Heather E. Gunn
About Me
I am a clinical health psychologist with expertise in interpersonal behaviors, relationships, and sleep. My research focuses on the intersection of these three areas, examining how they impact overall health and well-being. All of my work is rooted in attachment theory, and in the belief that our birthright selves deserve secure, fulfilling relationships and restful sleep.
Our ongoing work includes a large study on adolescent sleep. The National Institute of Health awarded our team competitive funds to examine school start and sleep times in youth who are underrepresented in school start time studies. We are also interested in how school start times influence family level interactions and sleep. We are so proud to be recognized by NIH and are excited to see where this research takes us!
Education
I obtained my PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Utah, and completed my clinical internship at the Rush University Medical Center. I was a Postdoctoral Scholar in the T32 Sleep Medicine Training Program at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. During my postdoctoral training, I was awarded a highly competitive Career Development Award from the Sleep Research Society. This award solidified my commitment to the study of relationships, and specific interpersonal behaviors that most influence sleep.
Professional Appointment
I am an Assistant Professor at the University of Alabama. See more about my research work here. I teach undergraduate courses about sleep and health while developing writing skills. I also use my expertise in interpersonal theory and behaviors to supervise and guide graduate students through their first year of clinical work. My favorite quote for training, therapy, and really, most things is, "Reality is our best friend." Thank you, Lorna Smith Benjamin (you can learn more about her and my transformative training experience here).