Although cognitive deficits are highly disabling, we do not understand their neural bases, and, consequently, we lack effective treatments. Our lab focuses on understanding the role of abnormal sleep physiology. In 2004, we discovered that people with schizophrenia suffer from impaired sleep-dependent memory consolidation. We subsequently linked this impairment to a reduction of sleep spindles, which are brain rhythms that enhance memory consolidation. Our present research program involves examining how sleep spindles are coordinated with other sleep rhythms, how this coordination is disrupted in schizophrenia, autism, and developmental epilepsy, and the functional consequences of these disruptions. Collaboration with basic investigators is integral to our work. It provides insight into pathophysiology and allows us to identify novel translational biomarkers. Manipulating these biomarkers in rodent models enables us to efficiently screen potential treatments and select the most promising candidates for clinical trials. For example, in complementary human and rodent studies, our team is developing and testing acoustic brain stimulation during sleep as a treatment for sleep disruption and cognitive deficits. Our most recent human studies involve the use of wearable EEG devices, which allow us to study sleep in participants’ homes. We hope our work will help to bridge the gap between advances in neuroscience and their application in the clinic.  Ultimately, our goal is to transform our understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders so that we can prevent their onset and promote recovery.