Faculty180 - Vita and Individual Profile Data Sheet

91性息港

Steffany Moonaz, PhD, MFA, C-IAYT

Fall 1980 - Fall 2120

Professor I

[email protected]

Current Position

Position: Director, Health Services Research

Biography

Dr. Steffany Moonaz is a yoga therapist, health coach and research scientist residing in the San Diego suburbs. She serves as the Research Director and Professor at 91性息港 of Health Sciences. Dr. Moonaz became curious about importance of mind-body activities at a young age, and has always had a passion and a curiosity about the healing power of mindful movement. She completed undergraduate work in biology and dance at Oberlin College, earned an MFA from University of Maryland as well as a CMA (movement analysis) from the Laban Institute and spent eight years at Johns Hopkins University, helping to develop and evaluate a yoga program for individuals with the chronic diseases of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, which became the basis for her PhD in public health and subsequent research career. She then spent a decade at the Maryland University of Integrative Health, helping to develop a Master of Science in Yoga Therapy and a university-wide culture of research and evidence-based practice. She then completed additional training in both Health and Wellness Coaching through MUIH and Narrative Medicine through the Northwest Narrative Medicine Collaborative. Along with ongoing national and international research collaborations, Dr. Moonaz is working to bring yoga to people with arthritis in communities around the country, as well as educating yoga professionals about the unique needs of this population through courses and training programs, her podcast The Yoga Rheum, and related advocacy work with the Arthritis Foundation and Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance.听听Her first book, 鈥淵oga Therapy for Arthritis: A Whole-Person Approach to Movement and Lifestyle鈥� was published by Singing Dragon in 2018.听 A subsequent memoir entitled, 鈥淒riving Home: Cancer, Concussion, Mom and Me鈥� was released by FriesenPress in 2024. She is currently working on her third book about evidence-informed yoga practice.

Degrees

2010

Ph.D., Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United StatesDissertation: Examining the safety, feasibility and efficacy of yoga for persons with arthritis

2003

M.F.A., Dance, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United StatesDissertation: Don't Just Sit There: Dancing Away the Mind-Body Problem

1999

B.A., Biology, Dance, Pre-Medicine, Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio, United StatesDissertation: Shall We Dance?: The Constructive and Destructive Effects of Dance on the Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Self

Certifications (Healthcare)

International Association of Yoga Therapists, C-IAYT, chronic pain, arthritis and rheumatic diseases, 20593287 , 2017-03-18, 2026-03-31

Yoga Alliance, e-RYT-500, 12608, 2003-08-16, 2024-10-05

International Coaching Federation, Health and Wellness Coaching, Arthritis and Chronic Pain, 0098359791, 2023-10-12, 2025-10-31

Professional Licensures and Certifications (All other/non-healthcare)

Certified Movement Analyst, August 2003, Laban/Bartinieff Institute for Movement Studies, New York, United States

Work Experience

2024 - Ongoing

Director of Clinical and Health Services Research, 91性息港 of Health Sciences, Whittier, California, United States

2022 - 2024

Associate Research Director, 91性息港 of Health Sciences, Whittier, California, United States

2022 - 2023

Adjunct Professor, Maryland University of Integrative Health, Laurel, Maryland, United States

2017 - 2022

Director of Clinical and Academic Research, Maryland University of Integrative Health, Laurel, Maryland, United States

2016 - 2017

Assistant Director of Academic Research, Maryland University of Integrative Health, Laurel, Maryland, United States

2014 - 2016

Associate Director of Integrative Health Sciences, Maryland University of Integrative Health, Laurel, Maryland, United States

2013 - 2014

Adjunct Instructor, Maryland University of Integrative Health, Laurel, Maryland, United States

2010 - 2022

Director of Health Coaching, Corporate Health Solutions, Jamison, Pennsylvania, United States

2010 - Ongoing

Director, Yoga for Arthritis, BALTIMORE, Maryland, United States

2005 - 2008

Graduate Teaching Assistant, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States

2003 - 2006

Research Coordinator, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Department of Rheumatology, Baltimore, Maryland, United States

2002 - 2022

Intern, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, BALTIMORE, Maryland, United States

2000 - 2003

Graduate Teaching Assistant, Towson University, Towson, Maryland, United States

1999 - 2000

Research Coordinator, Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Department of Hematology/Oncology, Oakland, California, United States

Scholarly Contributions and Creative Productions

Book

Completed/Published

Moonaz, S. Driving Home: Cancer, Concussion, Mom and Me; FriesenPress, 2024.
Moonaz, S.; Byron, E. Yoga Therapy for Arthritis: A Whole Person Approach to Movement and Lifestyle; Singing Dragon Press: London, England, 2018; p 328.

