Faculty and Staff

Peter Grossenbacher, Director, Consciousness Lab
BA, University of California, Berkeley
MS, University of Oregon
PhD, University of Oregon

Core faculty at Naropa University since 2000, Peter Grossenbacher teaches psychological courses on perception, cognition, statistics and research from a contemplative scientific perspective. In his decades of work in psychological science, he has taught at the University of Oregon, England's University of Cambridge and American University in Washington, DC. A meditation instructor, Peter has practiced meditation since 1980. Peter collaborates with students conducting empirical research on meditation and contemplative spirituality in Naropa’s Consciousness Laboratory. Peter is an international speaker on meditation and the brain, whose research has been covered in the New York Times, Smithsonian Magazine, and Discover Magazine. Contact info: 303-245-4663; peterg@naropa.edu.

Shing-Jiuan Liau, Visiting Scholar
BS in Applied Psychology, Fu Jen Catholic University, Taiwan
MA in Somatic Psychology: Dance Movement Therapy, Naropa University

Shing-Jiuan Liau conducts empirical research on contemplative practice instruction in collaboration with Peter Grossenbacher. One study within this research project focuses on the influences of Taiji and Qigong practices. Shing-Jiuan has investigated integration of body, mind and spirit since 1989. In particular, she has focused on how philosophies and contemplative practices from East and West foster greater capacities for love, compassion and healing. Her master’s thesis used Tai Chi and Authentic Movement to teach people under great stress to strengthen core support, which resulted in gaining hope. Shing-Jiuan has taught Yoga in Taipei, Taiwan, and now teaches Tai Chi in Boulder at Bohua Chinese School and assists in the instruction at Gu Feng Tai Chi Club. Having practiced meditation and Tai Chi for many years, she has been a Visiting Scholar at Naropa University since April, 2007.