LIVE ON ZOOM 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m. PT | 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. ET
This is our final session of the Fall Research Webinar Series. However, you are encouraged to attend even if you missed webinars I and II. This is the third three-part series led by the Research Committee, designed to bridge Ayurveda's rich clinical data with the formats recognized by the scientific community. This series is specifically tailored for Ayurvedic practitioners who are clinicians, not researchers, providing them with the necessary tools to navigate the world of research literacy.
Presenters: Krupali Desai, Julia Arnold, Shraddha Ravani
PACE credits: 2
Disclaimer :
This session is open to all individuals interested in understanding the fundamentals of awareness of the scientific process and its application within Ayurveda. The content is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Participants are responsible for understanding the scope and limitations of their Ayurvedic practice in accordance with federal, state, and regional regulations.
Key Learning Objective: Learn how to participate in and contribute to a collaborative Ayurvedic research network
Topics to Discuss
● Understanding the structure and purpose of Ayurveda case report journals-Krupali Desai/Julia Arnold
● Contribute to Ayurvedic research and publications Shraddha Ravani/Julia Arnold
● Creating shared resources and continued professional development-Shraddha Ravani/Julia Arnold
Session Logistics:
Format: Three 90-minute virtual sessions held via Zoom.
Dates: October 13, November 10, and December 8, 2026.
Benefits: Free for NAMA members and eligible for Professional Ayurvedic Continuing Education (PACE) credits for both live attendees and those who watch the recordings later.
Agenda:
4:00 – 4:05 PM PT / 7:00 – 7:05 PM ET
Topic: Welcome & Introduction – Overview of objectives and session flow
Moderators: Julia Arnold and Shraddha Ravani
4:05 – 4:25 PM PT / 7:05 – 7… PM ET
Topic: Understanding the Structure and Purpose of Ayurveda Case Report Journals
Presenter(s): Krupali Desai and Julia Arnold
4:45 – 5:05 PM PT / 7:45 – 8:05 PM ET
Topic: Contributing to Ayurvedic Research and Publications
Presenter(s): Shraddha Ravani and Julia Arnold
5:05 – 5:25 PM PT / 8:05 – 8:25 PM ET
Topic: Creating Shared Resources and Continued Professional Development
Presenter(s): Shraddha Ravani and Julia Arnold
5:25 – 5:30 PM PT / 8:25 – 8:30 PM ET
Topic: Questions & Discussion
Presenter(s): All Presenters
PRESENTER HIGHLIGHT
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Krupali Desai is an Ayurvedic physician and public health professional specializing in integrative oncology. She earned her MD in Ayurvedic Medicine in India and her Master of Public Health from Thomas Jefferson University. At Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, her work focuses on developing and evaluating Ayurveda and integrative medicine programs for people affected by cancer. Her research and professional interests include Ayurveda, yoga, symptom management, and evidence-informed approaches to integrative cancer care.
EVENT LED BY OUR RESEARCH COMMITTEE LEADERS
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Dr. Julia Arnold brings over 40 years of experience in cancer research to her work in Ayurvedic medicine. She earned her PhD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and completed postdoctoral training at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Dr. Arnold spent more than 20 years at the National Institutes of Health, holding positions at the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and serving as a program director at the National Cancer Institute. She later earned a master’s degree in Ayurveda from Maharishi International University (MIU).
Dr. Arnold currently serves as a member of the NAMA Board of Directors and as co-chair of the NAMA Research Committee.
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Dr. Shraddha Ravani is a researcher specializing in cancer biology, tumor microenvironment, and the role of radiation in oncological processes. She holds a PhD in physiology and health, a master’s degree in medical technology, a master’s degree in Ayurveda, and a Bachelor of Science in microbiology. Her current work emphasizes whole-system, person-centered approaches aimed at improving clinical outcomes and overall patient well-being.
Dr. Ravani has co-authored peer-reviewed publications and has presented her research at national and international scientific conferences.
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Dr. Kelly Schalk grew up as a professional athlete, skiing for the U.S. and Rossignol. She holds a Ph.D. in science education, with an interdisciplinary emphasis in exercise science, molecular biology, genomics, and genetics. She first encountered Ayurveda while working as a molecular biologist in 2000, and later studied formally in the U.S. and India. After retiring from Nordic skiing, she turned to Ayurveda to address health issues related to excessive exercise. An educator and practitioner of Nath-based Hatha Yoga, Dr. Schalk works across diverse communities and devotes much of her time to end-of-life care and service.
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Lisa Conboy, MA, MS, ScD, has conducted health research and taught research methodology to students of sociology, biomedicine, and complementary medicine for over 30 years. With degrees in public health and sociology, she specializes in the study of traditional and complex health systems. She has published in the areas of women’s health, complementary and alternative medicine (including Ayurveda, yoga, and acupuncture), and qualitative research.
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Neeta Verma completed her Ayurvedic Doctor Level training under Dr. Vasant Lad at the Ayurvedic Institute. She holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering from MIT and Stanford. She spent 25 years in the corporate world, primarily in engineering and medical devices, serving in executive and leadership roles. In 2022, she founded Ayurvedologie, an Ayurvedic health and wellness practice where she provides clinical services. Neeta integrates classical Ayurveda with its sister sciences, including yoga, marma, aromatherapy, and mantra, to promote holistic health and well-being. She is an RYT-200 with Yoga Alliance and has completed a 500-hour yoga teacher training specializing in Ayuryoga.