Dusana Dorjee

Dusana Dorjee is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology in Education at the University of York, leading the Well Minds Lab. Her work integrates clinical psychology and cognitive neuroscience to advance developmental translational neuroscience research on mental health and wellbeing, with a focus on translating findings into school curricula, interventions, and policy.

• PhD in Psychology and Cognitive Science (Cognitive Neural Systems), University of Arizona
• Master’s in Clinical Psychology, Comenius University
• Master’s in Cognitive Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Arizona
• Doctorate-level training in Philosophy of Mind and Philosophy of Science

Her research investigates cognitive, affective, and neural mechanisms underlying mental health and wellbeing, particularly in educational settings. She developed the Neurodevelopmental Theory of Mental Health and Wellbeing Capacities (NDeTeC), which identifies two key capacities: self-regulation and self-world. Her team examines how contemplative practices (e.g., mindfulness, compassion) influence these capacities and mitigate the mental health impacts of global crises like climate change and political polarization.

Recent publications highlight her interdisciplinary focus on neural networks, executive functioning, and dispositional mindfulness. Her methodological toolkit spans ERP, fMRI, and psychophysiological measures, alongside novel self-report instruments like the Developmental Inventory of Mental Health and Wellbeing Capacities (DIWeC).

Scientific Awards & Grants:

• Fulbright Fellowship
• Funding from The British Academy, ESRC, UKRI Innovate UK, Welsh Government, and the Mind & Life Institute

She supervises PhD projects on developmental trajectories of self-regulation and existential awareness, and has collaborated with the PSHE Association to design the Foundations for Wellbeing curriculum. Her outreach includes media contributions to BBC and The Conversation.