Chapter

Completed/Published

Biomedical and Psychological Foundations. In Yoga Therapy Foundations, Tools and Practice; Moonaz, S., Ed.; Singing Dragon Press: London, England, 2021.
Moonaz, S.; Nault, D.; Abatemarco, A. Standards in Yoga Research and Reporting. In Handbook of Research on Evidence-Based Perspectives on the Psychophysiology of Yoga and Its Applications; IGI Global: Hershey, PA, 2020.
Moonaz, S. Current Research in Yoga and Pain. In Yoga and Science in Pain Care: Treating the Person in Pain; Singing Dragon Press: London, England, 2019.
Moonaz, S. Yoga and Dis/Ability. In Yoga, The Body, and Embodied Social Change; Lexington Books: Lanham, MD, 2018.
Cramer, H.; Moonaz, S.; Bartlett, S. Yoga Therapy for Musculoskeletal and Neuromuscular Conditions. In Principles and Practices of Yoga in Healthcare; Handspring Publishing: Pencaitland, UK, 2016.

Conference Proceedings

Completed/Published

Whedon, J. M.; Anderson, B.; MacKenzie, T.; Grout, L. M.; Moonaz, S.; Lurie, J.; Haldeman, S. For Older Adults with Neck Pain, Initial Care with Spinal Manipulative Therapy Is Associated with Lower Risk of Adverse Outcomes than Primary Medical Physician Care. In Association of Chiropractic Colleges Research Agenda Conference; 2025.
Dawoud, A.; Blitz, J.; Moonaz, S.; Grout, L. M. Feasibility and Acceptability of Yoga for Adolescents with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. In The International Association of Yoga Therapists鈥� Symposium on Yoga Research; 2024.
Anderson, B.; Whedon, J. M.; Moonaz, S.; MacKenzie, T.; Grout, L. M.; Almquist, Z.; Gandila, C. Building Collaborative Research Teams across Institutions: Insights from an R15 Grant Project. In Chiropractic Educators Research Forum Conference; 2024.

