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Mentor Areas

Research interests include developing and testing non-pharmacological interventions to treat symptoms in people with chronic illnesses. 

Description:

Fatigue, an overwhelming, debilitating, and sustained sense of exhaustion, is so profound in people with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) that 94% of those on hemodialysis stated they would be willing to receive more frequent hemodialysis sessions if it would decrease their fatigue levels. Cortisol is implicated as a biological mechanism of fatigue in other chronic illnesses. Evidence suggests bright light therapy (BLT) reduces fatigue severity and cortisol levels. In a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of BLT and dim light placebo, we will compare the effects on fatigue severity and salivary cortisol levels. We hypothesize morning BLT using a novel, commercially-available light therapy device, Re-Timer glasses, will reduce fatigue and cortisol levels in people with ESKD. 

Preferred Qualifications

None.

Details:

Preferred Student Year

First-year, Second-Year, Junior, Senior

Academic Term

Fall, Spring, Summer

I prefer to have students start during the above term(s).

Volunteer

Yes

Yes indicates that faculty are open to volunteers.

Paid

No

Yes indicates that faculty are open to paying students they engage in their research, regardless of their work-study eligibility.

Work Study

No

Yes indicates that faculty are open to hiring work-study-eligible students.