PhD Researcher in Psychology, Contemplative Science and Psychometrics, Auckland University of Technology (AUT), New Zealand | Research Associate, ICAMH, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem | Licensed Psychologist |
Officially Authorised Dharma Teacher | M.A. Clinical Psychology | B.A. Psychology; Brain and Mind Program Graduate |
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, School of Clinical Sciences, AUT |
Editorial Assistant, Mindfulness at Springer Nature | Ad hoc Reviewer for Mindfulness at Springer Nature | Ad hoc Reviewer for Journal of Psychology and AI at Taylor & Francis | Interdisciplinary Committee Member, International Society for Contemplative Research (ISCR) | Organising Committee Member, International Conference on Mindfulness Asia–Pacific (ICM-AP) Series
ABOUT SHON PREM BON SOENG
Shon is a PhD researcher, a licensed psychologist, and a contemplative whose journey spans Europe, Asia, America, and Oceania, engaging in diverse research, clinical, and contemplative disciplines. Her international training has shaped a holistic, interdisciplinary perspective that integrates modern psychological science, including psychometrics, clinical psychology, positive psychology, and neuroscience, with the ancient wisdom of Buddhism. By bridging contemplative wisdom with empirical psychological research, she investigates new ways to understand the psychology of awakening and enlightenment, as well as the human mind and consciousness, to enhance well-being and mental health, and promote human flourishing that is accessible to all.
As an authorised Dharma Teacher and contemplative with over 20,000 hours of formal meditation practice, Shon brings compassion, wisdom, insight, and ethical principles into both her research and clinical work. Her projects reflect scientific rigour while encompassing a profound psychological and spiritual understanding.
Shon is currently pursuing a PhD in Psychology at Auckland University of Technology (AUT), New Zealand, under the supervision of Prof. Chris Krägeloh (AUT), Prof. Mario Mikulincer (The Hebrew University of Jerusalem), and Dr. Oleg Medvedev (University of Waikato). She is the recipient of the Doctoral Fees Scholarship Award from the Faculty of Health Sciences at AUT. Her research focuses on conceptualising and assessing enlightenment in psychological and contemplative sciences. Her work reflects a deep commitment and sense of calling to translate awakening and enlightenment into psychological frameworks available to everyone.
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​Passionate about teaching and education, Shon has gained valuable teaching experience across various settings with international audiences, including guest lectures for hospital medical staff on compassionate care for cancer patients, workshops on mindfulness for school teachers, seminars on Buddhist wisdom and well-being, meditation retreats, and academic conference presentations. Currently, she is a Graduate Teaching Assistant in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at AUT, teaching advanced research methods in psychology to university students.
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As a psychologist, scientist, contemplative practitioner, and teacher, Shon seeks to contribute to psychological and contemplative sciences by integrating contemplative insight with empirical research. She investigates how the psychological dimensions of enlightenment can be cultivated to support transformative, ethical, and enduring human flourishing.
RESEARCH INTERESTS AND AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Research in Psychology
Psychometrics and Assessment
Psychology of Awakening and Enlightenment
Clinical Psychology
Positive Psychology
Mindfulness Research
Mental Health and Well Being
Brain and Mind Research
Integrative Psychotherapy ​
Contemplative Psychology
Buddhist Psychology
Contemplative Wisdom
Buddhist Dharma Teaching
Zen Meditation Teaching
Mindfulness Teaching​
Workshop Leading
Guest Lecturing
University Teaching
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PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
BPS – The British Psychological Society
Graduate Member, Clinical Psychology Division, GMBPsS, GBC
Membership
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APA – American Psychological Association
International Affiliate Membership
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ISCR – International Society for Contemplative Research, Link
Member of the ISCR Interdisciplinary Committee
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GCC – Global Compassion Coalition
Founding Supporter Membership, Link
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EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE
​​​Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand, 2024-Present
PhD Researcher in Psychology, Contemplative Science and Psychometrics, School of Clinical Sciences, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 2025
Research Associate at the Azrieli Israel Center for Addiction and Mental Health, ICAMH, collaborating with Prof. Mario Mikulincer
Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand, 2025-Present
Academic Role as Teaching Assistant at the Psychology and Neuroscience Department – Advanced Research Methods in Psychology
Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand, 2025
Recipient of the Doctoral Fees Scholarship Award by the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences (FHES), March 2025
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 2025
Visiting Scholar at the Azrieli Center for Addiction and Mental Health, ICAMH, Host: Prof. Mario Mikulincer
Springer Nature, New Zealand, 2025-Present
Editorial Assistant, Mindfulness (Peer-Reviewed Journal)
Reviewer (ad hoc) for Mindfulness
Taylor & Francis, New Zealand, 2025–Present
Reviewer (ad hoc) for Journal of Psychology and AI
Organising Committee Member ICM-AP Series, 2025–Present
Organising Committee Member for the International Conference on Mindfulness Asia-Pacific ICM-AP Series.
International Society for Contemplative Research (ISCR), 2026–Present
Member of the ISCR Interdisciplinary Committee
