Dr. Kelly McGonigal is a health psychologist and lecturer at Stanford University. As a pioneer in the field of “science-help,” her mission is to translate insights from psychology and neuroscience into practical strategies that support personal well-being and strengthen communities. She is also a long-time student of Buddhist meditation and yoga, and strives to find how contemplative traditions and modern science can inform one another to reduce suffering and enhance well-being.

She is the author of several popular psychology books, including The Willpower Instinctand The Upside of Stress, as well as works that integrate psychological science with contemplative practices, including The Science of Compassion, Yoga for Pain Relief, and The Neuroscience of Change.

Dr. McGonigal has consulted for a wide range of non-profit organizations and industries to bring evidence-based strategies for well-being into the workplace, healthcare, education, technology, and community outreach.

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She also currently serves as the psychology consultant to The New York Times’ Education Initiatives, helping educators around the world interpret the news and opinions of the day from the lens of psychological science.