Previous Fellowship Recipients
Celebrating the pioneering work of our fellowship recipients
Dr. Natalie Dyer, PhD
Fellowship 2023
Research Scientist with Connor Whole Health at University Hospitals, Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute at University of California Irvine
Project Title: âEvaluation of a Reiki Volunteer Program within Two Cancer Infusion Centersâ
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 patientsâ comfort and wellbeing during cancer care.
Dr. Natalie Dyer, PhD
2023 Fellow | Research Scientist with Connor Whole Health at University Hospitals, Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute at University of California Irvine
Project Title: âEvaluation of a Reiki Volunteer Program within Two Cancer Infusion Centersâ
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 patientsâ comfort and wellbeing during cancer care.
Biography
Dr. Natalie Dyer, PhD, is a Research Scientist with Connor Whole Health at University Hospitals, Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute at University of California Irvine, and President of the Center for Reiki Research. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Toronto, Doctorate in Neuroscience at Queenâs University, and postdoctoral fellowships at Harvard University Department of Psychology and Harvard Medical School.
Natalie has published many scientific papers and book chapters on postmaterialist science, psychedelics, and the therapeutic effects of integrative medicine practices, including Reiki, yoga, acupuncture, and mindfulness.
She is also co-editor of the books Expanding Science: Visions of a Postmaterialist Paradigm and Infinite Perception: The Power of Psychedelics for Global Transformation.
Natalie is also an energy medicine practitioner and teacher specializing in Reiki and shamanic healing practices. She lives in the woods on the east coast of Canada with her husband, visionary artist Louis Dyer, and their daughter Ivy.
Dr. Nathan Fisher, PhD
Fellowship 2023
Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Psychiatry at McGill University
Project Title: âHoly Spirit or Holy Psyche? Energy-like Somatic Experiences in Contemporary Abrahamic Meditative Traditionsâ
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.
Dr. Nathan Fisher, PhD
2023 Fellow | Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Psychiatry at McGill University
Project Title: âHoly Spirit or Holy Psyche? Energy-like Somatic Experiences in Contemporary Abrahamic Meditative Traditionsâ
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.
Biography
Nathan Fisher, PhD, is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Psychiatry at McGill University. He completed his doctorate in religious studies with a concentration in cognitive science at the University of California, Santa Barbara. From 2012-2015 he managed the âVarieties of Contemplative Experienceâ (VCE) project at the Clinical and Affective Neuroscience Laboratory at Brown University, which documented the range of meditation experiences reported in western Buddhist traditions.
He then replicated the study in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions at UCSB. His current research at McGill investigates changes in self-related processes in mindfulness-based interventions, the variety of experiences in Asian and Abrahamic contemplative traditions, ecosocial systems approaches to contemplative studies, and bridging social determinants of health research to psychedelic clinical science.
Dr. Natalie Lecy, PhD
Fellowship 2023
Assistant Professor of Social Work at the University of South Dakota
Project Title: âExploring interventions for college students with anxiety and/or depression: A randomized control trialâ
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.
Publication Pending
Dr. Natalie Lecy, PhD
Fellowship 2023
Assistant Professor of Social Work at the University of South Dakota
Project Title: âExploring interventions for college students with anxiety and/or depression: A randomized control trialâ
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.
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.
CONSCIOUSNESS & ENERGY
RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP
