Meet the Team

by Alice Braga, Ph.D. | Sleep Research Network

Introducing Ariel A. Williamson, Ph.D., DBSM, Assistant Professor at the University of Oregon

A leader in pediatric behavioral sleep medicine, Dr. Ariel Williamson is dedicated to advancing sleep health equity and increasing the uptake of sleep interventions that improve the lives of children and families.

Highlights of her work:

  • Assistant Professor, The Ballmer Institute for Children’s Behavioral Health and The Department of Psychology (Clinical Area), University of Oregon
  • Director, Behavior, Emotions, Development and Sleep (BEDS) Lab
  • Adjunct Assistant Professor, Doernbecher Pediatric Sleep Team, Oregon Health & Science University
  • Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Diplomate in Behavioral Sleep Medicine (DBSM)
  • Associate Editor, Sleep Health (official journal of the National Sleep Foundation)
  • Steering Committee Member, Pacific Northwest Sleep and Circadian Network
  • Committee Member, American Heart Association’s LIFESTYLE Sleep Health Committee

Research Focus:

  • Socio-ecological factors (child, family, school, healthcare system, neighborhood, socio-cultural context) contributing to pediatric sleep problems and inequities
  • Community-engaged, implementation science–driven approaches to promote pediatric sleep health
  • Implementation of behavioral sleep interventions in pediatric primary care and community settings
  • Links between sleep, health equity, and developmental outcomes

Clinical Contributions:

  • Pediatric sleep health expert for the Pediatric Sleep Council, providing free, evidence-based resources for families and clinicians
  • Board member, Beds for Kids (Philadelphia), a nonprofit providing beds, bedding, and sleep education to children living in poverty
  • Advocacy for pediatric sleep health equity through research, education, and community partnerships

Educational Contributions:

  • Mentorship of trainees in psychology, behavioral sleep medicine, and pediatric research
  • Member, Society for Pediatric Research
  • Active leadership in professional societies advancing pediatric sleep and circadian health

To learn more about the Sleep Research Network (SRN), contact Melissa McKinzie at coordinator@srsnet.org.