Dr. Yaden is the Griffiths Professor of Psychedelic Research at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Prof. Yaden studies the measurement and experimental manipulation of mental states called altered states of consciousness. These mental states are often among the most transformative and meaningful moments in people’s lives, yet little is known about how they are triggered, the neurophysiological processes that underlie them, how they impact beliefs, and their various risks and benefits to well-being. His research is currently focused on the therapeutic potential of psychedelic substances. His scientific research and scholarly writing generally aim to provide a quantitative and empirical 21st-century update to William James’s classic book on the topic, The Varieties of Religious Experience, using: 1) psychometric instruments, 2) computational linguistic analysis, 3) neuroimaging, 4) non-invasive brain stimulation, and 5) psychopharmacology. His Postdoctoral advisor was psychopharmacologist Roland R. Griffiths, PhD. He previously studied with neuroscientist Andrew B. Newberg, MD. He completed his doctoral training with psychologist Martin E. P. Seligman, PhD at the University of Pennsylvania. He has authored over 100 scientific and scholarly publications and edited three scholarly books. His research has been covered by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, New York Magazine, Scientific American, CNN, BBC, and NPR. He is the author of The Varieties of Spiritual Experience: 21st Century Research and Perspectives. His lab’s website: www.YadenLab.com. His social media on X: @existwell.