Research

Curious about intelligence beyond the human, profound transformation, and how traditional knowledge systems understand altered states and their role in human evolution? Welcome to my research.

Doctoral Research

Plantas Maestras: Inter-species communication in Peruvian Amazonia

Cultural Anthropology, Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington

This thesis investigated inter-species communication and more-than-human relationality in Amazonian traditional knowledge systems through extensive ethnographic fieldwork and apprenticeship with master plant entities in Peru. The research examined how plant consciousness operates within traditional worldviews, how altered states facilitate inter-species communication, and the ritual practices that establish ongoing human-plant relationships. The first public presentation of the major theoretical findings of this work was at Psychedelic Intersections 2026 at Harvard Divinity School. The first public presentation of the ethnographic data, and first in-depth ethnographic study of chiric sanango (Brunfelsia sp.) was at Breaking Convention at the University of Exeter in 2025.

The thesis is currently embargoed until the final consultation phase with the traditional knowledge holders who informed this work can be done.

The Multidimensional Ego-Dissolution Assessment (MEDA)

MSc, Cross-Cultural Psychology


Original: From Ego to Death: Validation of the Ego-Dissolution Scale

Ego-dissolution represents a key therapeutic mechanism in psychedelic-assisted therapy, yet existing measurement approaches inadequately capture its complexity. I developed the MEDA scale to provide a more nuanced understanding of how ego-dissolution operates across different classical psychedelics.

Through factor analysis of 207 participants reporting profound experiences with ayahuasca, DMT, LSD, and psilocybin, the research revealed a six-factor structure of ego-dissolution: Dissolving of Identity, Experiences of Eternity, Dissolving of Physical Body, Dissolving into Environment, Clarity about Life and Purpose, and Pleasure.

The findings demonstrated distinct substance clusters - ayahuasca and DMT produced significantly higher dissolution scores than LSD and psilocybin - while all substances showed equivalent effects on insight and pleasure dimensions. This research bridges phenomenological experience with empirical measurement, providing frameworks for therapeutic selection and personalised psychedelic-assisted interventions.

Academic Background

  • Ph.D., Cultural Anthropology, Victoria University of Wellington

  • M.Sc., Cross-Cultural Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington

  • B.Sc. (Honours), First-Class, Psychology and Cultural Anthropology, Victoria University of Wellington

Leadership & Organisations

Founding Member, As1 Next Generation Advisory Council, Burroughs Wellcome Fund As1 Initiative (2026 - Present) Selected for the inaugural cohort of 20 early-career scholars and practitioners from 13 countries through a global recruitment process. Advancing transdisciplinary research and dialogue on consciousness and its connections to human health, ecological systems, and human potential.

Fellow International, The Explorers Club (2025 - Present) Recognised for documented contributions to scientific knowledge through field expeditions. The Explorers Club is a legacy organisation home to exploration pioneers who make the impossible possible.

Founder & President, Student Association of Psychedelic Investigation (est. 2024) Founded and built an international organisation connecting students, researchers, and practitioners in psychedelic science. Grew membership to over 200 members across multiple countries. Recognised with Outstanding Contribution to Clubs award and finalist for Supreme Club Award and Best New Club Award at Victoria University of Wellington.

President, Postgraduate Student Association, Victoria University of Wellington (2024 - 2025) Led the representative body for postgraduate students at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington, advocating for research excellence, expanded academic opportunities, and institutional recognition. Represented postgraduate interests at university and faculty governance level while building cross-disciplinary community through events, programming, and student sponsorship.

Book

  • Senānāyaka, R. (forthcoming). Lucky. Foreword by Dr. Mark Plotkin.

Articles

Honours & Awards

2024 | Top 25 Emerging Leaders in Psychedelic Research and Modern Theory, Webdelics

2024 | Outstanding Contribution to Clubs (President, Student Association of Psychedelic Investigation), Supreme Club Awards

2023 | Sam Taylor-Alexander Early Career Researcher Prize for Ethics and Engagement within Anthropology, Association of Social Anthropologists of Aotearoa/New Zealand

2022 | Large Faculty Grant for Research, Unpacking the Function of Altered States of Consciousness in Peruvian Amazonia, Victoria University of Wellington, Principal Investigator

2022 | Wellington Doctoral Scholarship, Victoria University of Wellington

2022 | Winner, Three Minute Thesis Competition

2021 | Marsden Grant for Masters Scholarship, Te Apārangi - Royal Society of New Zealand

2020 | Summer Research Scholarship, Victoria University of Wellington

2019 | Prime Minister's Scholarship for Latin America, Education New Zealand

2019 | Dean's List for Academic Excellence, Victoria University of Wellington

2019 | Best Industry Award, 'Rites of passage in traditional Amazonian medicine', Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences