Brazilian-Cuban architect and scientist Mariana Figueiro researches the effect of light on human health, including alertness and performance. She has authored numerous scientific articles, along with the AARP-sponsored publication, Lighting the Way: A Key to Independence, which provides guidelines for the design of lighting to meet the needs of older adults. Mariana developed a 24-hour lighting plan to help improve sleep quality in older adults and conducted groundbreaking research on the use of lighting to improve postural stability among older populations. She has also been working with the US Navy to implement new lighting on board of submarines. Mariana currently serves as the Light and Health Program Director at the Lighting Research Center (LRC) and Professor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.