Lifestyle Wellness: A Journey to Wholeness

Bruce began practicing meditation and yoga asanas (postures) in 1971 and has maintained a daily Ananda Marga practice since early 1972. Subsequently, he earned a PhD in Biochemistry from Cornell University, pursued postdoctoral studies in Cornell’s nutrition department, and then came to the New State Department of Health in Albany where he continued postdoctoral studies with Dr Joachim Frank, winner of the 2017 Nobel Prize in chemistry. After completing postdoctoral studies, Bruce established his own Research Laboratory at the NYS DOH with a dual appointment at the University at Albany’s School of Public Health. Bruce retired from full time research in 2011 but maintains a University at Albany appointment where he currently teaches integral health (aka Lifestyle Medicine) to public health undergraduates, honors college students and incoming freshmen. During his professional career Dr. McEwen published over 70 papers and peer-reviewed journals, mentored graduate students, and wrote 3 book chapters. Bruce is a senior Ananda Marga acarya (teacher), having successfully completed the multi-stage training program in 2006, 2008 and 2014. He has provided personalized meditation and asana instruction to over 250 people. He co-founded Ananda Marga Yoga Teacher Certification, a Yoga Alliance accredited yoga teacher training. The program has provided training for over 200 individuals, enabling them to register as yoga teachers with Yoga Alliance. Bruce has also completed Yoga Therapy training with Subtle Yoga and Plant-Based Nutrition certification with the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutritional Studies (eCornell). In addition to the university classes, Bruce currently teaches meditation, asana, nutrition and stress management at Heartspace Yoga studio and other venues. His classes emphasize evidence-based practices. Bruce and his wife Virginia have been married for over 57 years and they have 4 grown children and 4 grandchildren.