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Ajay Nair Web
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

Woman doing crossword puzzle by plamensart via iStock

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.

Photo of person planting seedling by weerapatkiatdumrong via iStockPhoto

Understanding the Mechanisms of Well-Being Training in Adults with and without Asthma

Center scientists and collaborators examine the impact of well-being training.