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2008-2009 A program conceived and organized by the Wisconsin Initiative for Science Literacy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, with the collaboration of the Madison Metropolitan School District and the Edgewood Sonderegger Science Center. |
The Conversations in Science series brings together UW-Madison science researchers
and Dane County science teachers. Designed to stimulate discussion between scientists
and science educators at all levels, these conversations connect high-, middle-,
and elementary school classrooms with the University's cutting-edge research.
Questions and ideas are freely exchanged between expert and an audience of K-12
educators.
ABOUT THE CONVERSATION
Sleep is a universal behavior across all animals, yet its function is largely
unknown. This presentation will cover a description of the biological basis
of sleep, its function and the effects of sleep loss. Seasonal adaptations in
sleep patterns by migrating birds and their relevance to human behavior will
also be discussed.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Dr. Benca is Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology at the
University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Director of the University of Wisconsin
Center for Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research.
Dr. Benca received her PhD in pathology and her medical degree from the University
of Chicago in Illinois before completing a residency in psychiatry and a fellowship
in sleep disorders medicine, also at the University of Chicago. She is a member
of several professional organizations, including the Society for Neuroscience,
the Sleep Research Society (SRS), the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM)
and the American Psychiatric Association; she has served as President of the
SRS and on the Board of Directors of the AASM. Additionally, she is a Deputy
Editor of Sleep: Journal of Sleep and Sleep Disorders Research. Dr. Benca has
served as principal investigator for a number of basic and clinical research
studies and has presented her research findings at a variety of national meetings.
She has coauthored numerous articles, reviews and book chapters, and her research
has been funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and the Department
of Defense. Among her awards and honors, Dr. Benca was recently selected to
participate in the Hedwig van Amerigen Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine
(ELAM) Program for Women (2004–2005).
Click here ro visit Professor Benca's website.