Finished speaker page — under one sky

Speakers and biographies

Global opening

Megan is a Lowell Thomas Award-winning travel writer exploring landscape, culture, and the natural world. A passionate dark-sky advocate, she edits DarkSky’s Nightscape magazine and founded Dark Sky London. Formerly the North and Central Asia Editor at Lonely Planet, she has worked with BBC, National Geographic, Outside, AFAR, The Times, and The Telegraph. Originally from New Mexico, Megan now lives in London. Her keynote introduces Nightfaring: In Search of Disappearing Darkness, exploring journeys beneath disappearing darkness.

Megan Eaves-Egenes

Nalayini holds an MS in astronomy from Swinburne University in Australia and an MS in economics with a specialization in finance from London Business School. She is a Fellow and immediate past president of the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand. She is Executive Director of Vinstar Consulting, co-founder of the Aotearoa Astrotourism Academy, and President of the DarkSky International Board. Nalayini helped establish Aotea / Great Barrier Island as a Dark Sky Sanctuary and co-leads New Zealand’s journey toward becoming a dark sky nation.

Nalayini Brito-Davies

Ruskin is CEO and Executive Director of DarkSky, where he champions equitable access to dark skies and quality lighting for all. He works to advance DarkSky’s mission and expand its impact worldwide. Ruskin previously led conservation organizations focused on land, water, and ocean resources. He served as Executive Director of Save the Redwoods League and President and CEO of Heal the Bay, and previously held a leadership role at Fair Trade USA. Ruskin holds a bachelor’s from the University of Cambridge and a master’s from the University of East Anglia.

Ruskin Hartley

Michael is the UOS host and DarkSky Communities Program Manager. Raised in Dallas, Texas, where he rarely experienced dark skies, Michael later discovered a passion for astronomy, astrophotography, and a commitment to protecting dark skies. He advocates for greater awareness of light pollution and its impacts on people and the environment. Michael holds degrees in journalism and recreation and tourism management and lives in Colorado, where he enjoys exploring the Rocky Mountains, photographing the night sky, and cultivating native plants.

Michael Rymer

Workshop: The safety paradox

Elettra is an Italian architect, lighting designer, and researcher exploring the relationship between light, public space, and social behaviour. She is founder and Creative Director of Light Follows Behaviour, a lighting design studio focused on people-centered, socially responsive design, and a Senior Visiting Fellow at the London School of Economics. With over 20 years of experience, Elettra combines research, community engagement, and lighting design to create meaningful, inclusive public spaces. She has taught internationally and worked on public realm projects.

Elettra Bordonaro

Theresa is a Lighting Designer based in Hamburg, Germany, with a Master’s in Architectural Lighting Design from Hochschule Wismar and a Bachelor’s in Interior Architecture from TH OWL. She currently works at Licht01 in Hamburg, focusing on lighting design for hotels, restaurants, and hospitality spaces. Her interest in feminist perspectives in design shaped her Master’s thesis on women’s experiences of urban environments and continues to inform her approach to creating inclusive, thoughtful, and people-centered spaces through light.

Theresa Grebe

Technician Kayla Knabe is a Community Resource Officer with the Denver Police Department’s District 6, serving Downtown Denver’s dense urban and nightlife environment. With 14 years of public safety experience, she specializes in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). Kayla holds a CPTED Professional Designation from the National Institute for Crime Prevention and has completed advanced CPTED training. Her work helps her community use environmental design and outdoor lighting to support safety, visibility, and natural surveillance.

Kayla Knabe

Dani Robertson

Biography coming soon.

Regional stories: North & South America

Daniela González, Executive Director of the Cielos de Chile Foundation, is a geographer and holds a Ph.D. in Urban Studies from the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile. Her career has been marked by leading strategic projects in sustainability and territorial planning, with the goal of generating a positive impact on society and the environment by implementing innovative and collaborative solutions in the public sector, academia, and, currently, civil society organizations.

