Michael Tumminia

Michael J. Tumminia is a 4th Year PhD candidate in Applied Developmental Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh and works in his advisor Dr. Brian Galla’s Mindfulness and Self-Regulation Lab. In his research, he utilizes both quantitative and qualitative methods to examine how mindfulness meditation training can support positive youth development from adolescence to young adulthood. His first experience with mindfulness meditation was during a community college field trip to a Buddhist temple, and then his dedication to meditation accelerated following a life-altering brain surgery just a few months later. At Stockton University, Michael received his B.A. in psychology and behavioral neuroscience, while strengthening his mindfulness practice and knowledge of contemplative science under the guidance of meditation teacher Dr. Marcello Spinella. Michael then worked as a project coordinator in Dr. David Creswell's Health and Human Performance Lab at Carnegie Mellon University. At CMU he supported one investigation that examined the relationships between mechanisms of mindfulness training and stress resilience processes, and co-led another that utilized ecological momentary assessments to examine the psychological, social, and institutional factors that affect students’ overall health and academic success. He is grateful for his family, friends, colleagues, and mentors for their positive influence and he loves running, golf, pick-up basketball, standup comedy, cycling, kayaking, and attending live music and sports.