Center for Circadian Rhythmicity and Sleep Homeostasis
Introduction
The NSF-CREST Center for Circadian Rhythmicity and Sleep Homeostasis at Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) is a federally funded research center dedicated to advancing the scientific understanding of circadian biology and sleep regulation within complex, changing environments. Supported by the National Science Foundation’s Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST) program, the Center integrates cutting-edge research, workforce development, and community-focused training to address critical gaps in sleep and circadian science while expanding participation of underrepresented groups in STEM.
About the Center
Biological rhythms govern nearly every aspect of human physiology, from sleep–wake cycles to metabolism, immune function, and brain health. Disruptions to these rhythms usually comes from the environment - artificial light exposure at night, shift work, and modern lifestyles, are increasingly linked to chronic disease and health disparities.
The NSF-CREST Center at MSM focuses on understanding how circadian rhythms and sleep homeostasis interact with environmental challenges. By leveraging MSM’s mission as a historically Black medical school and its location within the Atlanta University Center (AUC), the Center serves as a hub for high-impact research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and inclusive scientific training.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to build a nationally recognized, data-driven research center that advances fundamental knowledge of circadian rhythms and sleep homeostasis, while cultivating a diverse scientific workforce through rigorous research training, mentorship, and community engagement.
Research Focus Areas
The Center’s research program is organized around three integrated scientific projects that collectively examine how biological timing systems adapt to environmental change:
- Circadian Light Processing and Neural Timekeeping
This research investigates how light–dark signals are processed by the brain’s master circadian clock and how environmental lighting alters neural activity, gene expression, and behavioral rhythms.
- Molecular Synchronization of Peripheral Clocks
Researchers examine how circadian clocks in organs and tissues synchronize with the central clock and adapt to environmental disruption using an integrated approach encompassing molecular to system levels.
- Sleep Homeostasis and Environmental Disruption
This project explores the neural circuitry and molecular mechanisms that regulate sleep pressure and recovery following sleep loss, with implications for shift work and sleep disorders.
Together, these projects generate foundational knowledge that informs health, aging, and disease prevention.
Data-Driven Science & Measurable Outcomes
The NSF-CREST Center is grounded in rigorous data collection, analysis, and evaluation. A dedicated Evaluation Core oversees:
- Centralized data repositories for research, training, and workforce outcomes
- Mixed-methods evaluation using quantitative and qualitative measures
- Tracking of publications, presentations, grant funding, and trainee advancement
- Continuous performance monitoring and annual external review
This data-driven framework ensures accountability, continuous improvement, and measurable scientific and educational impact.
Education & Student Opportunities
The Center is deeply committed to training the next generation of scientists, particularly students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Opportunities include:
- Paid Summer Research Experience for undergraduate students across the AUC and partner institutions
- Hands-on laboratory research with faculty mentors and near-peer graduate/postdoctoral mentors
- Professional development in grant writing, scientific communication, and career pathways
- Research presentations at annual Research Day and regional scientific meetings
- Pathways to graduate school, postdoctoral training, and research careers
Programs are designed to support students at multiple stages—from undergraduate through junior faculty.
Facilities & Research Infrastructure
The NSF-CREST Center leverages MSM’s growing research infrastructure alongside strategic external partnerships. Facilities and resources include:
- Advanced neuroscience and molecular biology laboratories
- Transcriptomics and genomic analysis capabilities through partner institutions
- Shared core facilities supporting imaging, behavioral analysis, and data science
- Access to cutting-edge technologies via collaborations with national research centers
These resources enable high-quality, competitive research and trainee development.
Collaborations & Partnerships
The Center maintains robust collaborations with leading academic institutions and minority-serving institutions nationwide. These partnerships enhance:
- Access to specialized equipment, technology and data analytics
- Cross-institutional training and mentorship
- Multi-site research initiatives
- Workforce pipeline development across HBCUs and MSIs
Leadership & Key Personnel
Principal Investigator / Center Director
Gianluca Tosini, PhD
Email: gtosini@msm.edu
Co-Principal Investigators
Jason P. DeBruyne, PhD – jdebruyne@msm.edu
Christopher Ehlen, PhD – jehlen@msm.edu
Alec J. Davidson, PhD – adavidson@msm.edu
Hao A. Duong, PhD – hduong@msm.edu
Additional faculty, program leadership, and evaluation staff support the Center’s research, training, and administrative functions.
Funding & NSF Partnership
This Center is funded by the National Science Foundation through the CREST program, which supports research excellence, infrastructure development, and workforce diversification at minority-serving institutions.
Learn more about NSF CREST:
https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=12803
External Advisory Committee (EAC)
Our CREST Center is fortunate to have the commitment of a stellar group of senior academic advisors who bring a wealth of scientific accomplishments and experience in program development to assisting the Center consolidate its position in the field. The EAC meet every year to review the accomplishments of the program and to provide suggestions on administrative and research issues. Below are the names of the EAC members.
Contact Information
NSF-CREST Center for Circadian Rhythmicity and Sleep Homeostasis
Morehouse School of Medicine
720 Westview Drive SW
Atlanta, GA 30310
For research, training, or partnership inquiries, please contact the Center Director or program leadership listed above.