 Students and Trainees
POSTDOCS
 Suzanne Gorovoy PhD EdM
sgorovoy@email.arizona.edu
Dr. Gorovoy completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at Case Western Reserve University, with dual specializations in Child Clinical and Pediatric Psychology. She completed her predoctoral psychology internship in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Arizona. Dr. Gorovoy also earned her EdM from Teachers College, Columbia University and worked for 14 years as a school psychologist (including here in Tucson). Her broad research interests include behavioral sleep medicine, treatment adherence, neuropsychological assessment, and pediatric psychology. Specific to behavioral sleep medicine, Dr. Gorovoy's research interests focus on adolescent adherence to CPAP, improving identification and screening of children with sleep problems in the community, and neurocognitive and behavioral sequelae of obstructive sleep apnea in children. When she is not working, Dr. Gorovoy loves to spend time with her three rescue dogs, volunteer at PACC, read, and bake treats for colleagues and friends.
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 Kelsey McDermott PhD
kelseymcdermott@arizona.edu
Kelsey is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the lab and is currently working on the Mind After Midnight (MAM) project. She earned her B.S. from the University of Rochester and worked as an undergraduate research assistant and eventually a Research Coordinator on projects investigating cognitive and exercise training interventions for older adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment diagnoses. She completed her PhD in Neuroscience at the University of Arizona and studied age- and cognitive- related changes in the brain's noradrenaline system in nonhuman primates. She is excited to learn more about the impacts of sleep on cognitive and mental well-being. Outside of work, she enjoys running with her dog, cooking, and reading.
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GRADUATE STUDENTS
Andrea Diaz-Pacheco MS
PhD Student, Neuroscience
andread1@arizona.edu
Andrea is a student in the Neuroscience GIDP program. She has a Clinical Psychology Masters degree and practiced as a licensed clinician. Since coming to the US, she has worked in research related to sleep disorders in healthy elderly and people with Parkinson's Disease. |
 Sherap Sangpo
Masters Student, Clinical and Translational Science
sangpo@arizona.edu
Sherap is a Masters student working on the including EBB/FLOW (Examining Blue Blockers for Light Optimization and Wearability) project. He earned his B.S. in Psychological Science from the University of Arizona, where he was an undergraduate member of the Sleep and Health Research Program for three years. He plans to complete a Master’s in Clinical Translational Science at the University of Arizona before applying to MD-PhD programs. In his role, Sherap enjoys solving problems across diverse studies and is particularly interested in translational science and the process of developing interventions. Outside of the lab, he spends time outdoors with his two doodles and enjoys running, biking, and working on hobby coding projects. |
PSYCHOLOGY EXTERNS |
 Katie Barlis
barlis@arizona.edu
She is currently a PhD student in the Clinical Psychology program, pursuing a minor in Neuropsychology. Prior to the program, she served as a research coordinator at the Medical University of South Carolina under the direction of Dr. Jane Joseph, where she worked on several studies examining risk factors for Alzheimer's disease.
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 Danny Cohen
danielcohen1@arizona.edu
Danny graduated with his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania in 2020. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Arizona with a research focus on autobiographical memory, language, and aging. His clinical training currently consists of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), neuropsychological assessments, and behavioral sleep medicine techniques.
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MEDICAL STUDENTS
 Michael Amadei
mamadei@email.arizona.edu
Michael Amadei is a medical student at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson. A member of the lab since late 2022, Michael focuses on the intersection of behavioral sleep medicine, clinical assessment, and intervention. He is especially interested in the integration of wearable technologies to improve sleep & health outcomes. While his medical interests remain broad, he is dedicated to incorporating sleep health into his future clinical practice. |
 Ruya Arce
ruyaarce@arizona.edu
Ruya Arce is graduated from the University of Arizona in 2022 with a B.S. in Physiology and a B.A. in Spanish. She is currently a 2027 M.D. candidate, and her focus on sleep health stems from an interest in family medicine and sleep’s influence on chronic diseases. In her free time, she enjoys baking, hiking, and kickboxing. |
Mira Marwah
miramarwah@arizona.edu
Mira Marwah graduated from Arizona State University with a B.S in Biological Sciences and is currently a Class of 2027 M.D. candidate. She is interested in how sleep affects the prevalence of different mental health disorders. During her free time, she loves to cook, try new restaurants, and watch basketball! |
 Fawaz Stipho
fstipho1@arizona.edu
Fawaz Stipho is a first-year medical student at the University of Arizona College of Medicine with interests in psychiatry, community health, and medical innovation. He serves as a lead for MIND Clinic, MexZona, the Psychiatry & Mental Health Interest Group, and AI in Medicine, focusing on expanding access to care, strengthening student-led clinical initiatives, and advancing practical applications of AI in healthcare.
