My Sleep research career began in 2012 as an undergraduate research assistant in Dr. Richard Bootzin's Sleep Laboratory at the University of Arizona. After graduation, I moved to Madison, WI to join Dr. David Plante's Sleep Laboratory as a research specialist. In 2017, I entered the Clinical Psychology PhD program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and anticipate completing my PhD in 2023.
Primarily, my research focuses on advancing the classification, assessment, and treatment of Idiopathic Hypersomnia. Supplementary, I have established a unique expertise in the capabilities and shortcomings of commercially available sleep tracking technology, with multiple publications on the topic.
Additionally, I have published on other Sleep topics related to the effects of sleep deprivation, adolescent sleep health, and the role of Sleep in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease,. Beyond sleep research, I also have experience delivering sleep-specific interventions as a training clinician, with experience in treating insomnia and nightmares, assisting in CPAP compliance, and managing Hypersomnia disorders. Somni is an optimal fit for my desires to translate evidence-based, clinical interventions and recommendations into digitally available sleep health programs!
When not geeking out on all things Sleep, I love to run, bike, and (reluctantly) swim. Additionally, I have a passion for cooking and derive unique enjoyment from creating delicious, grillable plant-based burgers, salsas, and anything that can be made from an avocado.
Although I do not possess any super powers (to my knowledge), I did meet Kareem Abdul-Jabbar at 7am in the Dallas Love airport while traveling for graduate school interviews. That was cool.
