Lori Hepner

Lori Hepner is a Professor of Integrative Arts at Penn State Greater Allegheny and the 2023-24 Penn State Laureate. As a visual artist, she creates wearable LED devices that translate body movement into digital light drawings, emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility in art. Her work explores themes of 'future memory,' climate change impacts on landscapes, and collaborative community art projects. She has exhibited globally, including at the Smithsonian and in Arctic regions, and pioneered a community makerspace in Norway using recycled materials.

Her research integrates technology with environmental and social themes, such as documenting rapidly changing landscapes through long-exposure photography and LED performances. Hepner advocates for universal access to creative tools, inspired by her own experiences with sensory differences. She uses her laureate role to promote interdisciplinary art and foster creativity across Penn State's campuses.

Hepner has received notable recognition, including the 2023-24 Penn State Laureate appointment and a Fulbright grant. She has led workshops for diverse groups, including those with movement and neurotype differences, to create public art. Her projects emphasize sustainability, such as converting beach plastic into 3D-printed art in Arctic regions.