Center for Healthy Minds | 625 W. Washington Ave., Madison, WI 53703-2637
Ajay Kumar Nair
Scientist, Institute on Aging
Ajay is broadly interested in consciousness and well-being in the context of aging. His current work involves analyzing psychoneuroimmunology datasets, with a specific focus on asthma and the risk it poses for dementia. His doctoral research and prior postdoctoral training focused on a multi-pronged approach to understanding the state and trait effects of different meditative practices. His work examined well-being in meditators of different levels of proficiency and their brain activity during rest, meditation, cognitive performance and sleep.
Prior to his research career, Ajay worked in the IT industry for 17 years. He also had an active meditative practice for 20 years. He believes that there is room for trying to sculpt one's own life. Ajay hopes to contribute to understanding the ways in which people can enhance their well-being.
Education
PhD (Neurophysiology), National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), India
B Tech (Electrical and Electronics), College of Engineering Trivandrum, India
What does well-being mean to me?
"Optimal functioning. A self-appraised view of personal thoughts, words and actions across multiple domains viewed in the light of chosen values."
Related Studies
Midlife Development in the United States
Our scientists examine how individual differences in emotional reactivity and recovery to emotional stimuli, brain structure and patterns of brain activity are related to life experiences, personality, behavior, health and well-being across the adult lifespan in a large national longitudinal sample.
Understanding the Mechanisms of Well-Being Training in Adults with and without Asthma
Center scientists and collaborators examine the impact of well-being training.