Learning Lab Series
Learning Lab Series
The Neuroscience of Compassion
Why It Matters After Brain Injury
Wednesday, May 20th, 2026 | 6:00 - 7:15 pm ET
on Zoom
Brain injury often brings unique psychological challenges, including the sudden loss of independence, which can lead to frustration, shame, and self-criticism. Unlike toxic positivity—which minimizes struggle—compassion enables us to meet our suffering with kindness rather than harsh judgment, and to extend understanding toward others facing similar challenges. In turn, compassion can foster the courage and mental flexibility needed to support the brain’s process of healing and rewiring. It helps us hold both difficulty and hope at once, creating space for real healing and connection.
Featuring Professor Yoona Kang at the forefront of compassion research, this engaging workshop will blend research-oriented and experiential components, as well as provide actionable daily plans for how to grow and spread compassion.
Sponsored by
Whether you’re living with a brain injury, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about psychology, join us to discover how compassion can support recovery after brain injury.
Register below!
LoveYourBrain offers trust-based sliding scale options for your participation.
If you are able to join us at the Supporter or Sponsor rate(s), your contribution will also support others to attend, and contribute to all of our programs and resources. You can learn more about our DEIAB work here, and our Programs here.
Can’t join us live? A recording will be available and shared afterwards with everyone who signs up.
About the Facilitator
Dr. Yoona Kang
Dr. Yoona Kang is the Director of the Compassion and Well-being Lab and an Assistant Professor of Psychology and Prevention Science at Rutgers University-Camden. Her research focuses on understanding the nature and consequences of compassion. She develops theory-driven, evidence-based compassion interventions designed to optimally grow and spread compassion through social networks. Her recent work explores mobile apps and digital tools for compassion-based intervention, using a microdosing approach to support scalable improvements in well-being. Dr. Kang takes a multimethod approach that integrates experimental and behavioral paradigms, computational neuroimaging, ecological momentary assessment, social network analysis, and natural language processing. She applies these methods to interconnected dimensions of wellness, including physical activity, sleep, alcohol use, social connection, and loneliness. She received a Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology from Yale University and served as a postdoctoral fellow and research director at the University of Pennsylvania’s Annenberg School for Communication. A traumatic brain injury survivor, self-compassion has been integral to her recovery.