Journal Article

Completed/Published

Abafita, B. J.; Singh, A.; Aitken, D.; Ding, C.; Moonaz, S.; Palmer, A. J.; Blizzard, L.; Inglis, A.; Drummen, S. J. J.; Jones, G.; Bennell, K. L.; Antony, B. Yoga or Strengthening Exercise for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Clinical Trial. 2025, 8, e253698.
Anderson, B.; Munk, N.; Moonaz, S.; Healey, D. Cross-Sectional Survey Analysis of Institutional Research Partnerships in Complementary and Integrative Health: Identifying Barriers and Facilitators. 2025, 31, 284鈥�293.
Nault, D.; Abatemarco, A.; Missenda, M.; Cherpak-Castagna, C.; Moonaz, S. Piloting an Educational Approach to Assess eHealth Literacy and Evidence-Based Medicine in Integrative Health: A Feasibility and Validation Study. 2025, 31, 294鈥�300.
Groeger, J. L.; Perez, H. R.; Moonaz, S.; Bartels, M. N.; Rand, S.; Ghiroli, M. M.; Zhang, C.; Bao, Y.; Gabbay, V.; Estremera, G. V.; Bryant, G.; Hidalgo, J.; Hribar, M. B.; Rodgers, C. R. R.; Savitzky, J.; Stein, M. R.; Uebelacker, L. A.; Starrels, J. L.; Nahvi, S. Yoga and Physical Therapy for Chronic Pain and Opioid Use Disorder Onsite in an Opioid Treatment Program: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Substance use & addiction journal 2025, 46, 175鈥�183.
Dawoud, A.; Blitz, J.; Moonaz, S.; Grout, L. Feasibility and Acceptability of Yoga for Adolescents with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. 2024, 11.
Moonaz, S. Building the Case for Telehealth Yoga for Minors With Arthritis and Chronic Pain: A Perspective. 2024, 13, 27536130241255696.
Teets, R.; Nielsen, A.; Moonaz, S.; Anderson, B. J.; Mah, D. M.; Walter, E.; Milanes, M.; Jyung, H.; Soto Cossio, L. E.; Meissner, P.; McKee, M. D.; Kligler, B. Group Acupuncture Therapy With Yoga Therapy for Chronic Neck, Low Back, and Osteoarthritis Pain in Safety Net Settings for an Underserved Population: A Feasibility Pilot Study. 2023, 12, 27536130231202515.
Moonaz, S.; Luthria, T.; Whitehead, A. M.; Mah, D.; Teets, R. Development and Implementation of a Flexible Yoga Therapy Protocol in the Group Acupuncture Therapy and Modified Yoga (GAPYOGA) Pilot Study. 2023, 33.
Gliedt, J. A.; Anderson, B. R.; Reynolds, M.; Moonaz, S.; Long, C. R.; Russell, R.; Schneider, M. J. The Prevalence of Substance Use Disorders in Chiropractic Patients in the United States: A Descriptive Study of Two National Datasets. Journal of Substance Use 2023, 30, 157鈥�161.
Gliedt, J. A.; Reynolds, M.; Moonaz, S.; Long, C. R.; Russell, R.; Schneider, M. J. Identifying and Addressing Patient Substance Use: A Survey of Chiropractic Clinicians. 2023, 31, 18.
Ward, L.; Nault, D.; Cramer, H.; Moonaz, S. Development of the CLARIFY (CheckList stAndardising the Reporting of Interventions For Yoga) Guidelines: A Delphi Study. 2022, 12, e054585.
Middleton, K. R.; Andrade, R.; Moonaz, S. H.; Muhammad, C.; Wallen, G. R. Yoga Research and Spirituality: A Case Study Discussion. International Journal of Yoga Therapy 2015, 25, 33鈥�35.
Moonaz, S.; Whitehead, A. M.; Lawrence, L.; Natividad, D.; Kindred, D.; Nielsen, A.; Teets, R. Yoga Therapy DYADS: A Novel Approach to Chronic Pain Management in Underserved Populations. 2020, 18, 195鈥�199.
Singh, A.; Aitken, D.; Moonaz, S.; Palmer, A. J.; Blizzard, L.; Ding, C.; Drummen, S.; Jones, G.; Bennell, K.; Antony, B. A Randomised Controlled Trial of a and Strengthening Exercise for Knee Osteorthritis: Protocol for a Comparative Effectiveness Trial (YOGA Trial). 2022, 7.
Jyung, H.; Mah, D. M.; Moonaz, S.; Rai, M.; Bhandiwad, A.; Nielsen, A.; Teets, R. 鈥淭he Pain Left, I Was Off and Running鈥�: A Qualitative Analysis of Group Acupuncture and Yoga Therapy for Chronic Pain in a Low-Income and Ethnically Diverse Population. 2022, 28, 328鈥�338.
Moonaz, S.; Nault, D.; Cramer, H.; Ward, L. Releasing CLARIFY: A New Guideline for Improving Yoga Research Transparency and Usefulness. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.) 2021, 27, 807鈥�809.
Moonaz, S.; Nault, D.; Cramer, H.; Ward, L. CLARIFY 2021: Explanation and Elaboration of the Delphi-Based Guidelines for the Reporting of Yoga Research. 2021, 11, e045812.
Anderson, B. J.; Meissner, P.; Mah, D. M.; Nielsen, A.; Moonaz, S.; McKee, M. D.; Kligler, B.; Milanes, M.; Guerra, H.; Teets, R. Barriers and Facilitators to Implementing Bundled Acupuncture and Yoga Therapy to Treat Chronic Pain in Community Healthcare Settings: A Feasibility Pilot. 2021, 27, 496鈥�505.
Sullivan, M.; Lopez, S.; Nault, D.; Moonaz, S.; Miller, R. Yoga Meditation for Active Duty Military Members with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Results and Discussion of a Landmark Initial Study. 2021, 27, 522鈥�524.
Moonaz, S.; Sullivan, M.; Nault, D.; Bright-Dumm, I.; Bradley, R. Characteristics of Clients Seeking Yoga Therapy in a University-Based Student Clinic. 2021, 31.
