Erik Everhart

D. Erik Everhart is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at East Carolina University, specializing in clinical neuropsychology and behavioral sleep medicine. He holds dual board certifications: ABPP in Clinical Neuropsychology and DBSM in Behavioral Sleep Medicine. His research focuses on electrophysiological mechanisms linking emotion processing, cardiovascular risk factors, and sleep disorders. Dr. Everhart co-directs the Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory and has pioneered studies on neurocognitive impairments related to sleep apnea, insomnia, and narcolepsy.

Education:

• PhD in Psychology, Virginia Tech
• MS in Psychology, Virginia Tech
• BA in Psychology, University of Delaware

Research Interests:
Dr. Everhart investigates emotional dampening processes using EEG/ERP techniques, personality correlates of treatment adherence (e.g., CPAP therapy), and sleep-related neurocognitive deficits. His work integrates psychophysiological measures with behavioral interventions to address chronic health conditions. Notable contributions include development of the Sleep Approach-Avoidance Task (SAAT) and validation of sleep assessment tools for diverse populations.

Key Scientific Contributions:

• Pioneered EEG-based delirium detection protocols for elderly patients
• Identified frontal alpha asymmetry as a biomarker for sleep quality and CPAP adherence
• Advanced understanding of neuroinflammatory biomarkers post-subarachnoid hemorrhage

Professional Recognition:

• Founder, Society for Behavioral Sleep Medicine (SBSM)
• Author of over 100 peer-reviewed publications
• Recipient of multiple NIH grants for sleep and neurocognitive research

Current Initiatives:
Exploring AI-driven EEG analysis for real-time cognitive monitoring, longitudinal studies on post-ICU neurocognitive recovery, and translational research to improve sleep disorder interventions in underserved populations.