Seminar Description:
Join us for an informal gathering with the NAMA Research Committee — connect with fellow members, learn about the committee's role and ongoing initiatives, and discover how research supports NAMA's mission and the advancement of Ayurvedic medicine.
This is an open, collegial conversation — no prior research experience required. Come ready to explore current projects and opportunities within the committee, share your interests and ideas, and learn how you can contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting Ayurveda.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Julia Arnold, PhD
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.
Shraddha Ravani, PhD
Dr. Shraddha Ravani is a researcher specializing in cancer biology, tumor microenvironment, and the role of radiation in oncological processes. She holds a PhD is 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 wellbeing.
Dr. Ravani has co-authored peer-reviewed publications and has presented her research at national and international scientific conferences.
Lisa Conboy, PhD
Lisa Conboy has conducted health research and taught research methodology to students of sociology, biomedicine, and complementary medicine for over 30 years. She holds degrees in public health and sociology and specializes in the study of traditional and complex health systems. Her published work spans women’s health, complementary and alternative medicine (Including Ayurveda, Yoga, and acupuncture research), qualitative research methodology, and complexity science.
Lisa Conboy is an instructor at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, and serves as Director of Research and Special Projects at the Seattle Institute of East Asian Medicine. She also chairs the Research Committee of the American Society of Acupuncturists.
Kelly Schalk, PhD
Dr. Kelly Schalk transitioned from a professional skiing career with the U.S. Ski Team into the fields of integrative and Eastern sciences. She holds a PhD in Science Education with focus areas in exercise science, molecular biology, and genomics, which she integrates with Ayurvedic principles in her clinical and educational work. Dr. Schalk’s research and practice center on digestive and circulatory health, drawing on her scientific background alongside a dedicated Hatha Yoga practice.
Currently, Dr. Schalk directs her efforts toward end-of-life care initiatives, providing compassionate wellness support to underserved communities.
Neeta Verma, ADLC, MSME, RYT-200
Neeta Verma is an Ayurvedic practitioner, educator, and founder of Ayurvedologie, an Ayurvedic health and wellness consulting practice. She completed her Ayurvedic Doctor-Level training under the guidance of Dr. Vasant Lad and integrates classical Ayurveda with complementary disciplines _ including yoga, marma therapy, aromatherapy, and mantra_ to support holistic health and well-being.
Prior to entering clinical practice, Ms. Verma spent more than 25 years in engineering, medical devices, and corporate leadership. She holds a Master of Science in Engineering from Stanford University and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), bringing a distinctive blend of scientific rigor, leadership experience, and traditional Ayurvedic wisdom to her work.