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Marcia Ash
Doctoral Student at Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University
Marcia Ash is an accomplished doctoral student currently pursuing her PhD in Behavioral Sciences and Health Education at the prestigious Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University. Through her academic journey, Marcia has developed a profound interest in exploring the effectiveness of contemplative interventions aimed at promoting compassion and overall wellbeing. Her research uniquely integrates implementation science methodologies and community-based participatory research approaches to adapt and scale culturally-responsive contemplative interventions across various organizational and community settings. This focus places her at the forefront of innovative public health strategies that prioritize not just individual wellbeing, but also community health and resilience.
Prior to her doctoral studies, Marcia earned her Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in Behavioral Sciences and Health Education from Emory University, solidifying her expertise in health promotion and preventative health strategies. Her journey into the world of behavioral sciences began with her undergraduate studies where she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Washington University in St. Louis with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Philosophy, Neuroscience, and Psychology while minoring in Public Health. This rich educational background provided Marcia with a solid foundation in understanding the complex interplay between psychological processes and public health initiatives.
Marcia's commitment to advancing the field of contemplative science and public health is further exemplified by her professional engagements. She served as a Program Coordinator at the Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics at Emory University, where she contributed to developing programs that emphasize the integration of mindfulness and compassion in education and community health practices. Additionally, Marcia held the role of Program Coordinator for the Emory-Tibet Partnership, a unique collaboration aimed at fostering cross-cultural dialogue and practice between Western and Tibetan contemplative traditions. These roles highlight her ability to bridge academic research with practical, community-based applications.
Furthermore, Marcia has also enriched her research capabilities as a Research Assistant in the Personality and Self Knowledge Psychology Lab at Washington University in St. Louis, where she gained invaluable experience in conducting empirical research that addresses psychological dimensions of health. Her diverse experiences reflect her commitment to impactful research and her dedication to enhancing public health through a lens that embraces compassion and mindfulness.
