KATHERINE MACLEAN, PhD is a writer, research scientist, mother and adventure-seeker. She has spent the past two decades studying the effects of mindfulness meditation and psychedelics. At Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, she conducted legal clinical trials of psilocybin, the primary chemical found in “magic mushrooms”, and was a lead researcher and session guide on the first study to test the combined effects of high-dose psilocybin, daily meditation training and integration support. Her research on meditation and psilocybin indicates that these practices can promote positive and lasting changes in concentration, emotion regulation, openness, wellbeing, and prosocial traits.

Following her younger sister’s untimely death from cancer in 2013, Dr. MacLean left her faculty job, traveled the world and finally settled on an organic farm, where she birthed her two children. In 2015, she co-founded and was the first director of the Psychedelic Education and Continuing Care Program in New York, where she led training workshops and monthly integration groups focused on increasing awareness and reducing risks of psychedelic use. She has helped to bring medical and humanitarian aid to remote Himalayan villages, as well as create sanctuary spaces for psychedelic support at large outdoor festivals. Her debut memoir, Midnight Water, traces her journey from scientist to meditator to mother to death guide, and offers many breadcrumbs of wisdom for spiritual seekers, psychoanuts and everyday people.