Dayna is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at FHMRI Sleep Health, exploring how the circadian system and light sensitivity may influence PTSD risk after trauma. She completed her PhD at the Appleton Institute, focusing on fatigue and performance in shift workers. Passionate about translating research into real-world impact, Dayna enjoys working directly with shift workers to support their health and wellbeing.
What is your role and what does your work focus on?
I am a Postdoctoral Research Associate for a project exploring whether the circadian system and light sensitivity are linked to the likelihood of developing PTSD after a traumatic event. In addition to this research, I hope to continue my previous work on supporting shift workers across various domains of functioning, such as health and performance.
Where did you work and / or study before joining CMPH / FHMRI?
I completed my PhD at the Appleton Institute, exploring individual differences and fatigue risk management strategies on performance for shift working populations. I spent most of my time working night shifts in the laboratory than I did seeing the sun!
What inspired you to pursue a career in your current field, and how has your passion evolved over time?
Prior to working in a sleep laboratory, I would say I had no interest in sleep research! My passion slowly evolved over time as I realised how critical the circadian system is for optimal functioning. While I am still working within the circadian space, my PhD and current role are quite different. However, both still have themes of exploring the circadian system, and optimising the many factors that influence this system, to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals. Wanting to help others through my research is my motivation!
Can you share a memorable experience or project from your career that had a significant impact on you or the community?
Often with shift work laboratory research, we need to recruit participants with no prior (or recent) shift work history. However, my most recent project actually involved shift workers and I really enjoyed hearing their lived experiences. It was also really rewarding to share countermeasures from the literature that may not have been translated to workplace policies yet. Certain strategies hadn’t been heard before, so it felt good to know the research could have a direct impact on their day-to-day lives.
How do you like to relax or spend your spare time?
I’m simultaneously a homebody and someone who enjoys socialising and keeping active outdoors. I love to get immersed in a good book or tv series but enjoy running and hiking with my friends as well! I’m also a big foodie, so I like to try new restaurants as much as I can.