Jennifer Andrews PhD

Associate Professor, Pediatrics

jandrews@peds.arizona.edu

Jennifer Andrews research interests lie in interdisciplinary translational research, taking clinical information backwards to bench science to describe and identify endophenotypic markers for developmental, congenital and behavioral conditions. This can include understanding genotype-phenotype relationships, determining various endogenous approaches to measuring phenotypes and severity; and improving the quality of life of individuals with neurodevelopmental and congenital conditions throughout their lives. Her involvement with the sleep lab is assessing the impact of chronic illness on autonomic function and its relationship to sleep.

Cristina Garcia PhD

Clinical Assistant Professor, Psychiatry

Cristina.Garcia@bannerhealth.com

Dr. Garcia is a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in serious mental illness (SMI). She is currently pursuing her certification as a Diplomate of Behavioral Sleep Medicine and is interested in the application of sleep disorder interventions in the SMI population. In her position at Banner-University Medical Center, she serves community members at the Whole Health Clinic and the Early Psychosis Intervention Center emphasizing treatment of sleep disorders. Dr. Garcia earned her BA at the University of Miami. She completed her PhD at the University of Maryland, College Park and her pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship at the Albuquerque VA. She enjoys being outside, cooking and eating, traveling, and walking her sweet Pitbull mix, Fancy.

Rina Fox PhD

Assistant Professor, Nursing
Assistant Professor, Psychiatry

rsfox@arizona.edu

Dr. Fox is an Assistant Professor in the University of Arizona College of Nursing and a licensed clinical psychologist. Her research is broadly focused on how psychosocial processes impact adjustment to and coping with chronic illness, with an emphasis on symptom management and health related quality of life (HRQOL) in cancer. She is particularly interested in the role of sleep disturbance in HRQOL, and the development of interventions to improve sleep disturbance in the context of chronic illness. She received a BA in Psychology and Spanish from Tufts University, an MPH in Epidemiology from the San Diego State University Graduate School of Public Health, and a PhD in Clinical Psychology from the San Diego State University / University of California, San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology. She completed her pre-doctoral clinical internship at Rush University Medical Center and a postdoctoral fellowship at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. She is a member of the Cancer Prevention and Control Program at the University of Arizona Cancer Center.

Denise Rodriguez Esquivel PhD

Clinical Assistant Professor, Psychiatry

Denise.RodriguezEsquivel@bannerhealth.com

Dr. Rodriguez Esquivel is a clinical psychologist specializing in behavioral sleep medicine for the treatment of insomnia, circadian rhythm disorders, and cPAP adherence. She is a clinical supervisor in the doctoral clinical psychology internship at the University of Arizona, supervising psychology interns in the Behavioral Sleep Medicine and Outpatient Psychotherapy clinics. She completed her PhD in clinical psychology with a health focus at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, and her internship and postdoctoral residency were completed at the Albuquerque VA Medical Center in New Mexico. Dr. Rodriguez Esquivel has also worked as primary care psychologist, specializing in work on adjustment disorders, bereavement, and depressive and anxiety disorders.

Denisse Armenta

Program Manager

armentamd@email.arizona.edu

Denisse is the program manager for the lab, bringing her background as a respiratory therapist to support and manage ongoing research projects. She is enjoying the transition from bedside care to the research world and looks forward to furthering her education in public health. Outside of work, Denisse enjoys spending time with her family, walking her pug Mochi, and discovering new coffee spots around town with a great book.

AFFILIATES

Tommy K. Begay PhD MPH

tommyb@email.arizona.edu

Dr. Begay is focusing on the interrelationship of biology, environment, and culture, to understand human behavior as applicable to health and wellness. Dr. Begay’s research interests include Native American health, especially in relation to the impact of American Indian historical trauma, and the subsequent evolution of intergenerational, maladaptive coping behaviors that contribute to the disproportionately high rates of stress-related chronic diseases, cancer, interpersonal violence, accidents, substance abuse, and addiction – all major contributing factors to the contemporary health and wellness of American Indians and Alaska Natives. Of particular interest, is the use of psychoneuroimmunology to assess the health impact of chronic stress, and associated pathophysiological processes. As an Instructor, Dr. Begay has taught the following courses: American Indian Medicine and Wellness, Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in Exceptional Learners, Drugs and Society, Human Sexuality, Health Education Intervention Methods, and Contemporary Community Health.

Andrea Diaz-Pacheco

andread1@arizona.edu

Andrea has a Clinical Psychology Masters degree and practiced as a licensed clinician. Since coming to the US, she has worked in research related to sleep disorders in healthy elderly and people with Parkinson's Disease.

Anna Hyndych

annahyndych@outlook.com

Dr. Anna Hyndych is pursuing a career in psychiatry, driven by her passion for mental health and a wide range of research interests, including interventional psychiatry, genetics, and studying endogenous diseases in psychiatry. She graduated from Bogomolets National Medical University in Kyiv, Ukraine in 2024. Her current work is focused on research in sleep medicine and the impact of war-related stress on students' mental health. She is also actively involved in developing an online learning platform and community for medical students in Ukraine and works on courses in psychiatry and clinical communication. She loves to work and study but also makes time every day for drawing and meditation, and enjoys language learning and reading philosophy when possible.

RESEARCH INTERNS

Ellissa Diaz

ellissaadiaz@arizona.edu

Ellissa is a recent graduate from UA and is continuing her studies to pursue a career in child and adolescent psychiatry. She is specifically interested in research involving early childhood development, as she plans to pursue a career path in this field in the near future. Understanding how sleep patterns and disorders affect cognitive, emotional, and behavioral outcomes in children can provide valuable insights into improving development and mental health interventions. Her goal is to contribute to research that bridges the gap between sleep science and childhood development, ultimately supporting healthier growth and development for children and adolescents.