Principal Investigator
Michael K. Scullin, Ph.D.
“My goal is to connect laboratory-based findings to real world challenges, which involves investigating basic/mechanistic questions, applied research questions, and translating one to the other. This translational cognitive science approach spans sleep, aging/ADRD, education, technology, and other topics. Outside of the laboratory, I work with the Mayborn Museum and community groups to bring the latest in sleep science and brain health into the hands of the local community. Beyond work, I enjoy time with my wife, son, daughter, and border collie, which often involves Lego building, reading, and outdoor activities.”
Faculty Collaborators
Natalie Carnes, Ph.D.
“I am a Professor of Theology in the Religion Department, where my work crosses theology and the arts, feminist theology, and systematic theology. I’ve been brought into SNaC through a grant from the John Templeton Foundation and look forward to learning about sleep, cognition, and how labs work as I pursue questions at the intersection of spirituality and creativity.”
Kelly R. Iverson, Ph.D.
“I am a Professor in the Department of Religion at Baylor University, participating in a John Templeton Grant that brings together theologians and psychologists. I am interested in how human memory affected the reception and transmission of the Jesus traditions during the first century and how the cognitive sciences might contribute to these discussions.”
Post-Doctoral Fellows & Graduate Students
Lois K. Burnett, Ph.D.
“I am interested in cognitive aging and memory. In particular, I’m interested in strategies that older adults can use to overcome age-related cognitive declines and improve everyday memory functioning. Recently, my research has focused on the benefits of creating and using external memory aids to support performance of memory-based tasks. As a post-doc, I am looking forward to extending this line of research to older adults experiencing clinical memory impairments. In my free time, I enjoy trying out new recipes, reading, and thrifting.”
Blake Barley, M.A.
“I am a graduate student at Baylor University working with Dr. Scullin in the Sleep Neuroscience and Cognition Lab. My research interests include examining the impact of sleep on cognitive processes like learning, memory, and creativity. I am also interested in studying the impact of poor sleep behaviors on cognitive and academic outcomes. By studying sleep and these factors, we can develop better interventions to not only help people learn more about why sleep is important, but also lead to lasting improvements in their sleep health and behaviors. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, listening to music, and playing guitar.”
Corinne Fitzsimmons, M.S.
“I am a third-year doctoral student in the Sleep Neuroscience and Cognition Lab. Previous research experience includes investigating connections between sleep and eyewitness memory, and the role of sleep concerning academic outcomes. I am additionally interested in how sleep affects memory processes for studied content, particularly Targeted Memory Reactivation.”
Ariadne Dias Godinho, B.S.
“I am a second-year graduate student researching how incentives affect sleep and how sleep deprivation impacts our lives.”
Zhiyi Chen, M.S.
“I’m a graduate student at Baylor University’s Sleep Neuroscience and Cognition Lab under Dr. Scullin. My research interests include exploring the neural mechanisms and functions of sleep and dreaming, particularly lucid dreaming. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, watching movies and playing video games.”
Post-Baccalaureate Researchers
Natalya Pruett, M.A.
Russia | RRT & RPSGT | Business
“I love working as a polysomnography tech because Sleep medicine is one of the few fields where patients can show a vast improvement in a short time line, and it is one of the most enjoyable aspects of working as a technologist. Working in the Sleep and Neuroscience Cognition Lab opened, for me, new knowledge on how sleep influences memory and cognition. Outside of the lab I love reading, jazz, and travel.”
Kourtney David, B.S.
Springfield, MO | Neuroscience & Public Relations
“I graduated from Baylor University with a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience and minor in Public Relations. After a stint as a local newspaper reporter, I joined the SNaC Lab to pursue a position with several different career paths and to utilize my degree. My research interests include connectomics, neuropharmacology and stress. In the lab, I’m currently helping to launch an NIH-funded grant investigating technology- and paper-based support systems for prospective memory in patients with mild cognitive impairment. Outside the lab I enjoy going to concerts and festivals, building Legos and watching YouTube.”
Michael Morales, B.A.
