Catriona Miller has been interested in neuroscience ever since she learned about the nervous system in 5th grade. “I was lucky enough to have a teacher who connected me with UCSF and I managed to procure human brains for my class presentation,” Miller says. “That, along with my interest in psychiatric illnesses beginning as a teenager, is what has led to my continued interest in neuroscience.”

Now the clinical program project manager at Neuroscape, Miller manages the daily operations of our clinical psychedelic research studies. She is especially excited about a study investigating psilocybin’s effects on participants with alcohol use disorder, as well as another study that is evaluating psilocybin’s effects on demoralization in participants who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness. She is also thrilled to be soon completing a crossover study for participants who received placebo in a phase 3 trial investigating MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD.

“Every day, I’m excited by the kind of groundbreaking science that takes place at Neuroscape,” Miller says. “The day-to-day work of science isn’t always glamorous but I’m driven to do my work each day knowing that this research can lead to real change.” 

Captivated by a guest speaker in her advanced methods class at the University of San Francisco, Bella Ruiz immediately emailed the speaker to volunteer to help with the study. The class was “Cognitive Neurotherapies” with Neuroscape’s David Ziegler, the guest speaker was Neuroscape’s Courtney Gallen, and the volunteer opportunity was with Neuroscape’s Engage study. After getting the volunteer position, Ruiz immediately set to work.

Although her volunteering has entirely taken place during the pandemic, Ruiz said it has been a rewarding experience. “Despite small Zoom issues, such as Internet connectivity, problems sharing screens, and audio issues,” she explains, “ultimately volunteering during the pandemic has taught me how to think quickly on my feet and be more productive and vigilant about dividing my time wisely.” 

Ruiz will be graduating from the University of San Francisco at the end of May, and she then plans to take a year off to focus on research opportunities before pursuing a PhD in clinical psychology. “Neuroscape has really influenced me by reinforcing my desire to work in neuroscience as well as with the community,” she says. “Having the direct connection with people and research has opened my eyes to a whole new way of thinking." 

These news picks include articles about Neuroscape research and technology:

• The 10 most innovative medicine and therapeutics companies of 2022 
• Psilocybin Rewires the Brain for People with Depression
• First evidence ‘magic’ mushrooms might be better than antidepressants

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