Professor McKernan teaches stage technology, exploring both leading-edge and traditional methodologies. His research is tied to sustainability, with a focus on seeking and implementing new, more ecologically responsible theatrical scenographic technologies.
Collaborating with industry partners and professional practitioners, McKernan's contributions in the field include being Technical Director for Scenofest 2011, the production of a series of symposia and professional development workshops on sustainable stage technology for stage designers, directors, producers and technicians. Topics of these presentations include the use of theatrical fog devices and lighting atmospheric effects, LED lighting as a sustainable alternative to conventional lighting fixtures, and the use of multimedia projection techniques and design in theatre.