Marchand, N.; Moonaz, S. On the Alignment of Yoga Therapy with Palliative Care. 2020, 26, 774鈥�775.
Nielsen, A.; Teets, R.; Moonaz, S.; Anderson, B. J.; Walter, E.; Milanes, M.; Mah, D. M.; Diane McKee, M.; Kligler, B. Group Acupuncture Therapy With Yoga Therapy for Chronic Neck, Low Back, and Osteoarthritis Pain in Safety Net Setting for an Underserved Population: Design and Rationale for a Feasibility Pilot. 2020, 9, 2164956120964716.
Sullivan, M. B.; Erb, M.; Schmalzl, L.; Moonaz, S.; Noggle Taylor, J.; Porges, S. W. Yoga Therapy and Polyvagal Theory: The Convergence of Traditional Wisdom and Contemporary Neuroscience for Self-Regulation and Resilience. 2018, 12, 67.
Middleton, K. R.; Haaz Moonaz, S.; Hasni, S. A.; Maga帽a L贸pez, M.; Tataw-Ayuketah, G.; Farmer, N.; Wallen, G. R. Yoga for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): Clinician Experiences and Qualitative Perspectives from Students and Yoga Instructors Living with SLE. Complementary therapies in medicine 2018, 41, 111鈥�117.
Middleton, K. R.; Ward, M. M. M.; Haaz Moonaz, S.; Maga帽a L贸pez, M.; Tataw-Ayuketah, G.; Yang, L.; Acevedo, A. T.; Brandon, Z.; Wallen, G. R. Feasibility and Assessment of Outcome Measures for Yoga as Self-Care for Minorities with Arthritis: A Pilot Study. 2018, 4, 53.
Sullivan, M. B.; Moonaz, S.; Weber, K.; Taylor, J. N.; Schmalzl, L. Toward an Explanatory Framework for Yoga Therapy Informed by Philosophical and Ethical Perspectives. 2018, 24, 38鈥�47.
Moonaz, S.; Jeter, P.; Schmalzl, L. The Importance of Research Literacy for Yoga Therapists. 2017, 27, 131鈥�133.
Sullivan, M.; Leach, M.; Snow, J.; Moonaz, S. Understanding North American Yoga Therapists鈥� Attitudes, Skills and Use of Evidence-Based Practice: A Cross-National Survey. 2017, 32, 11鈥�18.
Sullivan, M.; Leach, M.; Snow, J.; Moonaz, S. The North American Yoga Therapy Workforce Survey. 2017, 31, 39鈥�48.
Middleton, K. R.; Maga帽a L贸pez, M.; Haaz Moonaz, S.; Tataw-Ayuketah, G.; Ward, M. M. M.; Wallen, G. R. A Qualitative Approach Exploring the Acceptability of Yoga for Minorities Living with Arthritis: 鈥淲here Are the People Who Look like Me?鈥� 2017, 31, 82鈥�89.
Jeter, P. E.; Haaz Moonaz, S.; Bittner, A. K.; Dagnelie, G. Ashtanga-Based Yoga Therapy Increases the Sensory Contribution to Postural Stability in Visually-Impaired Persons at Risk for Falls as Measured by the Wii Balance Board: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. 2015, 10, e0129646.
Moonaz, S. H.; Bingham, C. O.; Wissow, L.; Bartlett, S. J. Yoga in Sedentary Adults with Arthritis: Effects of a Randomized Controlled Pragmatic Trial. 2015, 42, 1194鈥�1202.
Muhammad, C. M.; Moonaz, S. H. Yoga as Therapy for Neurodegenerative Disorders: A Case Report of Therapeutic Yoga for Adrenomyeloneuropathy. Integrative medicine (Encinitas, Calif.) 2014, 13, 33鈥�39.
Jeter, P. E.; Nkodo, A.-F.; Moonaz, S. H.; Dagnelie, G. A Systematic Review of Yoga for Balance in a Healthy Population. 2014, 20, 221鈥�232.
Bartlett, S. J.; Moonaz, S. H.; Mill, C.; Bernatsky, S.; Bingham, C. O. Yoga in Rheumatic Diseases. 2013, 15, 387.
Middleton, K. R.; Ward, M. M. M.; Haaz, S.; Velummylum, S.; Fike, A.; Acevedo, A. T.; Tataw-Ayuketah, G.; Dietz, L.; Mittleman, B. B. B.; Wallen, G. R. A Pilot Study of Yoga as Self-Care for Arthritis in Minority Communities. 2013, 11, 55.
McCauley, J.; Haaz, S.; Tarpley, M. J.; Koenig, H. G.; Bartlett, S. J. A Randomized Controlled Trial to Assess Effectiveness of a Spiritually-Based Intervention to Help Chronically Ill Adults. 2011, 41, 91鈥�105.
Haaz, S.; Bartlett, S. J. Yoga for Arthritis: A Scoping Review. 2011, 37, 33鈥�46.
McCauley, J.; Tarpley, M. J.; Haaz, S.; Bartlett, S. J. Daily Spiritual Experiences of Older Adults with and without Arthritis and the Relationship to Health Outcomes. 2008, 59, 122鈥�128.
Fontaine, K. R.; Haaz, S.; Heo, M. Projected Prevalence of US Adults with Self-Reported Doctor-Diagnosed Arthritis, 2005 to 2050. 2007, 26, 772鈥�774.
Fontaine, K. R.; Haaz, S.; Bartlett, S. J. Are Overweight and Obese Adults with Arthritis Being Advised to Lose Weight? 2007, 13, 12鈥�15.
Fontaine, K. R.; Haaz, S. Risk Factors for Lack of Recent Exercise in Adults with Self-Reported, Professionally Diagnosed Arthritis. 2006, 12, 66鈥�69.
Haaz, S.; Fontaine, K. R.; Cutter, G.; Limdi, N.; Perumean-Chaney, S.; Allison, D. B. Citrus Aurantium and Synephrine Alkaloids in the Treatment of Overweight and Obesity: An Update. 2006, 7, 79鈥�88.
Reed, W.; Smith, R.; Dekovic, F.; Lee, J. Y.; Saba, J. D.; Trachtenberg, E.; Epstein, J.; Haaz, S.; Walters, M. C.; Lubin, B. H. Comprehensive Banking of Sibling Donor Cord Blood for Children with Malignant and Nonmalignant Disease. 2003, 101, 351鈥�357.

