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, Ph.D.
“I am a post-doctoral fellow 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 fourth-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.”
Zhiyi Chen, M.S.
“I’m a second-year graduate student in the Sleep Neuroscience and Cognition Lab. My research focuses on sleep, memory consolidation, and (lucid) dreaming. I am also interested in combining BCI technique into sleep and dream research. 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.”
Sydney Denison, B.A.
Dallas, TX | Psychology
“I recently graduated from Baylor University with a psychology degree. I joined the SNaC Lab to further my research experiences prior to applying to graduate programs. Sleep research sparked my interest because it encompasses a vast array of research areas, including mental health, learning and developmental disabilities, and resilience. Outside the lab, I enjoy reading, cooking, traveling, exercising, and journaling.”
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, tinkering, (relatively) old music, and cooking.“
Zaria Rodriguez, B.S.
New Orleans, LA | Neuroscience
“I graduated from Loyola University with a major in neuroscience. My previous research utilized EEG to examine cognitive processes such as attention and memory. In addition to cognition, I also have an interest in studying Alzheimer’s disease and autism. Outside the lab, I enjoy baking, playing video games, and drawing.”
Undergraduate Researchers
Clara Burns
Research Coordinator
Waco, TX | Neuroscience (2026)
“I am an undergraduate neuroscience major interested in research that promotes human flourishing, particularly investigating the role of sleep in supporting memory, health, mood, relationships, and more. Outside the lab, I enjoy running, playing the guitar, and am involved in CHIS, a Baylor women’s service organization.“
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.”
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.“
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.“
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.”
Sydney Ralph
Spring, TX | Neuroscience (2027)
“I am a pre-med student interested in exploring the implications of sleep on learning, development, and health. Outside of the lab, I am involved in MSO, Greek life, and work as a learning assistant. I love reading, watching movies, and traveling!”
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.“
Adebola Adenote
Dayton, OH | Neuroscience (2028)
“I am a neuroscience major interested in how sleep impacts memory, performance, and wellbeing. Outside of the lab, I enjoy reading, baking , and spending time with friends.”
Deron Ferguson
Little Elm, TX | Neuroscience (2028)
“Because sleep shapes the daily life of every individual, it only makes sense for me to join a lab that explores this vital aspect of human experience. In the SNaC lab, I am excited to learn how sleep impacts memory, cognition, and overall well-being. Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing the guitar, playing tennis, snowboarding/wakeboarding, and photography.”
Abby Szabo
Littleton, CO | Science Research Fellows (2028)
“I am a pre-med student interested in behavioral research and understanding the impact sleep has on a human’s well-being. I’m particularly interested in understanding sleep’s relationship with memory and emotional control. Outside of the lab, I’m involved in YoungLife, GMMA, and greek life. I also enjoy being outside, coffee, and watching movies.”
Michael Torres
Glendale, AZ | Neuroscience (2028)
“I joined the SNaC lab for a look into the research components regarding developments in cognition and community-outreach involving sleep in the greater Waco area. I’m a pre-med student interested in promoting education about neuroscience in the Baylor and Waco community, and outside the lab, I like MMA, collecting records, cooking, and traveling.”