Daniela González Espinoza

Biologists Vitza Cabrera and César Guerrero-Ávila are conservationists dedicated to creating meaningful connections between people and nature. Drawing on their backgrounds in environmental science, conservation, and education, they founded Rancho La Concepción in the Sierra de San Pedro Mártir, Baja California. Their work blends regenerative tourism, environmental education, wellness, wildlife, and dark-sky conservation. Together, they invite guests to experience the landscape with curiosity, respect, and a deep appreciation for its natural and cultural heritage.

César Guerrero and Vitza Cabrera

Joshua Iván Muñoz Salazar has been a DarkSky Delegate in Mexico City since 2021. He earned his bachelor's degree in Earth Sciences from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), where he studied light pollution in Mexico City. In his Master’s Program in Sustainability Science at UNAM, he examined the social dimensions of urban lighting systems and their role as essential inputs for public policies on sustainable dark sky lighting. He collaborates with rural and urban communities to find pathways toward sustainable nights.

Joshua Iván Muñoz Salazar

Dark skies through film: Behind the lens

Kerem Asfuroglu is the founder of Dark Source, an award-winning lighting design studio driven by environmental values, based in Ireland and the UK. After graduating from Wismar University with an MA in Architectural Lighting Design in 2010, he pursued his career in London before establishing Dark Source in 2019. A Dark Sky Defender recognized by DarkSky International, Kerem advocates for darkness through design. His environmental projects include Newport Dark Sky Masterplan, Plas Y Brenin, Presteigne Dark Sky Community, and Cloughjordan Ecovillage.

Kerem Asfuroglu

Laurane Fréour grew up in the Reunion Island, where she witnessed some of the most beautiful night skies. She is now an astrophysicist with a passion for the universe, science communication, ecology, and sports. She is a member of the steering committee of the International Association of Astronomers for Planet Earth, where she contributes to tackling environmental issues such as the preservation of dark skies and the climate crisis.

Laurane Fréour

Gregg McLachlan left an award-winning career as a journalist in 2010 to pursue his lifelong passion for nature and become a full-time conservation filmmaker. In his twenties, he had hoped to become a wildlife technician, but a college wait list led him into journalism instead. A natural storyteller, Gregg developed a talent for finding the human core of every story and telling it with clarity and purpose. Today, WorkCabin Films combines his journalistic rigour and naturalist’s patience to tell compelling conservation stories that inspire action and connection with nature.

Gregg McLachlan

Lorenzo Pengue is a movie-maker experienced with committed documentaries and corporates production. He has collaborated with MV Agusta S.P.A., the Dakar Rally, and Blunotte Eventi on projects spanning filmmaking, lighting design, sound system design, and drone piloting. He has always been in close contact with nature through his passions and projects, which brought him to develop a genuine interest in the night sky and environmental preservation.

Lorenzo Pengue

Toby Sinkinson is an award-winning photographer and filmmaker based in England. By combining documentary and astrophotography, his work invites the viewer to explore the magic of natural darkness in a culture that is disconnected to it. His work also tackles the increasingly contested nature of night and how human colonisation and greed impact the natural world after dark. From filming astronomers bathing in stars to photographing the obstruction of satellites in his current project, The Mega Constellation, his photographs seek to authentically illuminate darkness.

Toby Sinkinson

Regional stories: Asia-Pacific

Yusuke, a Tokyo-born lighting designer, integrates architectural engineering and environmental psychology to create sustainable, wellness-focused spaces. Founder of lighting design studio “ambiguous,” he champions eco-centrism and is a LEED and WELL Acclaimed Professional. His work spans residences to urban master plans, while supporting governments in reducing light pollution and promoting stargazing tourism. His honors include the 2025 [d]arc Award, 2025 LIT Award, 2021 [d]arc Award FIRST PLACE, and 2019 Lighting Magazine 40Under40.

Yusuke Hattori

JF Huang is a Taiwan-based strategist connecting dark-sky conservation, data, and AI. As Chief Strategy Officer of 暗夜拾光 and founder of H-zero Lab, JF builds a data-driven dark-sky ecosystem that helps lodgings improve lighting, trains local guides, and connects travelers with dark-sky experiences across Taiwan. Previously a stargazing guide at Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, JF served as Deputy Secretary-General of the Taiwan Dark-Sky Association and holds an M.S. in Decision Analysis from Minerva University.

