I'm a scientist as well, and I've also experienced some of these instances. I've had vivid dreams that come true (unfortunately, mostly about tragedies), most of which have unnerved me as soon as I've awaken. One of them that I remember was when I was quite young (about 2 years). All of them have been dreams, but I was often disoriented after waking up from nightmares as a child. Perhaps she is remembering vivid dreams of these things...