Dusana Dorjee, PhD
Dusana Dorjee, PhD is a cognitive neuroscientist studying processes in the mind and brain underpinning mental health and wellbeing and ways to effectively foster these processes. She is an Associate Professor at the University of York where she leads the Well Minds Lab researching innovative ways of conceptualising and investigating mental health and wellbeing in children and adolescents in education. Dusana currently also examines ways of protecting mental health and wellbeing of young people in the face of existential uncertainty linked to global crises.
Dusana received her Ph.D. in Psychology and Cognitive Science (with neuroscience focus) from the University of Arizona. Dusana also gained a master’s degree in clinical psychology (Comenius University) and a master’s degree in cognitive psychology/cognitive science (University of Arizona). In addition, she studied philosophy of mind and science at doctoral level, passing a doctoral comprehensive exam.
Dusana co-authored (with focus on neuroscience content) a mindfulness and well-being curriculum called The Present for Primary Schools and co-directs The Present Courses Community Interest Company providing mindfulness-based wellbeing training for pupils (3-18 year olds) and adults. She has also been contributing to mental health and wellbeing policy initiatives in Wales, England and internationally to UNESCO. Dusana authored the Mind, Brain and the Path to Happiness (Routledge, 2013) and Neuroscience and Psychology of Meditation in Everyday Life (Routledge, 2017). She has been regularly practicing meditation for over 20 years.