Accepted

Kreuger, J. P.; Robles, M.; Moonaz, S.; Whedon, J. Management of Acute Kidney Injury with Ayurveda, Acupuncture, and Chinese Herbal Medicine: A Case Report. Medical Acupuncture 2025.

Poster Presentation

Completed/Published

Moonaz, S.; Starrels, J.; Uebelaker, L.; Hribar, M. B.; Ghiroli, M.; Nahvi, S. [Attachment]Development of a Yoga Protocol for Individuals with Chronic Low Back Pain in an Opioid Treatment Program
. Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine, 2024.
Dawoud, A.; Blitz, J.; Moonaz, S.; Grout, L. [Attachment]Feasibility and Acceptability of Yoga for Adolescents with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. Symposium on Yoga Research, 2024.
Moonaz, S.; Nault, D.; Sule, S. [Attachment]Yoga for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Stakeholder Survey and Protocol听Development. Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance, 2023.
Dawoud, A.; Blitz, J.; Moonaz, S.; Grout, L. Feasibility and Acceptability of Yoga for Adolescents with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance, 2024.
Moonaz, S.; Luthria, T.; Whitehead, A.; Mah, D.; Teets, R. [Attachment]Development of a Flexible Yoga Therapy Protocol for Pairing with Acupuncture Therapy to Help Manage Chronic Pain. Symposium on Yoga Research, 2022.

Accepted

Moonaz, S. Use of Yoga in the Management of Arthritis Across the Lifespan: A Narrative Review. 3rd World Congress on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine, 2025.
Grout, L. M.; Moonaz, S. Exploring Perspectives on Research and Scholarship at an Integrative Health Sciences University: A Survey Research Study. American Public Health Association 2025 Annual Meeting, 2025.

