Vago, David, Department of Psychology

David Vago, Ph.D.
Research Associate Professor
Department of Psychology | Contemplative Neuroscience & Mind-Body Research Laboratory
david.vago@vumc.org

David’s research interests broadly focus on utilizing translational models to identify and characterize neurobiological and psychosocial mechanisms underlying adaptive mind-brain-body interactions and their therapeutic relevance in the context of mental health and chronic pain. Through mixed methods of neuroimaging, predictive computational modeling, neuroendocrine biomarker identification, cognitive-behavioral and first-person phenomenological analyses, Dr. Vago helps facilitate a multi-pronged research program in basic science, clinical trials, education, and innovation.

A number of research initiatives that are ongoing, include Mapping the Meditative Mind, in which the Dr. Vago has partnered with contemporary meditation teachers and scholars to investigate psychosocial and neurobiological mechanisms supporting states of meditation across the spectrum of formal meditative expertise. Another initiative aims to identify mechanisms of engagement, identify predictors for clinical outcomes, and optimize mindfulness-based treatment interventions.  Dr. Vago has also partnered with Roundglass to facilitate research pipelines in well-being industry. For more info – see Research Studies

For more information, please visit the lab website.