Meet our team

Dr. Esra Tasali, MD

Director of UChicago Sleep Center and Professor of Medicine

Dr. Esra Tasali is a tenured Professor of Medicine at the University of Chicago and the Director of the UChicago Sleep Center. She is an internationally recognized sleep medicine expert with over 20 years of research programs funded by the National Institute of Health. Esra’s work has made significant contributions to the field of sleep, diabetes, and energy metabolism. Her recent publication in JAMA Internal Medicine demonstrates that sleep extension could be a viable intervention for the prevention or reversal of obesity. This work has garnered great attention in the scientific community as well as the public around the world. Over the past 20 years, she has led as a PI several NIH-funded interdisciplinary clinical studies to investigate the role of sleep apnea in metabolic disturbances. Esra’s seminal work has significantly contributed to our understanding of the links between sleep apnea and impairments in glucose metabolism. She is the recipient of multiple awards for her pioneering work and currently serves as the Chair of the National Center on Sleep Disorders Research Advisory Board at the National Institute of Health.

Becky Tucker, BA

Clinical Research Manager

I am originally from Chicago (aka the suburbs) and decided to go south for school. I have a bachelor’s in psychology from the University of South Florida. I then came back up to Chicago and spent some time working at Northwestern University and then came to The University of Chicago to work with Dr. Tasali, however, it was short-lived (this time) as my husband and I got an opportunity to live abroad. Four years later, we came back stateside and I ended up back at The University of Chicago working with Dr. Tasali! Most of my free time is spent traveling, enjoying the Chicago lakefront, and answering the endless questions of a 4-year-old.

Since being a part of the lab now for five years, I have seen it grow in both the science and people. I am fortunate to be part of such a supportive and great group!

Clara Schmetter, BA

Clinical Research Coordinator

I grew up near the DC metro area in Maryland and went on to earn degrees in psychology and criminology from the University of Maryland. After spending countless summers with family in Illinois, where I developed a deep appreciation for the Midwest’s unique charm, I made the decision to relocate to Chicago in the fall of 2021. At the Sleep Center, I am fortunate to merge my passion for psychology with my dedication to research, allowing me to contribute to advancements in understanding sleep health and its impact on overall well-being. In my free time, I enjoy road-tripping to the UP, hunting for antique treasures, and exploring new hiking trails, climbing routes, or bouldering challenges.

Hannah Boehm, MPH

Clinical Research Coordinator

Originally from Minnesota, I attended the University of Iowa and earned my undergraduate degree in biology. I then returned home to complete my Master of Public Health degree at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Upon graduation, I moved to Chicago to pursue a career that allowed me to combine my love for learning with my curiosity for research and ended up at the Tasali Lab. When I’m not working, I spend my free time reading, enjoying time outside, and trying new restaurants with friends.

Olivia Hughes, BS

Senior Clinical Research Coordinator

Originally from the Chicago suburbs, I left the Midwest to complete my bachelor’s in neuroscience at Duke University. After graduating, I spent a year researching and developing medical school programming in Durban, South Africa. When I returned to the United States, I spent years working in education and drove an ambulance on the side as an EMT. I joined the Tasali Lab in 2019 and fell in love with the city of Chicago. My favorite place to be is at the lakefront. In my free time, I enjoy volleyball, weightlifting, and my two cats.

Since working with the Tasali Lab, I have been offered the opportunity to participate in everything from recruitment to publication. I enjoy the diverse challenges, the support of our exceptional team members, and seeing the impact of our work as we continue to grow!

Gabriela Barnas, BA

Clinical Research Coordinator

Living in Illinois my whole life, I studied at Illinois Wesleyan University and earned a degree in psychology. Feeling pulled into research by my interest in discovery and love of learning, I am now a research coordinator here in Chicago, working on providing coaching in sleep intervention and diet/exercise intervention. I love working with people and would like to continue to make an impact in their lives as well as an impact in sleep research. When I’m not doing this, I’m spending time reading outdoors, shopping in craft stores, or exploring the city.

Benjamin Haugen

PhD Candidate

I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area before completing my BSc in Physiology at the University of Edinburgh. After spending time working in Sydney and San Francisco after graduation, I came to The University of Chicago to obtain my PhD within the Committee on Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition. Outside of the lab, I teach swing dancing on campus, play volleyball, and spend all of my free time cooking!

The Tasali lab studies not only the general relationship of sleep and metabolism but also digs deeper into how the mechanisms behind their connection changes in contexts of diseases like diabetes and sleep apnea. Our collaborations with other labs within The University of Chicago and at other institutions provide fantastic learning opportunities to go beyond our own areas of expertise by working with other groups.

Kelsey Comfort, BA

Administrative Manager

Originally from Lincoln, Nebraska, I graduated from the University of Nebrasak-Lincoln with bachelor degrees in both English and journalism. After graduation, I spent over eight years in Colorado Springs during which I gained a plethora of administrative experience, mostly in the non-profit sector which included AmeriCorps VISTA and a federally-funded Head Start program.

In 2023, I came to The University of Chicago to pursue my Master of Arts degree part-time while I work for the Tasali lab. I appreciate the opportunity to gain professional experience at an exceptional higher education institution as well as the camaraderie of our lab. When I am not busy with coursework, I enjoy being active and exploring the city with my husband and spoiling our two dogs, Luke and Luna.

Jocelyn Thrasher, BS

Clinical Research Coordinator

As an Illinois native, my interest in research was sparked while studying psychology at the University of Illinois. After graduating, I ventured to Madrid, Spain, to teach English with my sister.

I was led back to Chicago, where I’m now focused on implementing sleep interventions alongside diet and exercise changes, and I’ve enjoyed learning about CPAP therapy for sleep apnea.

Outside of this, I love practicing yoga, exploring new rooftops, enjoying Lake Michigan, and traveling to see family and friends.