Greetings

In my dissertation, I take a holistic and student-centered approach to research, combining quantitative rigor with qualitative depth and embodied insight. My study incorporates survey design and validation, mixed-methods analysis, and contemplative frameworks to understand how students experience wellbeing and how institutions can create diverse learning environments that support their holistic development.

Although my dissertation centers on holistic wellbeing and contemplative pedagogy, much of my early publication record reflects my training in large-scale quantitative analysis and my training as a Graduate Student Researcher at the Higher Education Research Institute (HERI). These projects strengthened my methodological foundation while paving the way for the mixed-methods and wellbeing-focused research I now pursue. 

The featured articles below are some of my most recent first-authored, peer-reviewed publications. Each is open-access and reflects some of my quantitative and institutional research training.

For a full list of my published works, please visit Orcid and Google Scholar. 

My teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that students must be well to learn effectively, and that teachers, too, must be well to teach effectively. Whether I am teaching Hmong language and culture to youth, leading English lessons during my Fulbright in Laos, or guiding yoga-based practices in UCLA’s Cluster Program, I strive to create classrooms where students feel seen, supported, and able to bring their full selves to the learning process. I design learning environments that integrate reflection, movement, and culturally responsive pedagogy, and I encourage students to explore their identities, cultivate wellbeing, and engage with their communities. Across all contexts, I hope to foster curiosity, compassion, and confidence in learners of all ages, preparing them for life outside of the course.

Student feedback is essential to improving the quality of teaching and learning. I served as a teaching assistant for the courses listed below during the 2024–2025 academic year at UCLA. Click any course to view students’ feedback about my teaching.

As an active member of Yoga Alliance, the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE), and the American Educational Research Association (AERA), serving my community is a joy and a commitment I take seriously. In the past, I have contributed to campus equity efforts through roles in student government finance and the UCLA Community Programs Office, and I was part of the campaign team that helped pass the historic UCLA Social Justice Referendum in 2016, which continues to allocate millions of dollars toward social justice and financial aid initiatives. Beyond campus, I volunteer with the Venice Yoga Club, offering free or donation-based yoga classes to the public on Sundays at 10am, and I lead yoga, meditation, and sound healing sessions at academic conferences. Through these efforts, I aim to create accessible spaces of care, connection, and wellness across both academic and community settings.

My yoga practice is shaped by a blend of traditional training, community teaching, and mentorship across cultures. As a 500-HR RYT Certified Yoga Instructor, I completed my 200-HR yoga teacher training with the Rishikesh Yoga Association, followed by an 85-hour Yin Yoga certification through Adi Yoga Ashram, and a 300-HR training at Vinyasa Yogashala in Rishikesh, India. I also received direct mentorship through Luang Prabang Yoga in Laos. 

Yoga has become both a personal anchor and a way to support the wellbeing of myself and others. I have offered free classes at The Hmong Institute in Wisconsin for elders, refugees, and community members navigating mental and physical health challenges, and I continue to organize yoga events that raise awareness for Asian Pacific Islander American issues and fundraise for causes I care about. Through these offerings, I hope to make yoga accessible, culturally grounded, and healing for diverse communities.

Teaching yoga is an ongoing practice of learning, listening, and refinement. I welcome feedback from students and community members, and below are some of the comments shared by those who’ve attended my sessions.

“Johnnie is incredibly talented and equally humble. His classes are pure bliss.”
-Patricia Moore Kaiser, Facebook comment

“Agree with all the above comments about the greatness that is Johnnie! I’ve so enjoyed his classes.”
-Meg EM, Facebook comment

"You challenge us but you also respect our boundaries and let us observe when we don't feel like our body is up to it...It's really nice to feel seen and understood. I think you are one of the best instructors I've come across so far at UCLA."
-Student #1

"Your meticulous verbal cues and physical demonstrations help guide us. You also provide us with different modifications for varying levels of difficulty, accommodations that are so refreshing and helpful. I am glad that you want us to listen to our bodies and not overexert ourselves past our own limits. Overall, I think your yoga teaching is great"
-Student #2

I offer yoga, meditation and breathwork sessions, and talks or workshops on wellbeing, higher education, and contemplative practice, curriculum, and pedagogy. If you’re interested in collaborating, inviting me to speak, or bringing yoga into your classroom, campus, or community space, please send me an email. I'm happy to connect! 

Reach me at johnniey47@ucla.edu for inquiries about availability, offerings, or upcoming projects.