Jhong-Fu Huang

Dr. Ken Wishaw is a medical specialist, amateur astronomer, and Dark Sky Advocate. In 2024, he received the DSI Dark Sky Defender Award for Oceania. Ken has a particular interest in human visual physiology and the health effects of artificial light at night. He will be presenting on how human physiology evolved in response to the natural day-night cycle, with nighttime illumination historically limited to firelight and candlelight, and how dramatic changes in lighting over the past 20 years have been linked to health effects.

Ken Wishaw

Workshop: A case for astrotourism

Samyukta works at the intersection of dark sky tourism and conservation. She’s the founder of Noctura, a conservation-focused astrotourism practice in East Africa, and serves on the Board of Directors of DarkSky International, coordinating efforts for dark sky protection across sub-Saharan Africa. With a background in science communication, outreach, astrotourism, and experience design, she takes an interdisciplinary approach to dark sky conservation that aims to integrate science with cultural and environmental preservation.

Samyukta Manikumar

Dr. Joyful Elma Mdhluli is a Researcher and Flagship Coordinator at the IAU OAD in Cape Town. Her work connects astronomy, research, and sustainable development, focusing on astrotourism, astronomy for mental health, and astronomy skills for development. She holds a PhD in Physics and is a member of the ALICE Collaboration at CERN. Her research explores astronomy’s role in socioeconomic development, community engagement, and the SDGs. She serves on the African Astronomical Society Executive Committee and is a 2025 Breakthrough Prize laureate.

Dr. Joyful Mdhluli

Stephanie Vermillion is a travel journalist and photographer covering astrotourism and outdoor adventure for Outside Magazine, National Geographic, Travel & Leisure, and Vogue. Her new book, Under the Stars: How to Explore the Night Sky in North America, is coming out in March 2027. Follow her work on Instagram at @bystephanievermillion.

Stephanie Vermillion

Betsy is dedicated to environmental conservation, regenerative tourism, and community resilience, working to protect and revitalize our planet. She brings expertise in environmental policy, conservation, and sustainable resource management, focusing on transforming travel from harm minimization to ecosystem restoration. Betsy collaborates with government agencies, nonprofits, and private-sector partners to advance projects that strengthen environmental resilience, promote destination stewardship, and support local communities.

Betsy Siszell

Regional stories: Middle East & South Asia

Najah Alsalihy is an Iraqi electrical engineer, astrophotography enthusiast, and Dark Sky Advocate. She founded and leads Iraq’s National Team for Dark Sky Awareness and Astrotourism, promoting protection of the night sky for science, environmental conservation, cultural heritage, and sustainable tourism. Her work spans astronomy outreach, astrophotography, light-pollution awareness, and measuring sky brightness at archaeological and natural sites. She also translates dark-sky resources into Arabic, expanding access across Arab communities.

Najah Alsalihy

Shweta is an astronomer, dark-sky policy and astrotourism strategist, and Director of AstronEra. Her work connects astronomy, sustainability, policy, and community development, focusing on protecting natural night skies and advancing their value for science, conservation, education, culture, and sustainable tourism. Through AstronEra, she leads dark-sky, sustainable lighting, and astrotourism initiatives across India, collaborating with government agencies, researchers, tourism boards, and communities. She founded AstroTribe and is a Royal Astronomical Society Fellow.

Shweta Kulkarni

Ali Matinfar (born 1983, Tehran) is an amateur astronomer, night-sky photographer, and astronomy educator based in Iran. He began his astronomy career in 1998 at Zafaranieh Observatory and later taught at the Tehran Science and Astronomy Center while contributing to Nojum Magazine. Since 2002, he has led astronomy trips, astrophotography workshops, and outreach programs across Iran. From 2018–2020, he documented dark-sky locations and engaged local communities in Iran’s central desert.