Presentation

Completed/Published

Moonaz, S. Yoga Practice in the Management of Arthritis and Chronic Pain Conditions. Integrative Medicine for the Underserved, 2025.
Moonaz, S.; Starrels, J.; Uebelacker, L.; Hribar, M. B.; Ghiroli, M.; Nahvi, S. [Attachment]Adapting a Yoga Protocol for Comorbid Chronic Low Back Pain and Opioid Use Disorder. International Consortium on Integrative Medicine and Health, 2025.
Moonaz, S. [Attachment]RAND REACH Center Member Perspectives: Value of the Pilot Grants and Benefits of Collaboration听. International Consortium for Integrative Medicine and Health, 2025.
Moonaz, S.; Nault, D.; Ward, L.; Cramer, H. [Attachment]CLARIFY Delphi Study. Symposium on Yoga Research, 2022.
Moonaz, S. [Attachment]Flexible Yoga Therapy Protocol for Enhanced Clinical Relevance: Feasibility and Initial Findings from a Quasi-Experimental Study in FQHCs. Symposium on Yoga Research, 2022.

Accepted

Nagare, M.; Moonaz, S. Transforming Health Professions Education: The Whole Health University Model at SCU听. 3rd World Congress on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine, 2025.

Grants

Completed

Group Acupuncture Therapy with Modified Yoga for chronic neck, low back and OA pain in safety net setting for an underserved population (GAPYOGA), Funded by Blavatnik Family Foundation (August 1, 2019 - July 31, 2022), Completed, Summer 2023, CoInvestigator Steffany Moonaz (7.5%)

Yoga as Self-Care for Underrepresented Communities, Funded by National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) (May 31, 2012 - March 1, 2017), Completed, Summer 2023, CoInvestigator Steffany Moonaz (12%)

Yoga for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Funded by National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disorders (August 1, 2006 - August 1, 2010) ($183,986.00), Completed, Summer 2023, PI Steffany Moonaz (100%)

Health Professional Graduate Student Research Preceptorship, Funded by American College of Rheumatology / Research and Education Fund (June 1, 2007 - August 31, 2007) ($12,000.00), Completed, Summer 2023, PI Steffany Moonaz (20%)

Spinal Manipulative Therapy vs. Prescription Drug Therapy for Care of Aged Medicare Beneficiaries with Neck Pain, Funded by National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (September 1, 2022 - August 31, 2024), awarded August 29, 2022 ($465,700.00), Completed, Summer 2022, CoInvestigator Steffany Moonaz (12.5%) with PI James Whedon (20%), Other Anupama Kizhakkeveettil (3%)

Funded - In Progress

Yoga for JIA: Stakeholder Survey and Protocol Development, Funded by RAND REACH Center (June 1, 2024 - June 1, 2026) ($50,000.00), Funded - In Progress, Summer 2024, PI Steffany Moonaz (10%) with CoInvestigator Leah Grout (5%)

Acupuncture for Medicare Beneficiaries with Chronic Low Back Pain: Access, Utilization, and Value, Funded by NIH/NCCIH (September 1, 2023 - August 31, 2026) ($1,776,078.00), Funded - In Progress, Summer 2024, PI James Whedon (40%) with CoInvestigator Grout Leah (30%), CoInvestigator Steffany Moonaz (20%), CoInvestigator Prasad Vinjamury (15%)

Integrated Care for Chronic Pain and Opioid Use Disorder: The IMPOWR Research Center at Montefiore/Einstein (IMPOWR-ME), Funded by National Institute for Drug Abuse (September 30, 2021 - July 31, 2023), awarded September 24, 2021 ($21,477.00), Funded - In Progress, Summer 2023, CoInvestigator Steffany Moonaz (7.5%)

Submitted - Not Funded

The Role and Influence of Religion and Spirituality on Yoga Professions in the United States, Funded by John Templeton Foundation (September 1, 2024 - August 31, 2026), Submitted - Not Funded, Summer 2023, PI Steffany Moonaz

Evidence Based Practice Attitudes, Skills and Use Among Students and Faculty in Clinical Health Sciences, Funded by Burg Foundation (August 1, 2023 - August 31, 2025) ($69,458.00), Submitted - Not Funded, Summer 2023, PI Steffany Moonaz (10%) with Other Robb Russell (5%)

Submitted for Review

Utilization of Non-pharmacological Therapies for Management of Low Back Pain under US Medicaid Plans, Funded by NIH/NCCIH (May 1, 2024 - April 30, 2026) ($439,555.00), Submitted for Review, Summer 2025, CoPI James Whedon (20%) with CoPI Leah Grout (30%), CoInvestigator Steffany Moonaz (10%)

