Jonathan Waxman
Email Address: jwaxma2@uic.eduCollege: Nursing Department: Biobehavioral Health Science
Participating in the Chancellor’s Undergraduate Research Awards program: Yes
Research Interest:
My current research has to do with the prediction of physiological events in individuals who have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a prevalent sleep-related breathing disorder, and in healthy, sleep deprived subjects. The study consists of collecting continuous overnight physiological data at the UIC Sleep Sciences Center while subjects sleep or are kept awake for the entire night. Data is also collected during the day following sleep or sleep deprivation studies at the UIC College of Nursing. During daytime studies, subjects engage in driving simulations and other tests while various physiological signals are continuously recorded. The primary aim of the study is to predict the onset of disordered breathing during sleep and unintended sleep onset and driving mistakes during the daytime. Minimum time commitment in hours per week: 5-10 Qualifications of a Student:
The most important qualification is reliability. Premed students are particularly encouraged to apply for this unique position; however, any serious applicant will be considered. Brief Summary of what is expected from the student:
Research assistants will primarily be involved in conducting sleep and sleep deprivation studies and monitoring subjects overnight. Major responsibilities, for which training will be provided, will include: 1. Monitoring sleeping subjects throughout the entire night. 2. Keeping sleep deprivation subjects awake the entire night. 3. Setting up and monitoring a sophisticated piece of physiological recording equipment called a cerebral oximeter, which noninvasively measures oxygenation in the surface of the frontal regions of the brain. While periodic and consistent attention to subjects and equipment is required throughout the entire night, there will be opportunities to study or engage in personal activities while conducting overnight studies. Other opportunities may be available to motivated research assistants including: 1. Administering neuropsychological test batteries to study subjects. 2. Assisting in daytime studies. 3. Recruiting and screening patients and healthy control subjects at the Sleep Sciences Center. Overnight studies begin at 7:30 PM and end at about 8:00 AM the following day. You must be willing to commit to assisting with one overnight study at least every two weeks.
NOTE: This researcher is currently not accepting applications for the Undergraduate Research Experience program.
