… is a Physics Professor at Brandenburg University of Applied Sciences in Germany. Trained in photonics and quantum optics, Andy has shifted his research towards bridging optical sciences and ecology. In that context, he has been associated with the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) in Berlin for more than a decade.
His research spans the physical, technical and ecological aspects of light pollution. This includes the development of environmentally friendly lighting, the measurement of skyglow and the study of natural darkness, including fieldwork in remote deserts and Arctic regions. On the ecological side, his research focuses on aquatic light pollution and how artificial light alters freshwater and marine ecosystems. He is part of the European ISOLUME project on changing marine lightscapes. His work has involved organisms ranging from microbes, algae and zooplankton to insects, fish, bats and birds, combining optical measurements with ecological field experiments.
Foto by Oliver Karaschewski.