Research
Research Interests
In general, I am interested in the intersection between science and spirituality. I am fascinated by altered states of consciousness and the unknown nature of mysticism. I believe philosophy and research rely on each other to devise questions and test ideas.
Some topics I am interested are:
-The neuroscience and phenomenology of dreams and healing
-The importance and optimization of music in a therapeutic setting
-The connection and similarities between tryptamines like serotonin, melatonin, and various psychedelic compounds
-Specifically, I am interested in studying the behavioral neuroscience behind using short-acting tryptamines as an alternative treatment for treatment-resistant substance-use disorders.
The primary objective of our lab is to determine the active neural, psychological, and physiological mechanisms supporting the self-regulation of pain and health and to identify if changes in consciousness and awareness facilitate stabilized improvements in well-being.
We do this by running mechanistically focused, placebo-controlled clinical trials to examine the effects and mechanisms supporting self-regulatory approaches (i.e. mindfulness), natural product assisted therapies (psilocybin; cannabis), and the potential combination of these emerging therapies to target a spectrum of health outcomes such as chronic pain, trauma, and cancer.
As a research technician, I assist other lab members with various studies centered around mindfulness, different routes for relieving pain, and revealing more about consciousness along the way.
Helping conduct studies includes screening subjects, promoting studies, facilitating subject sessions, assisting in fMRI setup, running MRI sessions, and grabbing coffee when needed.
Some studies I'm involved in are:
-Brain Mechanisms Supporting Cannabis-Induced Pain Relief
-Brain Mechanisms Supporting Empathy Cultivation, Compassion Development, And Pain-Relief By Compassion-Based Mental Training
-Dissecting The Effects of Meditative Techniques On Empathy, Compassion, and Health
-Chronic Low Back Pain and Mindfulness Meditation
Working with the center for research on addiction and brain health was my first glimpse into the field of research and it was eye-opening. I joined the team focusing on alternative treatments for addiction, and I chose to explore short-acting tryptamines.
Throughout my experience, I explored various topics in the fields of longevity, addiction, and brain health, actively drafted white papers and peer-reviewed fellow interns' work, adhering to strict deadlines to improve my time management skills.
I researched alternative therapies for addiction, including articles and presentations, specifically on 5-MeO-DMT & N,N-DMT as treatment. I also investigated the neuroscience of classic psychedelics, including their effect on the serotonergic and dopaminergic pathways within the brain and their potential applications in emerging frontiers.
As a project leader for community development, I help connect members through a shared interest in psychedelic science.
Publications
Main Author:
5-Meo-DMT/N, N-DMT Treatment for Addiction
Co-Author:
Mindfulness meditation directly reduces acutely exacerbated chronic back pain through non-opioidergic mechanisms
Peer Reviewed: