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 Amazonian traditional knowledge
Cultural Anthropology, Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington
This thesis investigates 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 examines 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 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
PhD Candidate, Cultural Anthropology, Victoria University of Wellington
MSc, Cross-Cultural Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington
BSc (Honours), First-Class, Psychology and Cultural Anthropology, Victoria University of Wellington
Leadership & Organisations
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)
Published Research
Rahmani, M., Adds, P., & Senanayake, R. (2024). Māori atheism: a decolonising project? Kōtuitui: New Zealand Journal of Social Sciences Online, 1–20.
McNamara, R.A., Senanayake, R., Willard, A.K., Henrich. J. (2021) God's mind on morality. Evolutionary Human Sciences, 2021;3:e6.
Blog Tales from the Field: Beyond this world (2022 - Present)
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 ($1,000)
2022 | Large Faculty Grant for Research, Unpacking the Function of Altered States of Consciousness in Peruvian Amazonia, Victoria University of Wellington, Principal Investigator ($6,000)
2022 | Wellington Doctoral Scholarship, Victoria University of Wellington ($30,500 stipend annually plus tuition fees for 3 years)
2022 | Winner, Three Minute Thesis Competition
2021 | Marsden Grant for Masters Scholarship, Te Apārangi - Royal Society of New Zealand ($18,000 plus tuition fees)
2020 | Summer Research Scholarship, Victoria University of Wellington ($6,000)
2019 | Prime Minister's Scholarship for Latin America, Education New Zealand ($7,540)
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
