Mindful Education Lab

Who We Are

The Mindful Education Lab (MEL) at NYU Steinhardt partners with schools to improve student learning, well-being, and educational environments through scientifically grounded research and practice.

As part of NYU’s commitment to public service, we collaborate with schools and educational organizations to design, implement, and evaluate programs that address their particular needs and make a meaningful impact.

Our work brings together research, mindfulness, meditation, and practical educational interventions to support students, educators, and school communities.

How We Help

Consulting and Coaching 
We work with teachers, school leaders, and administrators to apply evidence-based strategies that improve student well-being, engagement, focus, and classroom climate. 

Program Design and Implementation 
We support schools in developing and implementing mindfulness, meditation, and related educational programs tailored to their students, educators, and communities. 

Research and Evaluation
We help schools and partner organizations evaluate their programs using surveys, observations, data analysis, student outcomes, and other research methods. This work helps our partners understand what is effective and how their programs can continue to improve. 

Student Training and Mentorship 
We train students in both meditation and research methods, giving them opportunities to contribute to educational research and community-based projects. We welcome students from NYU and other colleges and universities who are interested in internships, research experience, and collaboration with the lab.

Advisory Board and Collaborators

John T. Almarode, Ph.D.
Sarah Miller Luck  Professor of Education
James Madison University,

Geoffrey Borman, Ph.D. 
Alice Wiley Snell Endowed Professor, Arizona State University, President, Measured Decisions, Inc.

Mary M. Brabeck, Ph.D.
Dean Emeritus
Professor of Applied Psychology
New York University

Suzanne Donovan, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Strategic Education Research Partnership

Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D.
Lewis & Virginia Eaton Professor of Psychology

Andrew Hartz, Ph.D.
President, Open Therapy Institute

Margaret Honey, Ph.D.
President, Chief Executive Officer,
New York Hall of Science

Scott Barry Kaufman, Ph.D.
Columbia University
The Psychology Podcast

Noah Koski
Flourish Foundation

Charlton Mcllwain, Ph.D.
Associate Dean, Steinhardt School of Culture, Development, and Education
Associate Professor of Culture, Media & Communications
New York University

Kirin Kulkarni, Ph.D.
President, Casa Laxmi Foundation

Mark DiMassimo
CEO, DiMassimo Goldstein, Inc.

Matthew S. McGLone, Ph.D.
Professor of Communication Studies
Research Scientist, Center for Health Communication/Center for Identity
University of Texas, Austin

Anil Narang
Chairman, AC Business Media, Inc.
New York, NY

Pedro Noguera, Ph.D.
Dean, Distinguished Professor of Education
RossIer School of Education
University of Southern California

Pamela Paresky, Ph.D.
Department of Psychology, Harvard University 
Director, Aspen Center for Human Development

Bob Roth, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer
David Lynch Foundation

Claude M. Steele, Ph.D.
Distinguished Professor of Psychology
Stanford University

Jay Van Bavel, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience
Director, NYU Social Identity and Morality Lab
New York University

Tessa West, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology
Director of NYU Social Psychology and Emotion Lab
New York University

Kelly Williams
President, Learning And The Brain Inc.