From the moment he first set foot on Furman University\u2019s campus, Henderson Holder knew he had found his home. A senior majoring in psychology and philosophy, Henderson\u2019s journey at Furman has been defined by curiosity, engagement and an unwavering passion for understanding the complexities of the human mind \u2013 especially in the realm of sleep and dreams.<\/p>\n
Hailing from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Henderson\u2019s decision to attend Furman was immediate and instinctual. During a high school tour, he recalls experiencing an undeniable feeling that this was where he was meant to be. But beyond the picturesque campus and idyllic atmosphere, it was the university\u2019s sleep lab that sealed the deal for him. His interest in sleep research was sparked in high school when he witnessed a loved one struggle with chronic nightmares. The idea that something as universal as sleep remained so mysterious fascinated him, and Furman provided the perfect opportunity to explore this enigma.<\/p>\n
His deep dive into sleep science began in earnest during his junior year at Furman when he enrolled in a class called “The Sleeping Brain,” taught by Erin Wamsley, an associate professor of psychology. The very first lecture introduced a startling revelation: Science does not fully understand why we sleep. \u201cWhat do you mean we don\u2019t know why we dream?\u201d he recalled thinking. This realization fueled his determination to contribute to the field.<\/p>\n
Under Wamsley\u2019s mentorship, Henderson embarked on a research project examining the relationship between dreams and memory, particularly their role in emotional regulation. His study involves having participants recall emotionally charged memories before sleeping and then analyzing how their dreams might process those emotions. By waking participants up periodically to record their dreams and reassessing their emotional states the following morning, he hopes to uncover new insights into how dreaming helps \u2013 or hinders \u2013 emotional well-being.<\/p>\n