Richard E. Harris
Principal Investigator
Richard Harris is a Susan Samueli Endowed Chair and Professor in the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute and also a Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care in the School of Medicine at the University of California at Irvine. His background is in basic science and clinical research in alternative medicine. He received his B.S. degree in Genetics from Purdue University in 1992 and his Ph. D. in Molecular and Cell Biology from UC Berkeley in 1997. Following his graduate work, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship at NIH. He is a graduate of the Maryland Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and has received an MS degree in Clinical Research Design and Statistical Analysis at the University of Michigan. Dr. Harris is currently investigating mechanisms of chronic pain and its treatment with acupuncture and shamanism. His recent investigations have focused on the role of brain neurotransmitters and brain network behavior in chronic pain. He was a member of the National Advisory Council for NIH/NCCIH and is a current co-President for the Society for Acupuncture Research.
Ahmad Mahan
Clinical Research Coordinator
Ahmad Mahan is a former medical assistant and pulmonary function technologist. He is now proudly navigating healthcare’s diverse realms as a clinical research coordinator. Ahmad is very excited to contribute to groundbreaking research discoveries that enhance patient care at the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute.
Apeksha Sridhar
Imaging Analyst
Apeksha Sridhar is an Imaging Analyst at the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute. She holds a B.S. degree in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience from UC San Diego and a Master’s degree in Psychology from San Diego State University, where her research experiences focused on investigating brain-behavior relationships in clinical populations. She was awarded the Rebecca Bryson Kissinger Award for the best thesis of 2021 in her master’s program. Additionally, she obtained a Professional Certification in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence from UC Berkeley. Apeksha is driven by a passion to understand complex neural processes and specializes in multi-modal neuroimaging techniques such as MRI and EEG for the analysis and interpretation of brain connectivity and function.
Huiyi Bao
Assistant Clinical Research Coordinator
Huiyi Bao is a Clinical Research Assistant Coordinator for Dr. Richard Harris’ lab at the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute. She is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate from UC Irvine with a B.S. in Biological Sciences and a B.A. in Dance. Following graduation, Huiyi volunteered overseas with International China Concern in Changsha, China, as a dance therapist and is currently also working as a medical scribe at Hoag Hospital Newport Beach. During undergrad, she did research with Embodiology – an interdisciplinary study focused on developing the intersection between arts and biology through movement. Additionally, she has done research with the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center working on leukemia and lymphoma genomics. In her fourth year at UC Irvine, she authored a published article in the Dance Major Journal that investigated how dance fundamentals play into health preservation. She hopes to attend medical school and bring forth integrative techniques through direct patient care.
Austin Truong
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Austin Truong is a Clinical Research Assistant for Dr. Richard Harris’ lab at the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute. He is a newly graduated student from UC Irvine with a B.S. in Biological Sciences!
Iris Howard
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Iris Howard is a third year undergraduate student at UC Irvine pursuing a degree in Human Biology. She intends to attend PA school and is interested in chronic pain management. Outside of her studies and research, Iris serves as the coordinator of academic development in her sorority, Alpha Phi, and holds a position on the executive board of Order of Omega, the Greek life honor society. She also has earned her CNA license and volunteers at her local hospital.
Jacqueline Yen
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Jacqueline Yen is a pre-medical undergraduate at the University of California, Irvine. She is currently pursuing a B.S. in Biological Sciences, her focused passion lies in exploring the relationship between acupuncture and pain relief. Intending to blend traditional healing practices with modern medicine, her aspirations extend to a future in anesthesiology, where she aims to apply her insights for the benefit of patient well-being.
Jannah Azar
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Jannah Azar is an Undergraduate Researcher at Dr. Richard Harris lab at the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, where she investigates spirituality, pain relief, and alternative medicine. She is pursuing a degree in Public Health Science at UC Irvine, with a passion for health equity and holistic care. Jannah is dedicated to providing equal access to both traditional and alternative healthcare. She volunteers with the World Orphan Foundation and ReproNet, supporting vulnerable populations and promoting reproductive health. Jannah aims to continue advocating for equitable healthcare solutions, ensuring holistic care for all.
Mathew Nguyen
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Mathew Nguyen is an undergraduate student at the University of California, Irvine, where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology with a focus on the pre-medical track. At the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, he is engaged in research on pain alleviation methodologies for fibromyalgia patients, exploring acupuncture and shamanistic interventions. Utilizing EEG brain mapping and ECG machines, he aims to identify physiological correlations in chronic pain patients.
In addition to his research, Mathew serves as a Medical Assistant and Technician at a private Ophthalmology Clinic, where he provides care to patients with late-stage glaucoma and macular degeneration. His experiences drive his aspiration to attend medical school in the near future, with a commitment to integrating holistic medicine into his practice.
MiaChanel Nguyen
Undergraduate Research Assistant
MiaChanel Nguyen is a 4th year undergraduate student pursuing a B.S. in Human Biology and a minor in Medical Anthropology at the University of Califronia, Irvine. With the goal of becoming a physician, she aims to grow her understanding of holistic medicine to better serve patients’ needs. She is excited to explore the efficacy of acupuncture, meditation, and other various approaches towards relieving pain.
Sarah Abraham
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Sarah Abraham is an undergraduate student at the University of California, Irvine, majoring in Biological Sciences. She is currently working in Dr. Harris’ Lab where she focuses on assessing patient progress and their overall experience. With a strong passion for medical research, Sarah aims to contribute to the research field by helping to solve medical challenges and improve current medical treatments in the future.