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 Dorothy Tung
dorothytung@arizona.edu
Dorothy Tung graduated from the University of Arizona in 2022 with a B.S. in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science and is currently a Class of 2026 M.D. candidate. She is interested in pursuing a sleep medicine fellowship and exploring how sleep disorders influence physical and mental well-being. During her free time, she loves to write food reviews and cheer for the Phoenix Suns.
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UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANTS
 Fahad Alotaibi
fahadalotaibi@arizona.edu
Fahad Alotaibi is an undergraduate student minoring in Psychology with strong interest in sleep and its role in cognitive performance and overall wellbeing. He is especially curious about how light exposure, particularly sunlight, influences circadian rhythms, cortisol levels, and sleep quality. |
Manasi Awasthi
mawasthi@arizona.edu
Manasi is an undergraduate Honors student majoring in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science with minors in Biochemistry and Psychology. She is interested in the science of sleep and its impact on memory and cognition, as well as the study of neurodegenerative diseases. Her future goal is to attend medical school and pursue a career as a physician. Outside of academics, Manasi enjoys crocheting, dancing, and painting. |
Alyona Bairagoni
alyonab@arizona.edu
Alyona is an undergraduate honors student majoring in Physiology and Medical Sciences with a minor in HHV and Psychology. She is excited to join this research program to learn more about the relationship between sleep and health. After graduation, she hopes to attend medical school to pursue a career as a physician. |
Anna Chen
annachen1880@arizona.edu
Anna is an undergraduate at the University of Arizona. Majoring in biology, she has an avid interest in the sciences especially when it concerns the environment or the human brain. Other interests are watching movies and spending time with her dog! |
Annie Chen
anniechen@arizona.edu
Annie is a senior majoring in Psychology and East Asian Studies. This is her sixth semester with the lab. She is on the way to matriculating into the College of Medicine - Tucson in Fall 2026, where she hopes to continue down the track of becoming a psychiatrist. In her free time, she loves to read webnovels and manga, watch c-dramas and horror movies, and play video games. |
 Riley Chernivec
rileychernivec@gmail.com
Riley Chernivec is a senior undergraduate student majoring in Biology with an emphasis in Biomedical Sciences and minoring in Psychology at the University of Arizona. Originally from Minnetonka, Minnesota, she has a passion for medicine and biomedical research. Her research interests include neuroscience and human health, particularly exploring how brain function relates to overall physical and mental well-being. Outside of academics, she enjoys traveling and volunteering in the community. |
 Carson Davis
carsondavis1@arizona.edu
Carson is a Junior with my major being Basic Medicine. He has aninterest in this research because he finds sleep extremely interesting -- how it works and the affects of not getting it. |
 Mark DiFalco
markdifalco12@gmail.com
Mark DiFalco is an undergraduate student at the U of A majoring in Psychology. He plans to move forward towards graduate work in clinical psychology with a specialization in neuropsychology. Mark has a strong interest in how knowledge of the brain can be used to better understand and treat clinical conditions as well as improve daily life. Mark is excited to begin to understand how the essential function of sleep affects one's health and quality of life. Outside of studying, Mark has a deep love for being out in the mountains through various methods, mostly trail running. He also has a love for social work, and enjoys reading, cooking and spending time with friends. |
 Arya Eksambe
aeksambe@arizona.edu
Arya is a sophomore majoring in Physiology and Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB), with a minor in Creative Writing. Her research interests broadly include cardiovascular function and disease, particularly exploring the interactions between sleep health, physiological processes, and mental health. Outside her academic pursuits, she enjoys creative writing, reading, and experimenting with coffee! |
 Tatum Grisham
tatumgrisham@arizona.edu
Tatum is a Senior at the University of Arizona pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, from Gilbert, Arizona. As a research assistant in the Sleep and Health Research Program, she is excited to gain experience with EEG and explore how sleep affects cognition and brain function. Her goal is to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology and become a sports psychologist for the NBA, NFL, or USOPC. Looking forward to contributing to the lab and getting more involved. |
