Every year, Rutgers Sleep Lab trains both undergraduate and graduate students in sleep research methodology. Students are trained as research assistants to help with various research projects and attend a weekly lab meeting. Their duties include subject recruitment, conducting research study visits and completing data entry and organization. Additionally, a few students every year complete independent research studies to fulfill requirements for various honors programs. For a complete list of past projects and programs, visit Rutgers Sleep Lab trainee indepdendent research projects.
If you would like to learn more about research opportunities for Fall 2026, email your resume to sleep-lab
Current Trainees
Rahul Zaveri
B.S. in Biological Sciences Student
Grace Smutko
Alumni
Where Are They Now?
Safya El-Dessouky: Applying to medical school; Working in the medical field.
Sarah Quraishi: New Jersey Medical School student
Samantha Matson: Rutgers Doctoral of Physical Therapy student.
Mira C: Certified Clinical Medical Assistant at Garden State Heart Care; Applying to medical school.
Joanna K: Studying Occupational Therapy at Columbia School of Occupational Therapy.
Eytan M: Applied to medical school; Data Analyst for a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon.
Abraham S: Started medical school at the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in St. Maarten.
Why Did You Join Rutgers Sleep Lab?
"I joined the sleep lab for research experience and to diversifying my application for medical school in order to show my dedication to holistic health. In turn I not only gained a wealth of hands-on experience but I also felt part of a family of professionals who wanted me to succeed and opened up so many doors for me. Thanks to the staff I was able to participate in a conference and even create my own poster! I am always going to be grateful for my time with the sleep lab!" - Sarah. Q
"I joined the Rutgers Sleep Lab after I took a class with Dr. Spaeth and became interested in the science behind sleep. I also appreciated the variety of work I was able to get involved in as a research assistant, from data entry to subject screenings to reviewing literature for relevant topics. Now, as a PT student, working in the Rutgers Sleep lab has given me a better understanding of how to analyze research findings, so that I can use evidence to best help my current and future patients." - Samantha M.
"I was very drawn to this lab because of the hands on experience. Being involved with several projects, I truly understood how to conduct a study and work with participants." - Mira C.
"Fitness and exercise has been a vital part of my weekly routine for as long as I can remember. When I started exercise science at Rutgers I was learning about different types of exercise and health regiments and there always seemed to be one common underlying factor, and that was sleep. All the exercise in the world cannot compa.re to a good nights sleep. I joined the Rutgers sleep lab to learn more about sleep and it’s many benefits to daily living." - Juliet M.
"After taking classes that emphasized how important exercise and nutrition are for your health, I wanted to expand my knowledge of well-being in other areas. Dr. Spaeth had mentioned her lab in a course I took with her, and I was immediately intrigued. As college students, we often sacrifice sleep, so I think it's very interesting to learn why it's so crucial to attain a sufficient amount of sleep." - Jessica R.
"I joined the Rutgers Sleep Lab to learn about a topic that many of us love, sleep! As college students, we often sacrifice sleep to study and get our work done, so I wanted to join this lab to learn more about the effects and benefits of sleeping. The projects that are ongoing are highly interesting and unique to the Rutgers Sleep Lab. After doing my own research on the projects and lab, I just had to join!"- Yash P.
"Something so valuable yet always overlooked by college students is the impact of sleep on health. When looking at the lab's research prior to joining, I was intrigued by the focus on race/sex disparities. I have done research on disparities in the past and I am passionate about observing the impact of racial disparities on quality of health.” - Amin K.
"I think that being part of this lab and completing my study on sleep and its relation to BMI and fitness will be a perfect transition into my professional career. I want to be a Physical Therapist and it is important for a PT to know the various health habits and patterns of their patient's life, sleep included. When I am a PT myself, I want to take a holistic approach to treatment and help patients improve their quality of life, not just to find a quick fix to their pain/ injury. I want to learn more about how sleep is related to health and fitness, and then be able to use this information to help my future patients." - Kirsten S.
"As an exercise science major, I have a passion for understanding the multiple components of health and wellness, including diet, exercise, and sleep. I believe that it is crucial to explore the effects of sleep in order to possibly improve the treatment of chronic illnesses. Furthermore, I am interested in the relationship between sleep and other lifestyle factors that would show why getting a good night's rest is the foundation for holistic well-being.” - Anthony S.
“I decided to join the Rutgers Sleep Lab because of all the other options available for research in exercise science, this one looked like the most welcoming and I felt that it offered more opportunities. I was also very interested in it because I'm studying to be a doctor and gaining experience in a sleep lab with various patients and procedures would be very helpful for my future.”- Mariam M.
"I joined Rutgers Sleep Lab because I wanted to learn more about how sleep impacts our health as well as how our behaviors impact our sleep. As a college student who doesn’t always sleep well, I wanted to learn about how various activities in our life alter sleep quality. I was also very eager to learn about how research is conducted." - Jordan W.