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 In the PARCI Lab, we use scientific methods from behavioral psychology and dissemination & implementation as well as the art, practice, philosophy and science of yoga to help people live the good life, or to flourish.

We measure the Flourishing Index (a holistic measure of happiness, life satisfaction, mental and physical health) and capture people’s lived experiences through qualitative methodologies.

The communities we serve are vast—from cancer survivors to academics ourselves—and we always use a participatory approach to answer questions that are both empirically and practically meaningful.

Principal investigator

"In the PARCI lab, I have the privilege of training scientists and practitioners to impact the lives of others. As a registered yoga instructor and academic, I use science and the personal experience of clients, participants, and myself to promote that being active can change your life: You can avoid chronic disease, feel better in your body & mind, and maintain or find a better quality of life."

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Samantha M. Harden, PhD, 500 RYT

Interested in undergraduate research in my lab? Complete the application below and email me (harden.samantha@vt.edu) to request an interview.

Experiential learning, goal setting, and knowledge acquisition through guest  lecturer or workshop for organizations or institutions. Timing can vary based on your needs.

Email harden.samantha@vt.edu to inquire.

Summer 2023 Events

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Frazier, PhD Student
Translational Biology, Medicine, + Health

Interdisciplinary Graduate Education Program

Goofball cyclist. Food fiend. Excited about dissemination & implementation science. Enjoys sweaty yoga, waving at dogs, making playlists, finishing a good book, and playing outside. Would love to teach you basic bike maintenance.

Current ResearcH Personnel

Megan Pullin, M.S., 500 RYT

Yoga Therapist and Program Manager

FIRE with a dash of WHITEWATER. Yoga Therapist, Personal Trainer, and Amateur Martial Artist. Enjoys lifting heavy things, deeeeep belly laughs, kicking it with my dawgs and dogs, trail runs with hair blowing in the wind, playing harmonium, and digging in the dirt. Believes that all beings deserve the space to step into their full potential! Let's create it together!

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Clinician Research mentees

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Shannon and Samantha Flexing

Dr. Shannon Armbruster

Dr. Armbruster is a gynecologic oncologist working to promote physical and mental health among endometrial cancer survivors (ECS). Recipient of an iTHRIV K award, for which Dr. Harden is a co-mentor with Dr. Jamie Zoellner (University of Virginia), the team aims to adapt an existing evidence-based program for the needs of ECS and their support team members.

PARCI Bridge with Circle

Dr. Madalina Macrea

Dr. Macrea investigates novel exercise programs for veterans with COPD and other pulmonary disorders. We are particularly interested in interventions that are welcoming, relevant, and fit within the veteran's lifestyle and preferences.

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Dr. Liz Courtney

Dr. Courtney is the Director of PREVAIL Program for Chronic Pain at the Salem VA Medical Center. She has partnered with Dr. Harden to explore the implementation of the Whole Health framework for the treatment of chronic pain. This innovative approach involves Veterans meeting with an interdisciplinary (interventional pain, psychology, pharmacy, nutrition, physical therapy) team (IDT) to develop patient-centered treatment plans based on the Whole Health and biopsychosocial models.

Current + past undergraduate research assistants

past graduate students

With Gratitude to Our Primary Funders

VCE Physical activity team members

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Title: Group-based exercise intervention for endometrial cancer survivors: Exploration of physical activity and quality of life impact

 iTHRIV Scholars Mentored Career Development Program (iTSP); KL2-funded

Members: Armrbuster (Carilion, PI); Harden (VT) and Zoellner (UVA) co mentors

Date: July 1, 2022-June 30, 2024

Title: Yoga Inspired Movement: A multilevel approach to improve yoga self-efficacy, yoga practice, and health outcomes

Members: Harden (VT)

Date: September 1,2021- August 31, 2026

Title: Iterative adaptations of an evidence-based healthy lifestyle program for endometrial cancer survivors and their support network

Members: Harden (VT) + Armrbuster (Carilion + McCrickard (VT)

Date: July 1, 2022-June 30, 2022

Title: Translational Obesity Undergraduate Research Scholars (TOURS) (GRANT12551118)

Members: Good (VT), Harden (VT), Evans-Hoeker (VT Carilion School of Medicine)

Date: September 1, 2018--June 30, 2023

Dr. Samantha Harden
Your Flourishing Mentor

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