Artist Biography
Izzy Pinzer is graduating from Endicott College in May of 2024 with her Bachelor of Arts in Interior Architecture. She is a member of the Kappa Pi Arts Honor Society and was named on the Dean’s list in multiple semesters during her time at Endicott. In her Junior year, she had the chance to study abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark, where she explored her love of Scandinavian design and was further inspired by the architecture in other cities she visited, such as Prague and Barcelona. She is extremely proficient with digital rendering software and hopes to explore this further with a Certificate in 3D Visualization. Beyond studying Interior Architecture, Izzy has had the privilege of exploring her passion for music with the Endicott College Percussion Ensemble, where she served as Vice President from 2020-2023 and as President from 2023-2024.
Thesis Abstract
Snooze Community explores societal issues about hypersomnia disorders. Hypersomnia disorders, including Narcolepsy and Idiopathic Hypersomnia, are characterized primarily by excessive daytime sleepiness. There is a significant lack of awareness and understanding of these disorders among both the general population and the medical community, leading to stigma. Inaccurate media portrayals, often the only exposure people have to these conditions, trivialize them and contribute to misconceptions and shame. This misperception adversely impacts the quality of life for those affected, including their daily functioning, mental health, social isolation, higher expenses, lower incomes, employment rates, and access to healthcare.
The Snooze Community Resource Center was established to raise awareness, enhance well-being, ensure comfort, and foster a supportive community for individuals with hypersomnia disorders.
This initiative was inspired by Izzy’s Narcolepsy diagnosis in 2022. Her challenging journey did not end after diagnosis; however, discovering a supportive network of others with hypersomnia disorders profoundly changed her life. This experience fueled her desire for greater awareness, resources, and community for people with similar stories. She envisions the Snooze Community as a prototype for future support systems.