Elena Gillespie
Elena
Gillespie
Director of Research Administration
- Department
- Research & Sponsored Programs
- Institution
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Saybrook University
- Biography
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Dr. Gillespie earned her Doctorate from Fielding Graduate University and a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. She brings over 20 years of experience in basic science and clinical research, with a focus on Type II diabetes, traumatic brain injury, and mind-body modalities. Her research career includes roles as Laboratory Manager, Investigator, Co-investigator, Research Methodologist, and Research Coordinator at institutions such as the University of Michigan, Birmingham University (UK), and Indiana University. As faculty at Saybrook University, she has taught quantitative research methods, scholarly writing, and dissertation development. She also served as a consultant and research faculty member within the IU system.
Dr. Gillespie has conducted a long-standing practice in bioenergy therapy and medical intuition and has taught courses on energy medicine and end-of-life care. Her research interests include transpersonal experiences at the end of life, post-traumatic growth, and meditation as a behavioral intervention. She co-founded the Center for Alternative and Complementary Medicine at the University of Michigan and led one of the first NIH-funded studies on Reiki. She has contributed to a range of clinical, experimental, and qualitative research projects as PI, methodologist, and committee chair. Most recently, Dr. Gillespie was promoted to Director of Research Administration at Saybrook University, where her responsibilities include oversight of Sponsored Programs-managing grants and associated studies from pre-award through post-award-and serving as an IRB reviewer.
- Areas of Expertise
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Area Expertise Consciousness & Spirituality Studies Consciousness Studies / Altered States of Consciousness Shamanism Spirituality Ethical & Legal Issues Ethics for Behavior Analysts Integrative Medicine Energy Medicine Mindfulness and Meditation Psychology Transpersonal Psychology Research Design/Methodology Case Study Quantitative Inquiry - Education History
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Degree Institution Year PhD Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara CA 2014 B.S. Cal State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA 1980 - Professional Memberships
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Role Organization Member NCURA Member PRIM&R Member Society of Shamanic Practitioners - Community Involvement
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Role Organization Volunteer Franciscan Hospice - Research
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Energy medicine
Transpersonal experience at end-of-life
Meditation
Post-traumatic Growth
- Publications
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Book Gillespie, E. (2015). The Anatomy of Death: Notes from a Healer’s Casebook. Indianapolis IN: Ouroboros Publishing LLC.
Chapter Gillespie, E. (2014). Qualitative Research. In Hammond, F.M., Malec, J.M., Nick, T.G. & Buschbacher, R.M. (Ed.) Handbook of Clinical Research (pp. 9-12). New York: Demos Medical Publishing.
Gillespie, E. (2014). Data Collection. In Hammond, F.M., Malec, J.M., Nick, T.G. & Buschbacher, R.M. (Ed.) Handbook of Clinical Research.New York: Demos Medical Publishing.
Gillespie, E. (2002). Energy Healing. In Kaufman, P.B., Warber, S.L., Lu, C.R., Coon, C., Madsen, B.J., Govil, J.N. & Hoyt, J.E. (Ed.) Creating a sustainable future: Living in harmony with the earth (pp. 21-30). New Delhi, India: Sci Tech Publishing LLC.
Journal Gillespie, E. (2019). A Qualitative Assessment of Spirituality in Long-term Recovery in Acquired Brain Injury. Journal of Pastoral Care and Counseling, , doi.org/10.1177%2F1542305019853588.
Fortune, L.D. Gillespie, E. (2010). The influence of practice standards on massage therapists’ work experience. The International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, 3 (3), pp. 5-11.
Gillespie, E, Gillespie, B. & Stevens, M.J. (2007). Painful diabetic neuropathy: Impact of an alternative approach. Diabetes Care, 30 (4), 999-1001.
Gillespie, E. (2025). Transformative Spiritual Practice with the Dying. Journal of Shamanic Practice, , online.
Other Gillespie, E. (2016). Examination of Post-traumatic Growth, Empathy, Grief and Spirituality in Long-term Recovery in Traumatic Brain Injury. American College of Rehabilitation Medicine. (Presentation).