Feasibility of a Multimodal Yoga and Mindfulness Intervention to Promote Mental and Behavioral Health in Urban Youth, Funded by NCCIH (December 1, 2025), awarded December 1, 2025 ($48,677.00), Submitted for Review, Summer 2025, CoInvestigator Steffany Moonaz (5%)

Nonpharmacological Therapies versus Prescription Drug Therapy for Care of Aged Medicare Beneficiaries with Spinal Pain, Funded by NCCIH (February 1, 2026), awarded February 1, 2026 ($544,980.00), Submitted for Review, Summer 2025, PI Steffany Moonaz (25%) with CoInvestigator James Whedon (10%), CoInvestigator Leah Grout (30%)

Honors and Awards

Fall 2023 - Summer 2024

SCU Health Justice Award, 2023, 91性息港 of Health Sciences, Applicants for this award must have contributed to the advancement of Health Justice through clinical health care, public health work, advocacy, activism, scholarship, or community service.

Spring 2020 - Summer 2020

Faculty Poster Award, 2020, Maryland University of Integrative Health, Research poster selected as highest scoring by a panel of judges at the 2020 annual MUIH research symposium.

Spring 2016 - Summer 2016

Excellence in Faculty Research and Scholarship, 2016, Maryland University of Integrative Health, A panel of expert integrative health researchers evaluated the submitted portfolio of MUIH faculty after nomination. A rubric is used to score each candidate on their merits. The award goes to the candidate with the strongest research portfolio based on a body of work from the current year.

Fall 2013 - Summer 2014

Research Abstract Award, 2013, International Association of Yoga Therapists, Of all research posters presented at the annual Symposium on Yoga Research, the poster conferred with this award was scored highest by the selection committee of the IAYT.

Fall 2008 - Summer 2010

Distinguished Research Award, 2008, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, This award with monetary stipend is awarded annual to students who demonstrate mastery and promise in research activity. Dr. Moonaz received this award in 2008, 2009 and 2010. This encompassed all 3 years of her dissertation research.

Spring 2010 - Summer 2010

Delta Omega Honor Society Induction, 2010, Johns Hopkins University, This honor society welcomes students based on GPA in a school of public health.

Fall 2007 - Summer 2008

Graduate Student Award, 2007, Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals, This award is conferred to a graduate student in a rheumatology-related field based on research submitted to the American College of Rheumatology annual research conference.

Fall 2007 - Spring 2008

Graduate Student Research Preceptorship, 2007, American College of Rheumatology, This award is conferred along with research funding for a rheumatology-based project proposed by a graduate student and evaluated on its merits.

Spring 2006 - Summer 2008

Doctoral Dissertation Award, 2006, National Arthritis Foundation, The Arthritis Foundation funds research conducted by doctoral students through this award.

Fall 2006 - Spring 2010

National Research Service Award, Individual Fellowship, 2006, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Funding from NIH for doctoral research on yoga for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Fall 2004 - Spring 2005

Graduate/Medical Student Achievement Award, 2004, American College of Rheumatology, Awarded with monetary stipend for student excellence in research presented at the American College of Rheumatology annual research conference.

Spring 2003 - Summer 2003

Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society Induction, 2003, University of Maryland, College Park, Induction based on GPA.

Spring 1999 - Summer 1999

Helen Ward Memorial Prize in Theater and Dance, 1999, Oberlin College, Award and financial prize conferred based on excellence by a graduating undergraduate student.

Professional Membership

Summer 2003 - Ongoing

Yoga Alliance, August 2003, Yoga teacher registry

American College of Rheumatology, August 2003, Professional organization for rheumatologists, rheumatology allied health professionals, and rheumatology researchers

Summer 2013 - Ongoing

International Association of Yoga Therapists, August 2013, Credentialing body for yoga therapists and yoga therapy training programs

Fall 2004 - Ongoing

American Public Health Association, November 2004, Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Health Section of public health professional organization

Fall 2023 - Ongoing

Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance, September 2023, CARRA conducts and supports innovative and collaborative clinical and translational research that generates new knowledge and improves the lives of children and families affected by pediatric rheumatic disease.

Interests

yoga therapy, research literacy, evidence-informed practice, research design and methods, yoga, clinical trials, surveys, qualitative, chronic pain, arthritis, rheumatic diseases, substance use disorder