MSU Psychology Professor Informs Broad Art Museum Exhibit on Darkness

June 4, 2026 - Shelly DeJong

A photo from the Tichy: Darkness Exhibit at the Broad Museum

MSU Psychology’s Dr. Lily Yan had the unique opportunity to work with artist Jan Tichy on their site-specific exhibit at the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum.

Jan Tichy: Darkness invites visitors to renegotiate their connections to the rhythms of nature, circadian cycles, and the broader environment. In creating the exhibit, Tichy worked across disciplines and with a range of different MSU laboratories and researchers, including forging partnerships with the Yan Lab, Hoffmann Lab, Bug House, and the Controlled-Environment Lighting Lab.

A headshot of MSU Psychology professor Dr. Lily Yan “The collaborations with four MSU labs around the theme of darkness and its influence on human life is not about illustrating research,” noted Tichy, reflecting on the co-creative processes he has developed across campus. “But about inspiring new perspectives and sharing our different audiences, so visitors to the museum have more direct access and experience with the questions shaping the work of these innovative labs and campus organizations.”

As a behavioral neuroscientist, Dr. Lily Yan studies how light influences brain and behavior, including mood and cognitive functions.

“One of the most important things my lab has learned is how much light matters. Bright light during the day isn't just good for visibility. It's vital for mental well-being and healthy brain function,” said Yan.

Dr. Yan’s lab uses Nile Grass Rats, a diurnal rodent that sleeps at night similar to humans, to study how light shapes brain function. Through their research, they have found that dim light or insufficient light exposure during the day can lead to behaviors changes like depression and memory impairments.

“These findings have practical implications for how we design our homes, schools, and workplaces,” said Yan. “By prioritizing access to natural daylight, we can see profound impacts on our brain health.”

The MSU Broad Art Museum is open Wednesday–Sunday from 10am–6pm. Jan Tichy: Darkness is on display until July 26, 2026. Admission is always free. Learn more at broadmuseum.msu.edu.