The Science of Lectio Divina
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Understanding Christian's Use of Prayer and Meditation Study

The Lectio Divina Research Study, backed by the Templeton World Charity Foundation and esteemed universities like Ohio State, Stetson, and South Alabama, delves into the transformative power of contemplative practice. In collaboration with Contemplative Outreach, we explore ancient wisdom in a modern context, fostering personal growth and spiritual connection. Join us on this journey of discovery and self-reflection, as we uncover the profound insights that lie within this sacred practice.

Meet the Team

Get to know the dedicated individuals behind the Lectio Divina Research Study.

Dr. Jesse Fox

Researcher

Stetson University

Jesse Fox is a faculty member at Stetson University in the Department of Counselor Education and serves as the Principal Investigator on the Lectio Divina Research Project. Since 2013, he has been involved in researching contemplative prayer and has been involved in service with Contemplative Outreach regional chapters (Maryland and Central Florida). His work centers around the concepts of human flourishing through spiritual development and mental health. As director of the Center for Optimal Health Across the Lifespan, he is interested in how Lectio Divina is an aspect of human thriving, and how it may connect through multiples dimensions of wellbeing.

Dr. Paul Granello

Researcher

The Ohio State University

Dr. Granello is a faculty member in the Counselor Education program at The Ohio State University.  Where, he is director of the S.M.A.R.T. Lab (Stress Management and Resiliency Training LAB). The lab uses computer mediated heart rate biofeedback to help students and faculty with stress and anxiety issues.  Dr. Granello has written and researched on the psychological factors of Wellness and hence is interested in spirituality as a domain of individual well-being. He is interested in seeing the physiological benefits of regular Lectio Divina practice.

Dr. Joseph Currier

Researcher

University Of South Alabama

Joe Currier is a licensed psychologist and Professor of Psychology at the University of South Alabama, where he directs the Spirituality in Psychological Intervention, Research, and Training (SPIRiT) Lab. His interests primarily center around addressing the multifaceted role of spirituality/religion in trauma, moral injury, and other mental health challenges in education, training, and clinical practice. He has also been a committed lectio divina practitioner for 25 years and is particularly interested in understanding the diverse ways that people engage with this ancient practice today and possible benefits for psychological and spiritual flourishing. 

Riley Adleta

Graduate Research Associate

The Ohio State University

Riley is a second year masters' student in the Counselor Education  program at The Ohio State University.  Riley currently aids in running the S.M.A.R.T Lab  (Stress Management and Resiliency Training Lab) at the university. She also currently works as a counselor trainee in private practice, is President of Chi Sigma Iota (international counseling honor society), and  co-teaches in the Counselor Education program as well.  Riley is very interested to see how Lectio Divina can aid in managing stress and other physiological responses upon practice.

Esther Kim 

Graduate Research Associate

University Of South Alabama

Esther is a doctoral student in the Clinical & Counseling Psychology program at the University of South Alabama. She assists with projects in the Spirituality in Psychological Research, Intervention, and Training (SPiRIT) Lab addressing issues of spirituality and religion in psychology. Having practiced and facilitated lectio divina groups, Esther is interested in exploring how this contemplative practice can enhance overall psychological well-being. 

Derek Kemp

Graduate Research Associate

University Of South Alabama

Derek is a doctoral student in the Clinical & Counseling Psychology program at the University of South Alabama. As part of the Spirituality in Psychological Research, Intervention, and Training (SPiRIT) Lab, he assists in conducting research broadly related to the applied area of religion and spirituality within psychology. His research focuses on patient preferences regarding the integration of religious and/or spiritual values into clinical practice. Given his personal experience with the practice of lectio divina, Derek is particularly interested in exploring the potential role of lectio divina in enhancing psychological health.

Dylan Pencakowski

Graduate Research Associate

University Of South Alabama

Dylan Pencakowski is a student at USA. His interests lie at the intersection of spiritual health and clinical psychology. He  is particularly interested in how modes of spiritual practice contribute to mental wellness.  This interest in August 2017 after becoming connected with meditation teachers in the Theravada Buddhist tradition. Since that time, he has become more broadly interested in the impact of various forms of religious and spiritual ritual on the holistic well-being of practitioners. Additionally, he has maintained his own spiritually-focused meditation practice since August 2017.

Franki Humphreys

Graduate Research Associate

University Of South Alabama

Franki Humphreys completed her undergraduate studies at the University of South Alabama with a Bachelor of Science and an Associate in General Business. She is currently studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of South Alabama at a Masters level. She is specifically interested in how spirituality can impact an individual's mental health.

Scientific Consultants

Nick Gibson

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Ralph Piedmont

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Ryan McDermott

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