Scientist Frances Moriniere Pushes Ahead Sleep Studies in her Ideal Profession
At Brown University, junior Frances Moriniere is making a name for herself in the field of sleep science. As part of the Sleep Apprenticeship program at the Warren Alpert Medical School and Bradley Hospital, Moriniere is learning the ropes of conducting sleep research studies under the guidance of esteemed researcher Dr. Carskadon.
The program, which offers hands-on research opportunities, has Moriniere assisting with three intriguing studies. One of these projects, led by Dr. Charmane Eastman during the summer session, investigates the effect of light exposure on circadian phases. For this study, Moriniere works with wearable technology developed by Eliza Van Reen, a former student of Dr. Carskadon who earned her Ph.D. from Brown.
Another study Moriniere is involved with focuses on sleep-dependent memory in children, aiming to identify risk factors that differentiate sleep-dependent memory. The third study, a collaborative effort between Dr. Carskadon and Brown researchers Josiah Rich, Ju Park, and Susan Ramsey, examines the impact of sleep on people receiving medical treatment for opioid use disorder.
In this opioid use study, participants are required to sleep for only 40 minutes and wake without knowing the time, as part of the protocol's precise time frame aimed at ensuring data consistency across participants. Morning-shift researchers, including Moriniere, are responsible for waking up participants, removing monitoring equipment, sending them on their way, and cleaning the rooms. After waking, participants' vital signs and saliva samples are taken, followed by a meal, activity time, and performance tests.
Moriniere relishes the collaborative nature of the research experience and working with leading researchers and other apprentices. She first learned about the sleep apprenticeship through Carskadon's fall seminar about sleep, circadian rhythms, and behavioral health. Moriniere, who also plays varsity field hockey for Brown University, is one of seven apprentices from different colleges and universities in the sleep apprenticeship.
As Moriniere continues her journey in sleep science, she is undoubtedly making a significant impact in understanding the complexities of sleep and its role in various aspects of human health.
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