Meet the RESTED team
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Dr Helge Gillmeister
Principle investigator at RESTED
“I am a Reader in Psychology at the University of Essex and I study the mechanism by which the brain constructs a sense of self in those with and without symptoms of depersonalisation-derealisation, eating and body dysmorphic disorders. For me, the opportunity to combine my interests in body perception, mental health, biological rhythms and sleep in this project is a dream come true! I really hope that our findings will help people to understand how to work with their own bodily rhythms, sleep better and become more resilient along the way. I can’t wait to share our journey and findings with you!”
Dr Giulia Poerio
Co-investigator at RESTED
“I am a Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Sussex. My wide-ranging research interests are united by their focus on emotion/wellbeing, and especially (1) relationships between cognition and emotion and (2) how individual differences in emotional experiences are bi-directionally associated with aspects of sleep.
My research tries to understand multiple factors that influence, or are influenced by, emotions/feelings including:
1. Our inner experiences (e.g., thoughts/imagination, interoceptive/bodily states, and sleep/dreaming)
2. Behaviours/external environment (e.g., everyday activities, states of absorption/immersion, and social interactions)
3. Perception (e.g., sensitivity to sound and touch).
Over the years I have become increasingly interested in non-universal experiences, especially those that have been less well-researched. This includes the complex emotional experience referred to as Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR), misophonia, various parasomnias (e.g., sleep paralysis), and, most recently, the experiences of Limerence and Maladaptive Daydreaming.”
Dr Vito De Feo
Co-investigator at RESTED
“I am a Lecturer in Intelligent Systems for Brain and Mental Health at the University of Essex with a background in information engineering and neuroscience. This expertise will be essential to model the bi-directional associations between sleep and heart rate and daily fluctuations in dissociative, depressive, anxiety, and
psychosis symptoms. I am also developing sleep staging algorithms from tracking data.”
Sophia Carbonero
Co-investigator at RESTED
“I am excited to contribute to the RESTED project by exploring the role of sleep in experiences of psychosis. My background spans forensic psychology, psychotherapy, mental health care, lecturing, and clinical supervision. I have specialist training in digitally mediated psychological and telehealth care provision, and I am really interested in contributing to innovatory methodologies in research. My experience as a service user, clinical contributor, and supervisor of clinical and ethical issues with vulnerable populations helps ensure that research remains relevant and grounded. I am passionate about improving screening tools and interventions, understanding how digital engagement influences identity and therapeutic relationships, and developing ethical, innovative approaches that foster authentic human connection.”
Dr Roneel Sharan
Co-investigator at RESTED
“I am a Senior Lecturer in Computer Science and Electronic Engineering at the University of Essex with expertise in biomedical signal processing and an interest in sleep. I will help to develop sleep-staging algorithms and to model the bi-directional associations between sleep and heart rate and daily fluctuations in dissociative, depressive, anxiety, and psychosis symptoms.”
Joe Perkins
Research Officer at RESTED
“I’m not an academic member of the team but rather an expert by experience, having lived with chronic Depersonalisation and Derealisation (DPDR) symptoms for nearly two decades. I’m a trustee of UK charity Unreal – which exists to support people living with DPDR – where I run a peer support programme and advise on academic studies, amongst other things.
I also authored the book Life On Autopilot (Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2021) giving a lived-experience perspective on life with DPDR and am currently involved in presenting a feature-length DocuFilm all about it in conjunction with Down To Earth Films.
In this project, I am primarily involved in liaising with our Lived Experience Advisory Panels (LEAPs), creating promotional and instructional materials, and helping to promote study recruitment through Unreal’s various channels.”
Dr William Strawson
Senior Research Officer at RESTED
“As a senior research officer on the RESTED project, I am responsible for study design, data collection and analysis. I work with Dr Giulia Poerio at the University of Sussex and recently completed my PhD with Dr Hugo Critchley. My work included investigating voice hearing experiences in clinical populations and how they relate to mind-wandering and other ongoing cognitions.
I am passionate about expanding research in clinical populations to the real-world using wearable devices to gain a holistic perspective on the relationships between mental and physical health.”
Dr Gabriele Navyte
Senior Research Officer at RESTED
“I am a Senior Research Officer on the RESTED project, working with Dr Helge Gillmeister at the University of Essex. My role involves conducting longitudinal analyses using data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), coordinating large-scale physiological data collection, leading participant recruitment, and other related responsibilities.
I recently completed my PhD, where I explored the physiological and psychological outcomes of real and vicarious interpersonal touch in older adults.
This is my first postdoctoral position, and my research interests include multisystemic health outcomes, biomarkers of health, biosocial interactions, mental health interventions, digital health, stress regulation, social relationships, and social interventions, particularly for at-risk populations.”
Helen Leckie
Research Officer at RESTED
“I am a passionate advocate with a strong background in supporting young people navigating mental health challenges. I focus on building trust, uplifting lived experiences, and making sure people are genuinely involved in shaping the support they receive. I’ve worked closely with the NHS, government, and third-sector organisations to help create services that are ethical, inclusive, and accessible.
I have a strong track record in co-production and bringing together a wide range of voices to create meaningful, lasting change. Whether it is leading focus groups, supporting people in complex situations, or helping shape research and policy, I believe those with lived experience should be at the forefront of driving change.”
Milad Jabbari
Senior Research Officer at RESTED
“I am a Senior Research Officer on the RESTED project, working with Dr Vito De Feo and Dr Roneel Sharan at the University of Essex. In my PhD I have focused on electrophysiological signal processing. At RESTED I will develop sleep-staging algorithms and model the bi-directional associations between sleep and heart rate and daily fluctuations in dissociative, depressive, anxiety, and psychosis symptoms.”
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