Bettymaya Foott is recognized for her dedication to protecting the night sky through advocacy, education, and design practice. As a lighting designer and astrophotographer, she focuses on responsible lighting while presenting her work nationally and internationally. Foott is pursuing a master’s degree in Architectural Lighting Design at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm and continues her professional involvement in the United States through DarkSky International. Her work celebrates light as a medium of emotion and perception while prioritizing the protection of darkness.

“My work focuses on designing lighting that protects dark skies while respecting light as a material of emotion and perception,” Foott said. “It is an incredible honor to receive the Richard Kelly Grant and to continue developing these skills with the support of a grant that carries the legacy of one of lighting design’s most influential pioneers.”