 Bailey Harris
baileyharris1@arizona.edu
Bailey Harris is from Gilbert, Arizona, pursuing dual degrees in Physiology & Medical Sciences and Nutrition and Human Performance. Her research interests consist of the impact of the gut microbiome on the body, dietary manipulation on metabolic processes during sleep, and muscle protein synthesis during sleep. |
 Emma Hawkins
emmaghawkins@arizona.edu
Emma is pursuing a degree in psychology and then plans to go to medical school for psychiatry. She is interested in assisting and/or participating in any psychology and behavioral health research activities, especially sleep. |
 Ryleigh Johnson
ryleighjohnson@arizona.edu
Ryleigh is a sophomore majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology, minoring in Psychology. Currently, she is interested in the lab's research on treatment for anxiety and how sleep impacts cognition. She looks forward to being involved in this research. |
 Adejola-Omobonike Kezia
omobonike@arizona.edu
Jola is a senior studying Physiology and Medical Sciences with minors in Public Health and Biochemistry. She is passionate about research projects pertaining to sleep health and medicine. She looks forward to exploring her sleep health research interests and gaining a better understanding of the field. |
 Serre Klijian
klijian1@arizona.edu
Serre is a junior Psychology student with a minor in Biochemistry. I plan on going to medical school and pursuing my passion in human anatomy. I am so excited to be a part of this lab and contribute to this research! |
 Abhilasha Kothapeta
abhilashak@arizona.edu
Abhi is a senior at the University of Arizona studying Neuroscience and Cognitive Science with a neurobiology emphasis and minors in EMS and Biochemistry. She's really interested in how sleep affects the brain and recovery, especially in college students. Through the Sleep & Health Research Program, she hopes to get hands-on experience with data collection and research. Down the road, Abhi plans to pursue medicine and specialize in neurology to help people with brain and nervous system conditions. |
 Malia Meek
maliameek@arizona.edu
Malia is a senior at the University of Arizona majoring in Psychological Sciences and minoring in Spanish. She is currently working as a psychiatric scribe at a behavioral health hospital, with a plan on pursing a career as a Physician Assistant. She is interested in participating in this research program to learn how sleep affects mental health. |
 Kate Miller
katherinemmiller@arizona.edu
Kate is an undergraduate student at the University of Arizona majoring in Psychology, with minors in Spanish and Business Administration. She aspires to pursue a career in clinical psychology. She is eager to gain hands-on research experience and to develop the skills and knowledge that will deepen her understanding of the field. In her free time, she enjoys discovering new music, exercising, and spending quality time with friends and family. |
 Olivia Minicucci
Minicucci@arizona.edu
Olivia is a sophomore at the University of Arizona pursuing a dual degree in Psychological Science and Neuroscience & Cognitive Science on a Pre-Medical track. She is passionate about behavioral research, with a strong interest in understanding how sleep influences cognition and overall brain function. Her academic and career goals are centered around exploring the neurological and psychological mechanisms behind sleep. She is excited to contribute to research that deepens our understanding of the true impact of sleep on mental performance and well-being. |
 Kylie Morgan
kyliemorgan@arizona.edu
Kylie is a senior at the U of A majoring in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science with a focus on neurobiology, and minoring in Biochemistry and Addiction & Substance Use. She plans on attending medical school and pursuing neurology. In her free time, she enjoys reading and hiking! |
 Andy Ochoa
ochoaandy33@gmail.com
Andy is currently a Sophomore at the University of Arizona, studying Neuroscience with two minors in Psychology and Creative Writing. He is very much a renaissance man when it comes to the sciences and the humanities. He is strongly interested in the unconscious, dream theory and the metaphysical world that science briefly falls in. In his freetime, he writes, listens to music, reads, overthinks, plays video games, and skates. Andy plans to get his MA in counseling to become a behavioral therapist. |
 Sofia Olsen
sofiamolsen@arizona.edu
