Karestan Koenen

I’m a Harvard scientist passionate about redefining what it means to heal after trauma by uniting cutting-edge science with the depth of human experience, resilience, and practical wisdom. For more than two decades, I’ve studied how trauma, from violence to natural disasters, shapes our biology and health across the lifespan. At Harvard and the Broad Institute, my work bridges genetics, clinical psychology, and public health to uncover the science of resilience and recovery. As a trauma survivor myself, I bring lived experience to the lab and to the global conversation on healing. I believe the future of well-being lies where evidence-based science meets ancient practices like yoga, meditation, and breathwork. My mission is to expand the science of healing, making it rigorous, human, inclusive, and accessible to all. My latest book with colleagues, Treating Survivors of Childhood Abuse and Interpersonal Trauma: STAIR Narrative Therapy reflects this vision. I’m open to keynote speaking and featured podcast conversations on trauma, resilience, and the science of healing.