Stacey Cochran (Ph.D.) is an associate professor at the University of Arizona who studies writing, psychology, cinema, and culture, and makes films exploring identity, perceptions of reality, and the complex dynamics of love. Probably best known as the author of the novel Eddie & Sunny, which was adapted into a feature-length film of the same name starring Gabriel Luna (HBO's The Last of Us; Terminator: Dark Fate) and Joanna Vanderham (Cinemax's Warrior), Summerhaven: the Series marks Stacey's directorial debut. The pilot episode of Summerhaven was awarded Best of Arizona Film on May 1, 2023 at the 31st annual Arizona International Film Festival; its first festival submission, official selection, and award.