Loneliness: Why It Matters and What to Do About It

Dr. Cynthia Meyersburg is a Lecturer in Extension at the Harvard Extension School. Meyersburg completed her PhD in psychology at Harvard University in 2010. She was in Professor Richard McNally's Lab. Her dissertation investigated research questions regarding past life memory phenomena, including: why do some people believe they have memories from past lives? Who believes this? And what are the correlates and consequences of this belief? Meyersburg has been interviewed regarding her dissertation research by Big Picture Science. Meyersburg also has consulted and been a panelist for an episode of the Discovery Channel's Curiosity series. Meyersburg has investigated the impact of trigger warnings. She is a collaborator with the International Association of Applied Psychology's Task Force on Terrorism and Peace Building. In 2022, and again in 2023, Meyersburg was recognized by the Harvard Extension Students Association's Spirit Award for Best Mentor. In 2024, Meyersburg was recognized by the Harvard Extension School Psychology Student Society with an award for inspiring and empowering students.

Dr. Alison Warren is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in the departments of Clinical Research and Leadership, Integrative Medicine, and the Institute for Brain Health and Dementia. Her background includes traditional Chinese medicine, integrative and lifestyle medicine, nutrition, neuroscience, and psychology. She is currently pursuing her second doctoral degree in translational health science. She is board certified by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and Metabolic Medical Institute, and National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Warren's research explores the intersections of mind-body medicine, stress physiology, neurodegeneration, and chronic illness. Her work focuses on how chronic stress and stigma influence brain health and care access, particularly in individuals with mental health conditions and cognitive impairment. She is especially interested in how provider attitudes, public health messaging, and systemic barriers shape diagnostic experiences and treatment equity, as well as lifestyle interventions for disease prevention and treatment. Her scholarship integrates biopsychosocial paradigms, aiming to translate interdisciplinary knowledge into practical interventions. Warren is the author of several peer-reviewed publications and book chapters involving brain health, the microbiome gut-brain axis, psychosocial and person-centered care in persons with dementia and caregivers, as well as stigma. Warren is also a committed educator and advocate, currently developing educational strategies to reduce stigma among primary care providers. Her work bridges neuroscience, implementation science, psychology, and medicine to promote more equitable, person-centered approaches to medical care and mental health.