Ali Matinfar

Amir Shahcheraghian is a Montréal-based night-sky photographer and passionate advocate for dark skies. With 13 years of experience, his primary astronomy interest is solar eclipses and rare celestial events. His photography connects the night sky with historical and natural places, bringing together astronomy, landscapes, and the stories beneath the stars. Through his work, Amir seeks to share the beauty of the cosmos, inspire curiosity about astronomy, and highlight the importance of preserving dark skies for future generations.

Amir Shahcheraghian

Workshop: Understanding the new space economy

Patricia Cooper is a leading space and satellite communications policy expert and founder of Constellation Advisory, LLC. Previously Vice President of Satellite Government Affairs at SpaceX, she helped establish the regulatory foundation for Starlink, securing FCC authorization for 12,000 satellites and market access across more than 30 countries. She previously led the Satellite Industry Association and held roles at Intelsat, the FCC, U.S. Department of Commerce, and PanAmSat. She holds a Master’s in International Economics from Johns Hopkins SAIS.

Patricia Cooper

Emma Louden is an astrophysicist, policy and strategy expert, writer, TEDx speaker, and the author of the Mia Explores series. As the President of Slooh, she leads efforts to expand access to space through the company’s global network of remotely operated telescopes. She believes curiosity changes how we see ourselves and the universe. Through science and storytelling, she inspires others to embrace wonder, possibility, and the endless questions that lead us forward.

Emma Louden

Dr. Xiao-Shan Yap is Assistant Professor of Earth-Space Governance at Utrecht University and Principal Investigator of the ERC-supported PlanetStewards project on Earth-Space sustainability. She is Co-Chair of the EU COST Action FOGOS and founding chair of the Earth-Space Sustainability Network. From 2023–2025, Yap led the Geneva Science-Policy Interface project on equitable access to outer space, in collaboration with the ITU. She also led Chapter 8 of the 2024 OECD report, The Economics of Space Sustainability.

Dr. Xiao-Shan Yap

To be announced

Biography coming soon.

Regional stories: Europe & Africa

Alona Rodeh (b. 1979, Israel) is a Berlin-based visual artist, scenographer, and DarkSky Advocate. Her research-driven practice explores material cultures, subcultures, and perceptions of safety within the nocturnal built environment. She creates immersive environments combining light, sound, and motion, directs films, and explores darkness through nighttime walks. Her public work includes “Nightcaps: Sculptures against Light Pollution,” an ongoing Berlin series addressing light pollution through art engagement. Rodeh holds BFA and MFA degrees from Bezalel Academy.

Alona Rodeh

A youth leader and astronomy researcher based in Laghouat, Algeria. As the Manager and Technical Supervisor at the Suhail Astronomy Association, I have dedicated my efforts to preserving the pristine dark skies of the Algerian desert and advocating for the protection of our natural nocturnal environment against light pollution. Through my work in asteroid occultation research and grassroots educational outreach, I have seen firsthand how dark skies inspire future generations, advance scientific discovery, and foster sustainable astrotourism.

Adnane Saouli

To be announced

Biography coming soon.

Global closing

J. Drew Lanham is a cultural ornithologist, naturalist, educator, and writer using robust science, artful essays, and evocative oratory to color the conservation conversation. He is the author of three books: The Home Place: Memoirs of a Colored Man’s Love Affair with Nature (2017); Sparrow Envy: Field Guide to Birds and Lesser Beasts (2021); and Joy is the Justice We Give Ourselves (2024). Among his honors, Lanham has received a MacArthur “Genius” Grant (2022), the Dan W. Lufkin Conservation Award from the National Audubon Society (2019), the Rosa Parks and Grace Lee Boggs Outstanding Service Award from the North American Association for Environmental Education (2016), the E. O. Wilson Award for Outstanding Science in Biodiversity Conservation from the Center for Biological Diversity (2020), and the Thoreau Award in 2024. He served as the Poet Laureate of Edgefield, South Carolina in 2022. Lanham is a Distinguished Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Master Teacher at Clemson University. He lives with his family on a farm in the upstate of South Carolina.

J. Drew Lanham