Through our Astronomy for Mental Health flagship, the OAD has the privilege of connecting with amazing people from all around the world. Today, we’re excited to shine a light on the inspiring work of Troy Allen.
This July, Dr. Troy Allan, Assistant Professor with Utah State University Extension, and his family were selected to participate in the Buinho Art Residency in Messejana, Portugal. Buinho aims to be an inspiring place that fosters creativity, collaboration, and social innovation, specifically in rural areas. Together, the Allan family developed A Village of Stars: A Wellness Walk Under the Sky, an art installation weaving architecture, storytelling, fiber arts, pottery, and illustration to highlight the importance of dark skies for human wellness and mental health. Through collaboration with international artists and the local community, the residency created a shared space to reflect on awe, connection, and the role of night skies in nurturing well-being across cultures.
Troy’s research focuses on awe, dark skies, and mental health, with an emphasis on how immersive natural experiences can reduce stress, build resilience, and foster social connection. He is currently writing Skyward, a teen curriculum that integrates dark-sky education, reflective practices, and mental health strategies to support adolescent well-being. The Buinho residency provided a unique opportunity to extend this work into an artistic and community context, demonstrating the universal importance of protecting night skies for future generations.
Dr. Allan regularly speaks across the United States on awe, mental health, and the power of dark skies, and he is actively publishing research findings in this emerging field. Honored to share this message globally, he welcomes opportunities to collaborate and to inspire communities, institutions, and organizations to see the night sky not just as a scientific frontier, but as a vital source of human wellness.
If you would like to get involved with the Astronomy for Mental Health initiative, please contact us at mentalhealth@astro4dev.org.
For direct correspondence with Troy Allen, you can reach him at troy.allan@usu.edu.
