University of Massachusets Athletics
Staff Directory
Rebecca Spencer
- Title:
- Faculty Athletics Representative
- Email:
- Phone:
- 545-5987
Dr. Rebecca Spencer is a professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Faculty Athletic Representative.
Dr. Spencer has served as the UMass Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR) since 2013. Dr. Spencer is past chair of the Atlantic-10 FAR committee (2018-2021) and has served as the FAR representative to the A-10 SAAC and on the A-10 Business Committee. She is currently the FAR representative to the NCAA Research Committee (2019-present).
As an academic, Dr. Spencer teaches courses in Neuroscience and the Science of Sleep. She has been researching sleep for over 15 years. Her studies explore practical questions such as whether naps are important for young children and infants, lifestyle factors that hinder or enhance sleep, and the role of sleep for students and athletes. Her work also considers clinical implications for sleep, for instance, the role of sleep in ADHD symptoms, in recovery from traumatic brain injuries (concussions), and age-related diseases.
BEFORE UMASS
Dr. Spencer received her bachelor’s degree in Biology and Kinesiology from Hope College (Holland, MI) where she competed in Track & Field. Dr. Spencer received her PhD in Neuroscience from Purdue University followed by a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of California, Berkeley.
PERSONAL
Dr. Spencer enjoys trail running and cycling and competes in triathlons and ultramarathons. Her husband, Jim, directs the UMass Light Microscopy Facility. They have two daughters.
Last updated June 8, 2022
Dr. Spencer has served as the UMass Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR) since 2013. Dr. Spencer is past chair of the Atlantic-10 FAR committee (2018-2021) and has served as the FAR representative to the A-10 SAAC and on the A-10 Business Committee. She is currently the FAR representative to the NCAA Research Committee (2019-present).
As an academic, Dr. Spencer teaches courses in Neuroscience and the Science of Sleep. She has been researching sleep for over 15 years. Her studies explore practical questions such as whether naps are important for young children and infants, lifestyle factors that hinder or enhance sleep, and the role of sleep for students and athletes. Her work also considers clinical implications for sleep, for instance, the role of sleep in ADHD symptoms, in recovery from traumatic brain injuries (concussions), and age-related diseases.
BEFORE UMASS
Dr. Spencer received her bachelor’s degree in Biology and Kinesiology from Hope College (Holland, MI) where she competed in Track & Field. Dr. Spencer received her PhD in Neuroscience from Purdue University followed by a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of California, Berkeley.
PERSONAL
Dr. Spencer enjoys trail running and cycling and competes in triathlons and ultramarathons. Her husband, Jim, directs the UMass Light Microscopy Facility. They have two daughters.
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