Sara Mithani, PhD, RN, Assistant Professor, joined Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston bringing extensive expertise in sleep disorders, brain injury, and genomics research. She earned her PhD in Nursing Science with an emphasis in Genomics and Sleep Disorders from the University of Illinois Chicago (2020), followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at the National Institute of Nursing Research at the National Institute of Health. Dr. Mithani also holds a Certificate in Sleep Medicine from the University of Illinois Chicago and a BSN from Case Western Reserve University.

Dr. Mithani's research focuses on molecular mechanisms underlying sleep disturbances and biobehavioral health outcomes in relation to brain health and cognitive function across diverse populations. Her work employs innovative approaches including transcriptome sequencing, proteomic profiling, and biomarker discovery to advance understanding of brain health, stress responses, and overall wellbeing.

Dr. Mithani’s federally funded research focuses on advancing precision medicine approaches to understand treatment responses and exposure effects through innovative biomarker research. She has also received funding from American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Heilbrunn Nurse Scholars Grant, Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Education.

Dr. Mithani has received recognition including the Top 25 Nurses of South-Central Texas (2023), Young Alumni Award for Excellence from Case Western Reserve University (2024), and the Staff Team Excellence Presidential Award from UT Health San Antonio (2025). She is committed to mentoring future nurse scientists and advancing global health through her leadership in international brain and mental health initiatives.