MSU professor advances light pollution research and education
Dr. Jennifer Birriel, professor of physics at Morehead State University, studies how light pollution affects communities.
She presented her research at the 2025 American Association of Physics Teachers national meeting in St. Louis.
Birriel has been engaged in this research for over 15 years, mentoring students in monitoring light levels in the Morehead-Rowan County region. Her work has been presented at state-level meetings of the Kentucky Academy of Science and the Kentucky Association of Physics Teachers.
“My primary aim is to educate the students so that they can learn about the economic, ecological, and human impact of excess light at night,” said Birriel.
Her recent efforts have expanded into education and public outreach. Partnering with MSU Physics Professor Dr. Kevin Adkins, Birriel secured grants from the Kentucky Academy of Science and the American Association of Physics Teachers. With this funding, they developed kits, a curriculum implemented in regional middle and high schools, and programs like Rodgers Explorers.
“Students enjoy the hands-on activities in our program and hopefully take this information home as well,” Birriel said.
Beyond the classroom, Birriel has worked directly with the local community. In March 2024, she and her team hosted a public session at the Rowan County Public Library, which drew nearly two dozen participants, including a Morehead City Council member.
“We feel pretty good about the impact of our work,” Birriel said. “One council member even suggested that we make a presentation to the city council. We have another session scheduled this coming March.”
Birriel's critical mission is raising awareness of light pollution. She notes that excessive artificial light drives insect populations downward, threatening food chains and agriculture. Additionally, wasted light contributes to energy consumption, pollution, and global warming.
“Light pollution is a waste of precious, limited energy resources. It contributes to water and air pollution and, ultimately, global warming. And yet, it has very simple solutions with immediate effects,” she said.
Looking ahead, Birriel plans to integrate light pollution studies into her astronomy courses at MSU. Using the Globe at Night Project, students will learn to identify constellations and measure light pollution levels with the naked eye. She hopes these lessons will encourage small changes in their daily lives and inspire future policy changes.
“I’m hoping to start a movement to save the dark,” Birriel said.
Reflecting on her presentation at the national conference, Birriel was honored to be invited to speak at the session “Embrace the Dark: Teaching Light Pollution Concepts to K-16 Students.” She addressed faculty and undergraduate students, discussing ways to engage middle school, high school, and college students in light pollution studies through class projects, research initiatives, and community engagement.
“It shows that my work with students is being recognized by others in the field of physics,” Birriel said.
To learn more about her research, contact Birriel at j.birriel@moreheadstate.edu or 606-783-2924.
To learn more about the Department of Engineering Sciences programs, call 606-783-2417.
