Previous Fellowship Recipients
Celebrating the pioneering work of our fellowship recipients
Dr. Natalie Dyer, PhD
Research Scientist with Connor Whole Health at University Hospitals, Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute at University of California Irvine
Fellowship 2023
Project Title: “Evaluation of a Reiki Volunteer Program within Two Cancer Infusion Centers”
This study evaluated a volunteer Reiki program in two cancer infusion centers and found clinically significant reductions in pain, fatigue, anxiety, and nausea, along with improved wellbeing after brief sessions. Quantitative data showed consistent symptom relief, while qualitative feedback described relaxation, calming body sensations, emotional shifts, and a sense of support. Together, the findings suggest that Reiki can ease treatment related symptoms and strengthen patients’ comfort and wellbeing during cancer care.
Dr. Nathan Fisher, PhD
Fellowship 2023
Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Psychiatry at McGill University
Project Title: “Holy Spirit or Holy Psyche? Energy-like Somatic Experiences in Contemporary Abrahamic Meditative Traditions”
Meditation practitioners, historically and today, report experiencing energy-like sensations in their bodies. While recent empirical studies have explored such experiences in the context of Buddhist and Yogic practice, no comparable research has yet examined energy-like sensations in Jewish, Christian, or Islamic traditions.
This study interviewed practitioners from Jewish, Christian, and Islamic contemplative traditions and identified frequent reports of energy sensations such as warmth, vibration, and internal movement. Across traditions, these experiences were linked to clarity, emotional release, and spiritual connection. The findings suggest that energy related sensations play a meaningful role in how individuals understand transformation and inner change across diverse contemplative paths.
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Dr. Natalie Lecy, PhD
Fellowship 2023
Assistant Professor of Social Work at the University of South Dakota
Project Title: “Exploring interventions for college students with anxiety and/or depression: A randomized control trial”
This study examined external qigong for depression and anxiety in college students using a randomized controlled trial comparing qigong, mindfulness meditation, and psychoeducation. Participants received weekly online sessions for three weeks, with outcomes in this study assessed at baseline, post treatment, and follow up. Results focused on changes in depression, anxiety, college persistence, and experiences of connection, energy, and non-dual awareness as potential therapeutic mechanisms. Publication underway.
Nida Paracha
Fellowship 2023
PHD at University of Chicago
Project Title: Entangled Healing
This ethnographic study examined energy healing across psychedelic assisted therapy and biofield practices, focusing on how practitioners experience and interpret subtle energy. Drawing on participant observation and autoethnography, the researcher engaged in practices such as Reiki and therapeutic touch, documenting sensations of energy, intimacy, and transformation. Findings show that energy was experienced as relational and embodied, shaping emotional and spiritual healing. The study argues that recognizing these energetic experiences expands how healing and knowledge are understood.