SLEEP Empowers Lab Trainee Information

Who We Are

The SLEEP Empowers Lab is a community-engaged research group within the Center for Child Health Equity and Outcomes Research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. We focus on advancing sleep health equity, improving pediatric and family sleep, and designing prevention-focused, system-level solutions that uplift communities across Central Ohio.

The lab is also the founding home of SLEEP Friendly Cities, a population-level sleep health initiative created by Dr. Mattina Davenport and the SLEEP Empowers Lab at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

We welcome trainees from middle school through graduate school and are committed to creating a learning environment that is supportive, rigorous, ethical, and grounded in improving sleep for all communities.

What We Value

  • Equity in training - no unpaid labor; structured, ethical pathways.
  • Community-centered science - shaped by families, neighborhoods, and upstream conditions.
  • Mentorship that empowers - supporting growth, confidence, and long-term goals.
  • Restorative learning - rejecting grind culture and honoring sustainable pacing.

Our Training Structure

To ensure equity, transparency, and high-quality mentorship, the SLEEP Empowers Lab offers three structured pathways. We do not offer unpaid volunteer research roles.

1. Shadowing Opportunities (Middle School, High School, Early Undergrad)

For early learners exploring research.

  • Half-day structured shadowing
  • Attend a lab meeting
  • Observe community events or workflows
  • No research tasks; observational only

2. Course-Credit Research Internships (Undergraduate)

The primary entry point for undergraduates.

  • Required for all undergrad trainees
  • Capacity: 10 total slots per semester (paid + unpaid combined)
  • Weekly supervision and structured training
  • Skill development in data, writing, community engagement, and sleep science

3. Paid Research Positions (After 2 Successful Semesters)

Eligibility after:

  • Two semesters of productive, reliable course-credit participation
  • Demonstrated growth and readiness

Paid roles may include:

  • Research Aide

Paid positions depend on funding availability.

Who Can Join?

We welcome trainees at all levels:

  • Middle school
  • High school
  • Undergraduate
  • Post-baccalaureate
  • Master’s students
  • Doctoral students

No prior research experience required.

What You’ll Learn

Trainees gain experience in:

  • Sleep health and behavioral sleep medicine
  • Community-engaged research
  • Data collection and management
  • Coding and annotation
  • Scientific writing and presentations
  • Health promotion and prevention frameworks

How to Express Interest

Students may inquire about:

  • Shadowing availability
  • Course-credit openings

We encourage students to share:

  • Academic level
  • Interests
  • Availability
  • Why sleep health matters to them

We’re Excited to Meet You

The SLEEP Empowers Lab is a place where students grow, feel seen, and contribute to meaningful work that impacts families and communities. We’re honored you’re considering joining us.

Interested applicants may submit:

  • A résumé or CV
  • A brief statement describing interests and goals
  • Academic program and anticipated availability

Materials can be sent to SleepEmpowersLab@NationwideChildrens.org