Jeanelle Boyer

Teaching and preparing students for life after college is a priority at Keene State, says Jeanelle Boyer, who notes that “people at all levels are open to exploring the best possible way to make this happen, from innovative classroom experiences to lab experiences to internships to undergraduate research.

One memorable experience for Dr. Boyer involved incorporating a daily meditation practice into an exploration of spiritual and emotional health as part of an Intro to Health and Wellness class. “Students told me that it relieved anxiety, helped them sleep, eased headache pain etc., and many students have told me that they have continued the practice and shared it with friends. I am thrilled that a simple in-class experience affected students in a positive way.”

Her aim is that all of her students learn ways to cultivate positive and healthy lifestyles for themselves and also gain the confidence and knowledge to begin sharing these messages with others.

Degrees and Credentials:
PhD, Animal/Food Science, minors in Nutrition and Environmental Toxicology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY (2000-2004)
MS, Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY (1998-2000)
BS, Biology, BA, Sociology, Lycoming College, Williamsport, PA (1994-1998)

Professional Interests: I spent years studying the bioavailability of phytochemicals from fruits and vegetables but I am excited to explore a totally new area of scholarly activity. I have a long standing interest in the benefits of both yoga and meditation. I am especially interested in exploring the benefits of Yoga Nidra (a deep meditative practice) as a therapeutic practice in different populations, such as people struggling with addiction, anxiety or PTSD.

Professional Background:
Faculty member, Kirkwood Community College (2004-2012)

Awards & Accolades:
Kirkwood Difference Nominee 2006
Kirkwood Kudos Award (for going beyond in contribution to the college), multiple awards, 2004-2010

Selected Professional Work:
Boyer JD, Brown D, Liu RH. 2005. In vitro digestion and lactase treatment influence uptake of quercetin and quercetin glucoside by the Caco-2 cell monolayer. Nutrition Journal. Jan 11;4:1.
Boyer JD, Liu RH. 2004. Apple phytochemicals and their health benefits. Nutrition Journal. May 12;3:5. Currently the 3rd most accessed article of all time in this journal

Workshops Led: Exploring the Koshas and Yoga Nidra, Finger Lakes Yoga Festival, Ithaca, NY 2011
Yoga Nidra, Iowa City Yoga Festival, Iowa City, IA 2011
Inversions and Yoga Nidra, Studio Z Grinnell, IA 2011

Personal:
In my free time, I enjoy both teaching and practicing yoga, singing kirtan (another aspect of yoga), and anything outdoors – running, hiking, biking, paddling, and enjoying this beautiful area!