Sugar Land, TX | Psychology
“I graduated from Baylor University with a bachelor’s in psychology. Shortly after, I joined the SNaC Lab to apply what I’ve learned and gain some valuable experience with academia before I pursue a graduate degree and explore neuropharmacology. Outside the lab, my passions include 3D printing, photography, fixing things, (relatively) old music, and camping.“
Undergraduate Researchers
Elle Neuhoff
Research Coordinator
Orange County, CA | Neuroscience (2025)
“I joined the SNaC lab because I am interested in how inadequate sleep is an often overlooked source of so many of the ailments that individuals face today. It is a privilege to be a part of a team environment in which I can expand this interest, and I look forward to being able to use this incredible learning opportunity for the advocacy of sleep health and education. Outside of the lab I am in the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and am involved with my church community, Greek life, and intramural sports. I love surfing, skiing, cooking, and playing piano!”
Rebecca Abraham
Santa Clarita, CA | Neuroscience (2025)
“I am a pre-med student who joined the SNaC lab because I am interested in Alzheimer’s and cognition in aging populations as well as the relationship between sleep deprivation and learning, especially in students. Additionally, I value the lab’s commitment to education about sleep health. Outside the lab, I am involved in MAPS, AED, and volunteering.“
Lydia Dietsch
Killeen, TX | Neuroscience (2025)
“My name is Lydia Dietsch and I am interested in pursuing taking two years to garner experience as a full-time staff member in a lab setting. After this, I plan on pursuing a PhD in neuroscience. I am interested in sleep research, along with research in animal models.“
Michelle Ikeocha
Katy, TX | Public Health / Biochemistry | Pre-Medical (2025)
“I am a senior undergraduate student in the lab. I’m majoring in Biology (I was formerly a Public Health major though) and I am a pre-med student also. I am very interested in the neurological events that occur as we sleep and their effects after we wake, and just sleep in general.“
Kyle Skores
Pingree Grove, IL | Neuroscience (2025)
“I joined the SNaC lab since I have always been fascinated by how vital sleep is in an individual’s life, both physically and mentally. I am interested in finding out more about how insufficient sleep can lead to different cognitive impairments. Outside of the lab, I am involved in MSO, BURST, and LASH at Baylor. I enjoy lifting weights, playing basketball, and watching movies.”
Clara Burns
Waco, TX | Neuroscience (2026)
“I am an undergraduate neuroscience major interested in researching memory, including memory consolidation within sleep. I also find the effects of sleep deprivation and techniques to improve sleep intriguing. Outside of the lab, I am the co-service coordinator for CHIS, a Baylor women’s service organization. I also enjoy playing guitar and watching movies with my friends.“
Cassey Dillenbeck
Euless, TX | Neuroscience (2026)
“I joined the SNaC lab because I am interested in researching ways to enhance sleep quality for improved overall health.“
Savannah Fish
Belton, TX | Neuroscience (2026)
“I am a neuroscience major from Belton Texas. I joined the SNaC lab to gain experience in behavioral research and to study sleep’s impact on learning. I plan to pursue a PhD in Music Cognition and would like to one day work as a professor and researcher at a university.“
Alyssa Flores
San Antonio, TX | Psychology, Minor in Criminal Justice (2026)
“I joined the SNaC because of my interest in the research focus of Alzheimer’s and cognition with aging, alongside the focus of sleep circadian rhythms in connection with health. Outside of the lab, I am a committee member of the Honor Council and involved in Greek life.”
Kezra Kroeger
Longmont, CO | Neuroscience (2026)
“I am a pre-med student interested in how consistently getting good sleep improves brain function, specifically in college students.“
Colleen Sontheimer
Magnolia, TX | Neuroscience (2026)
“I am a pre-med student interested in researching the relationship between sleep and memory over time.“
Faith Bamford
Las Cruces, NM | Engineering, Minors in Math & Philosophy (2027)
“I am an engineering student interested in the connection between physics and neuroscience. I joined the SNaC lab because I am passionate about research in science and technology to increase human flourishing.”
Isabel Miles
Melbourne, FL | University Scholar & Religion (2027)
“I am a pre-med student interested in the connection between sleep and memory as well as the impact of religion on health and cognition.”
Sebastian Perez
Midland, TX | Neuroscience, Molecular & Cell Biology | Pre-Medical (2027)
“I am a pre-med student pursuing a double major in Neuroscience and Molecular & Cell Biology. I joined the SNAC lab because of my research interest in how sleep impacts mental health, cognitive function, and clinical outcomes. Outside the lab, I work as a Learning Assistant and participate in BMSA and Music & Memory.”
Greg Young
College Station, TX | Science Research Fellows, Minor in Biochemistry (2027)
“I am a pre-med student interested in researching the practicality of how sleep is related to improving memory.“
