Dr. Seren Ucak

Dr. Seren Ucak is a sleep researcher with a clinical and academic background in sleep physiology, cardiac autonomic function and patient-centred outcomes. She recently completed her PhD at the University of Sydney, where she investigated how different obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) phenotypes contribute to cardiovascular risk through changes in autonomic nervous system function. Her published research examines autonomic nervous system function across different OSA phenotypes. This includes heart rate variability in REM-related OSA, altered autonomic profiles in patients with excessive daytime sleepiness, and the effect of mandibular advancement splint therapy on cardiovascular biomarkers.

She has led multiple clinical sleep studies as part of her doctoral research and was recognised as a New Investigator Award finalist by the Australasian Sleep Association. She has presented her findings at national and international conferences and authored several first-author publications through multidisciplinary collaborations.

In parallel with her research, Seren contributed to teaching as Deputy Course Coordinator for the Health Challenges: Sleep and Circadian Rhythms unit at the University of Sydney. She also worked in the sleep health industry as a Clinical Consultant at ResMed, where she supported therapy optimisation and delivered accredited education programs for general practitioners.

She is committed to equity and inclusion in science and is proud to join the ESRS Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee.