Dr. Karrie Fitzpatrick is an O2X Sleep Performance Specialist. Dr. Fitzpatrick earned her Ph.D. in neuroscience from Northwestern University and her B.S. in psychology from The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She is currently a staff scientist and government contractor in the Biological Technologies Office at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), where she supports programs aimed at developing breakthrough technologies and capabilities for national security, incorporating the unique features of biology. Her research has spanned a wide range of topics that affect brain functions including sleep, circadian rhythms, mental health, resilience, genetics, hormones, and gut microbiota.Dr. Fitzpatrick is passionate about community outreach and mentorship, and has long been an advocate for presenting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) topics in more engaging and relevant ways to better foster interest among kids and adults alike. She has given several interactive demonstrations and presentations at public schools and community colleges across Chicagoland, and has mentored several students at various stages throughout her career. Dr. Fitzpatrick firmly believes that getting good quality sleep is essential to maximizing performance, because sleep affects everything and everything affects sleep!