Graham Diering, PhD, is Assistant Professor for biochemistry at the UNC Chapel Hill. His primary field of research is the molecular basis by which sleep supports cognitive function and brain health. He and his colleagues are applying their findings to understanding and treating diseases that include sleep disruption, such as autism spectrum and Alzheimer’s disease. “The reason why we sleep remains a scientific mystery, but it is clearly important – that behavior is conserved throughout evolution,” says Prof. Diering. “I am simply curious to learn more about this important and mysterious part of human and animal life.”