Two decades of science, practice, and lived experience.
Dana Dharmakaya Colgan, M.Ed., M.S., Ph.D.
Behavioral Neuroscientist and Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Colgan brings more than two decades of scientific training, clinical service, and contemplative practice to complex chronic illness, shaped by her own experience with Long COVID.
She began her career in neurodiversity and community-based care. She spent 12 years as a special education teacher, autism consultant, and clinical director of the Yampa Valley Autism Program.
Today she is a behavioral neuroscientist and licensed psychologist, specializing in health psychology and neuropsychology. Her training includes an APA internship, two NIH-funded fellowships, in integrative medicine and in behavioral neuroscience, a 2- year clinical postdoctoral training in neuropsychology, and specialized training in metabolic psychiatry. She has authored more than 70 peer-reviewed abstracts and publications.
Research
Her research focuses on infection-associated chronic illness, including Long COVID, along with ketogenic metabolic therapy, mind-body signaling, interoception, and chronic pain. She is Principal Investigator on multiple Long COVID clinical trials, including an FDA-approved pharmaceutical study, and has contributed to the NIH RECOVER Initiative platform trials.
With the Colorado Lt. Governor’s Office and international partners, she is developing a Pediatric Long COVID screener for parents and school nurses. The goal is to help identify and support affected children and teens earlier.
Assistant Professor of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU)
Director of Perioperative Cognitive Assessments and Intracranial Brain Mapping, OHSU Awake Craniotomy Program
Faculty, OHSU Long COVID Clinic
Senior Research Fellow, Helfgott Research Institute, National University of Natural Medicine
Director of Post-Infection Metabolic Therapy, Santa Barbara Nutrients
Pediatric Neuropsychological Evaluator, MindSights
Long COVID Health Policy Consultant, Office of the Lt. Governor of Colorado
Clinical & Academic Appointments
A meditation practitioner for more than 30 years, Dr. Colgan co-founded YogaX in Stanford University School of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. She also developed and leads the Mindfulness-Based Wellness and Resilience program, which has trained more than 400 medical providers.
She has delivered mind-body programs for veterans, physicians, law enforcement, cancer patients, and people living with chronic pain. She also consults with healthcare organizations including Veterans Affairs, Providence, and CareOregon on lasting resilience initiatives.
Mindfulness & Contemplative Practice
Distinguished New Investigator Award, Samueli Foundation & International Congress on Integrative Medicine and Health
Exceptional Research Award, World Congress on Integrative Medicine and Health (Rome)
NCCIH R90 Research Fellowship in Integrative Medicine
NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein T32 Postdoctoral Fellowship in Neuroscience and Stress
Invited attendee, Mind and Life Summer Research Institute with H.H. the Dalai Lama
Autism Professional of the Year
Dean’s Dissertation Award