Rick Tyrrell

Dr. Rick Tyrrell is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at Clemson University, where he directs research on visual perception and transportation safety. His laboratory investigates how humans see in challenging conditions, particularly focusing on nighttime visibility, pedestrian/bicyclist conspicuity, and driving safety. With funding from organizations including the Australian Research Council, Michelin, Nike, and Trek Bicycle Corporation, his research has practical applications for reducing nighttime collisions.

Dr. Tyrrell has published extensively in top journals including Human Factors, Accident Analysis & Prevention, and Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. His notable contributions include developing the biological motion concept for enhancing pedestrian visibility and investigating how drivers perceive glare. He received the prestigious A.R. Lauer Safety Award from the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society in 2012 for his work on nighttime safety solutions.

He teaches courses in Introductory Psychology, Experimental Psychology, Human Factors Psychology, and Perception. As an active member of the Transportation Research Board's Committee on Visibility, he contributes to national safety standards. Dr. Tyrrell mentors graduate students in their research on topics ranging from high-beam usage behavior to electroluminescent safety materials.