1. Can you tell us a little about your journey to this point?

During my bachelor’s studies, I became deeply involved in research by working as a research assistant in a lab focused on individual differences in attention and memory. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and ended up writing my thesis on the topic. I found the work fascinating, and I could easily envision myself building a career in this field, contributing to research, deepening my understanding of the human mind.

I then continued my journey by completing a masters in Neuro-Cognitive Science and started a PhD in Systems Neuroscience, focusing on the various cognitive processes within the human brain.

Looking ahead to my future career, I aspire to continue conducting impactful research.

During covid I was unable to conduct research, and I came across an advertisement from an alumnus of my previous department, seeking a short-term research assistant for the Sleep Lab at Stockholm University. I applied as I found the topic intriguing and I hadn't considered studying the brain from that perspective before. I was curious and looked forward to being able to immerse myself in a new perspective. Fortunately, I was offered the position and dived straight into the project.

My curiosity got the better of me and led me to work at the Sleep Lab for three years, where I was responsible for data collection, lab management, and project coordination. Additionally, being part of a highly skilled and collaborative team enhanced the lab environment and contributed greatly to my scientific development.

Finally, I began to consider whether it was time to complete the PhD journey that I had started, looking for a way to combine my previous experiences with the valuable experience that I had here. An opportunity arose within the department, allowing me to transfer my studies here and continue my academic journey, while continuing to contribute to my work at the Sleep Lab.

Preparing EEG in the Sleep Lab. Photo: Jens Olof Lasthein

2. What is your research topic about?

My research examines the temporal patterns of stress, sleep, and recovery behaviors, with the goal of identifying "optimal" stress exposure windows throughout the day, understanding when sleep is most and least affected, and determine the timing and effectiveness of daily behaviors in promoting stress recovery.

Additionally, we aim to identify subgroups that are differentially impacted by sleep disturbances, offering a more nuanced understanding of how sleep disruption affects individuals. The motivation behind this research is to provide a deeper understanding of the dynamic relationship between sleep patterns, work demands, daily routines, and overall mental and physical health, with the potential to inform strategies for improving stress management and well-being in diverse populations.

3. What are your hopes for your PhD studies and your future career?

For my PhD studies, I hope to deepen my understanding of the complex interactions between stress, sleep, and recovery behaviors, while contributing meaningful insights to the field of psychology. I aim to refine my research skills, particularly in experimental design, data analysis, and the application of advanced research methods.

Looking ahead to my future career, I aspire to continue conducting impactful research, collaborate with experts in the field, and ultimately contribute to evidence-based strategies that advance our understanding of how stress and sleep patterns impact cognitive functioning, mental and physical health, ultimately contributing on interventions that improve overall well-being and quality of life.