasizing how environmental factors influence human health, performance, and behavior.

Education Background: PhD in Lighting Research/Environmental Psychology (TU/e, 2013), MSc in Human Technology Interaction (TU/e, 2008), BSc in Innovation Sciences (TU/e).

Research Interests:

• Impact of light and time on psychological functioning
• Environmental design for well-being
• Chronobiological effects of light exposure
• Human-environment interaction in workplace settings

Key Projects:

• LightCap (2020-2024): Investigating light's role in cognition, attention, and perception
• DYNKA (2018-2022): Dynamic lighting and indoor climate in offices
• OptiLight (2016-2020): Optimization of lighting systems for health and performance

Advising & Grants: Supervised 58 academic works. Active in multidisciplinary collaborations, including the Intelligent Lighting Institute. Frequently publishes in journals like Chronobiology International and Journal of Environmental Psychology.

Labs & Teams: Core member of TU/e's HTI group and affiliated with the Intelligent Lighting Institute, focusing on translational research to bridge lighting technology and human needs.