Sofia is currently a senior at the University of Arizona, majoring in Psychological Science. She is really excited to join the Sleep and Health Research Lab because she really wants to gain hands-on experience and believes that sleep is essential to mental health. In the future, she wants to be a Licensed Professional Counselor or a Clinical Psychologist. |
 McKenna Pratt
mckennampratt@arizona.edu
McKenna is a Psychological Science major. She is interested in how sleep can affect our overall health. Alongside this, she is eager to learn about the undergraduate research process and work alongside peers on real-life projects. |
 Morgan Rhodes
morganrhodes@arizona.edu
Morgan is a fourth year Neuroscience major with a strong interest in the intersection of brain health, cardiometabolic health, and bioinformatics. She enjoys working with complex datasets and exploring how a data-driven approach in the development of neurodiagnostic models can augment multidisciplinary research in the field of Neuroscience. She is very excited to contribute to projects that bridge this aspect of Neuroscience research with real-world health outcomes! |
 Alondra Rodriguez
rodz.alo796@gmail.com
Alondra is majoring in Psychology with a minor in Pharmacological Sciences. She is interested in learning more about how sleep and stress can affect people, as well as how adolescents can be affected by stressors in their homes. |
 Pranav Saravanan
psaravanan1@arizona.edu
Pranav is an undergraduate honors student majoring in Physiology and Medical Sciences and minoring in Psychology and Religious Studies for Healthcare Professionals. His goal is to one day become a Neurologist, and is excited to take my first step into sleep research through the Sleep and Health Research Program! In my free time, he loves playing pickleball and even started a club for it at U of A! |
 Nadia Sardjev
nsardjev@arizona.edu
Nadia is an honors student majoring in Physiology and Medical Sciences. She plans to attend dental school and is interested in how craniofacial structures impact sleep and overall health. She wants to explore how sleep-disordered breathing and related conditions emerge in both clinical and subclinical populations. She is looking forward to joining the SHRP team and learning more about the systemic effects of sleep. |
 Jahnvi Saxena
jsaxena@arizona.edu
Jahnvi Saxena is a sophomore at the University of Arizona majoring in Psychological Sciences. She is passionate about mental health and aspires to pursue a Doctorate of Psychology (PsyD) in the future. As a research assistant in the Sleep and Health Research Program, she is eager to learn about various sleep disorders and how they relate to psychological functioning. Jahnvi has also volunteered in mental health outreach events in her home country and values opportunities that combine research with real- world impact. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, cooking, and listening to music. |
 Rohit Sharma
sharma8@arizona.edu
Rohit is a sophmore majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Neuroscience with aspirations of being a physician. |
 Mia Sponseller
miasponseller@arizona.edu
She is a senior majoring in Statistics & Data Science, Physiology, and Neuroscience & Cognitive Science. After graduating, she hopes to attend medical school. In her free time, she enjoys running, baking, and solving Rubik's Cubes. |
 El Sterling
emsterling@arizona.edu
El is an undergraduate honors student at the University of Arizona majoring in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science and German Studies with a minor in Biochemistry. She hopes to pursue a career as a psychiatrist specializing in treating adolescents and young adults. She is involved in KAMP Student Radio and works at the UA Library. In her free time she enjoys reading, listening to music, and spending time with her friends and family. |
 Rishi Suresh
rishirsuresh@arizona.edu
Rishi is an honors second-year student majoring in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science, with a particular interest in sleep's role in memory consolidation, learning, and physical exercise. After graduation, he plans to pursue an MD/MPH program and build a career in global health as a physician-leader. In his free time, he enjoys learning new languages and swimming. |
 Skyelar Weiss
skyelar@arizona.edu
Skyelar is an undergraduate student double majoring in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and Psychology. She is particularly interested in the intersection of cognitive, psychological, and speech disorders, and how these conditions relate to sleep and overall health. |
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