FEATURED TRAINEE - MELANIE STEARNS, MS

HOW DID YOU GET INTERESTED IN BSM?

I became interested in BSM when I realized that a lot of my clients' problems were related to difficulties sleeping. I then joined the Behavioral Sleep Clinic in my department's Psychology Clinic, where I saw the life-changing difference that evidence-based sleep therapies can make in my clients' lives. From there, I transitioned my research on children and parents to include BSM.

WHO ARE YOUR BSM MENTORS?

Michael Nadorff, Ph.D., and Allison Wilkerson, Ph.D.

WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS? 

Right now I am seeking a postdoc in sleep research. My ultimate goal is a position where I am able to conduct research as well as supervise and teach students in research and clinical work.

WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE THE FIELD OF BSM IN 10 YEARS?

I would like the field of BSM to include more research regarding parents and children, and for there to be more BSM clinics and research centers.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE THINGS TO DO AWAY FROM THE OFFICE?

I love traveling, going to zoos, trying new food, and exploring new locations.

WHAT EXPERIENCES HAVE HELPED SHAPE YOUR TRAINING IN BSM? 

My clinical work treating sleep problems and conducting research on parent and child sleep has shaped my BSM training.

WHAT RESOURCES HAVE HELPED TO ADVANCE YOUR TRAINING? 

The availability of my BSM mentors, as well as the flexibility of my other mentors, has helped me to advance my training. In addition, networking and going to talks during the SBSM conference has helped to expand my knowledge of BSM.