Dr. Marie-Hélène Pennestri

Dr. Pennestri investigates the development of the sleep-wake cycle in infancy, in association with physical and mental health, family functioning, and parental expectations. She also investigates associations between sleep and mental health in vulnerable populations. Dr. Pennestri completed a Ph.D. in Psychology at the Université de Montréal and was trained at the Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, where she specialized in sleep disorders and cardiovascular function. She pursued a postdoctoral fellowship at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute, where she worked on developmental psychology. In addition, Dr. Pennestri is a clinical psychologist working with children, adolescents, and their family (Ordre des Psychologues du Québec; Hôpital en santé mentale Rivières-des-Prairies). Her multidisciplinary program is funded by all three tri-councils (SSHRC, CIHR and NSERC) and her projects integrate both physiological and psychological measures. She was named as a Canada Research Chair Tier 2 (CIHR) in Pediatric Sleep in November 2024 and has been previously named as a FRQS Research Scholar Junior 1 and Junior 2 Scientist. A former William Dawson Scholar, Dr. Pennestri received the Bourse Yvon Gauthier Award from the Association Québécoise pour la Santé Mentale du Nourrisson, the Wayne Hening Young Investigator Award from the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group and the Faculty of Education Distinguished Teaching Award. In October 2024, Dr. Pennestri was a finalist for the Prix Hubert-Reeves - Relève scientifique, part of the Prix du Quebec.