Dr. Hegde, has devoted the past 18 years teaching, researching and recently designing lighting in interior environments. Currently, she is an Assistant Professor of Interior Design and Lighting Design at Texas State University, San Marcos, TX. She also has her lighting design and education practice where she conducts and presents continuing education seminars to architects; and interior designers on the topic of light and color across the nation.

She has a BS in Interior Design from Florida State University and a MS and Ph.D., in Human Environmental Sciences with an emphasis in lighting from Oklahoma State University.   

She has over 25 refereed publications and presentations in the field of light and color. Dr. Hegde also plays a vital role in educating Architects, Interior Designers and other related lighting professionals through her role as the Educational Chair of the Southwest Region, and as an instructor in the Texas Capitol Section of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America.