As a lifelong student of the physical sciences, Paul received a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Geology with an emphasis in Paleobiology from the University of California, Davis, and a Master of Natural Science degree in Biology from Southeast Missouri State University. Using this investigative foundation, Paul brings his interest and understanding of biology and the history of life on this earth to his investigation of who we are, what we think of ourselves, and the nature of personal narrative in our perception of self.

Paul also continues to work as a professor of Biology at Northern Virginia Community College. In this faculty position, Paul strives to introduce an increased sense of awareness to the students in his classes and works with them to bring kindness and self-compassion to their own experiences with higher education and the academic environment they find themselves in.

With a vipassana meditation practice spanning over 20 years, Dr. Paul Fitzgerald has been inspired by the writings and teachings of Gil Fronsdal, Jack Kornfield, Alan Watts, Sharon Salzburg, Ram Dass, Terence McKenna, Joseph Goldstein, and Tara Brach. Paul has been leading meditation groups on college campuses, in person, streaming on the internet, and in a business setting for over 5 years, and has completed a two-year mindfulness meditation teacher certification program taught by Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield. Additionally, Paul is focusing on enhancing and improving his work in the areas of active listening, non-violent communication, individual mentorship and group facilitation, and trauma-informed mindfulness practices in all of his interactions with students and groups, not just those centered around mindfulness practices. He has also served as a mentor to campus meditation clubs and also mentors students of all ages on a one-on-one basis to cultivate and develop their own meditation and mindfulness practice. Currently, Paul studies with D.C. area meditation teacher and mentor Klia Bassing.

Current CV