OUR TEAM
CHRISTOPHER DEPNER PHD
Principle Investigator
Dr. Depner completed his PhD in Human Nutrition at Oregon State University followed by postdoctoral work in sleep and circadian physiology under the guidance of Dr. Kenneth Wright at the University of Colorado Boulder. While in these positions Dr. Depner developed expertise in nutritional biochemistry, metabolomics, and human clinical translational sleep and circadian studies. Dr. Depner's research program integrates his background and training to conduct rigorous human clinical translational sleep and circadian protocols to understand how the interactions between sleep and circadian physiology and nutrition contribute to metabolic health.
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Grace Zimmerman
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Grace serves as a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Sleep and Circadian Rhythm Lab. She earned her PhD in Health and Kinesiology, where her research examined how sleep duration influences energy balance, metabolism, and physical activity behaviors. In a separate line of work, she investigated the effects of a sports nutrition intervention in adolescent athletes and explored how sleep patterns fluctuate across their competitive season. Grace’s broader research background spans sports nutrition, metabolism, and exercise physiology, with experience working with diverse populations ranging from athletes to individuals with metabolic disorders. In her current role, she contributes to clinical trials investigating sleep and circadian interventions, focusing on how changes in timing of light exposure and food intake impacts metabolism during short sleep duration.​​
CV
I started working for the lab in December 2020 after graduating from the University of Utah where I majored in Kinesiology and minored in Modern dance, Chemistry, and Pediatric Clinical research.
AUDREY STEGMAN
PhD Student
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TORI MIRANDA
Clinical Research Coordinator
My name is Tori Miranda and I am a study coordinator for the Health and Kinesiology Department at the University of Utah working with both Dr. Chris Depner and Dr. Tanya Halliday. I joined the team in June 2022 after previously working as a study coordinator in Kinesiology at the University of Michigan and University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). I received my bachelor’s in Exercise Science at Salisbury University, my master’s in Kinesiology at UIC, and am an ACSM certified Exercise Physiologist. My research interests include using practical lifestyle modifications, such as exercise and diet, as a means to improve one’s healthspan. In my spare time, I enjoy chasing around my daughter and my dogs and playing in the mountains.
TYLER MARSHALL
Clinical Research Coordinator
My name is Tyler Marshall and I am a Study Coordinator in the Sleep and Circadian Physiology Lab. I joined the lab in August 2023 after working as a Study Coordinator at the University of Vermont on Cystic Fibrosis research studies. I graduated from the University of Vermont in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Biology. In my free time, I enjoy mountain biking, running, skiing, and hiking.
KIANA SHAMS
Clinical Research Coordinator
My name is Kiana Shams, and I am a Clinical Research Coordinator in the Sleep and Circadian Physiology Lab working with Dr. Depner. I majored in Biology and minored in Psychology. I enjoy dancing, listening to music, reading, watching movies, and rollerblading!
SEAN DE OLIVEIRA
Clinical Research Coordinator
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My name is Sean and I am a Study Coordinator for the Sleep and Circadian Physiology Lab at the University of Utah. I joined Dr. Depner’s team in February 2023 after graduating from the U with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. When I am not working, I am usually practicing parkour, lifting, riding, or playing games.
Sahayla Lopez ​
Clinical Research Coordinator
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My name is Sahayla Lopez and I am a Clinical Research Coordinator in the Sleep and Circadian Physiology Lab at the University of Utah. I joined Dr. Depner's team in December 2025. I graduated from the University of Utah in May 2025 with a Bachelor's degree in Community Health Promotion and Education. I enjoy watching movies, working out, and spending time with my friends/family!
Hi, my name is Alisha! I graduated with a Biology degree at the University of Utah. I joined the Sleep and Circadian Physiology Lab in the summer of 2021. I am interested in how increasing sleep duration may impact aspects of our health such as blood pressure and insulin sensitivity and am currently working towards completing an Honors Thesis on the subject. In my free time, I enjoy drawing and listening to music.
​Alisha was funded through both the LEAP and UROP programs at the University of Utah to conduct her undergraduate research project.
ALISHA CHONG
Research Assistant
DESHA GREENE
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Hi, my name is Desha. I'm a third year Biochemistry student here at the U and I joined Dr. Depner's lab in the summer of 2025. I'm passionate about the science of sleep and it's impact on our physiology as well as the health implications that result due to poor sleep habits. I hope to learn more and discover research I haven't seen before!
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BROOKLYNN HEATH
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Hi! My name is Brooklynn Heath. I joined the sleep lab in August 2023. I am currently a sophomore studying biology and hoping to attend medical school after graduating. I want to learn more about how sleep has an impact on overall health.
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CALEB MCKINLEY
Undergraduate Research Assistant
I joined the sleep lab in August 2023 as an undergraduate student majoring in Kinesiology. I am currently pursuing graduate school in physical therapy and am looking to further my work in health clinically. I desire to learn more about the effects sleep has on physiology function and how to use this knowledge to improve health and wellness. In my free time I play games, listen to music, and read.
MADI PALMER
Undergraduate Research Assistant
My name is Madi Palmer and I am a junior at the University of Utah. I am studying biochemistry with plans to apply to medical school. I joined the lab in fall 2024 to gain more knowledge about the impact sleep has on our health and well being.
BECKETT REED
Undergraduate Research Assistant
I am a health and kinesiology major, and I am on the premed route. I joined the lab in May of 2025 looking to gain research experience and learn how sleep effects our daily lives, as well as chronic conditions. As someone who loves being active, learning how sleep is essential to our function interests me!
KAYLEE NAUGHTEN
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Hi! My name is Kaylee Naughten. I joined the lab in November 2024. I am currently a junior studying health and kinesiology with an honors minor in ecology. I love being able to learn about how sleep affects overall health and the process of conducting research! I hope to attend medical school in the future. In my free time I enjoy skiing, hiking, trail running, and making jewelry.
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TRISHA NGUYEN
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Hey! My name is Trisha Nguyen and I’m currently a senior studying health and kinesiology with a minor in pediatrics clinical research. I joined this lab because I’m very interested in the intricate connections between sleep and overall well-being!
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GARRETT PHAM
Undergraduate Research Assistant
I am a Health & Kinesiology major and minoring in Nutrition. I have an emphasis on Pre-PA and hope to become a PA in the future! I joined the sleep lab because I grew in a household of night owls. A lot of important people in my life, as well as I, have an atypical sleeping and eating schedule so this research was very interesting and applicable to my life.