Laura Kurdziel

Laura Kurdziel is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Psychology Department at Merrimack College’s School of Arts & Sciences, and the Program Director of Neuroscience. Her research focuses on the neurological and behavioral functions of sleep, particularly its role in learning, memory, emotion, and development. She explores how factors like traumatic brain injuries, nutrition, and exercise influence sleep physiology.

Education: She holds a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from UMass Amherst, an M.S. in Animal Behavior from Bucknell University, and a B.S. in Zoology from the University of Maryland.

Research Interests: Kurdziel investigates sleep’s impact on emotional regulation, memory consolidation across the lifespan, and cognitive development. Her work emphasizes infant sleep patterns, concussion recovery, and the neurological effects of mild traumatic brain injuries. Recent studies include interventions linking sleep, diet, and physical activity to cognitive and social-emotional health in children.

Publications highlight her contributions to understanding nap benefits in early childhood, micronutrient impacts on cognition, and sleep-related emotion regulation. Her work has been featured in outlets like the Boston Globe and BBC.

Scientific Awards: Kurdziel has received NIH grants, Merrimack College’s Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award, and the Distinguished Teaching Award from UMass Amherst. She leads multiple funded projects, including a digital intervention for youth mental health and sleep behaviors.

Grants and Advising: As Co-Investigator on NIH grants and recipient of institutional funding, she supports interdisciplinary research. Her work bridges clinical and developmental domains, emphasizing practical applications in education and public health.

Labs/Teams: While no specific lab is mentioned, her roles indicate collaborative research environments at Merrimack College and partnerships with institutions like the University of Anchorage, Alaska.