This is Your Brain on Psychedelics with Dr. Manesh Girn, PhD | UCSF

Welcome to Emergence, an intellectually stimulating and community-oriented speaker series dedicated to exploring the vibrant resurgence of psychedelic research in the San Francisco Bay Area. After decades of dormancy, this field is undergoing a profound renaissance, and Emergence seeks to be at the forefront of this exciting journey. This event series is curated by Danielle Nova (SF Psychedelic Society) and Manesh Girn Ph.D (UCSF/ The Psychedelic Scientist). The event is held at the Alembic in Berkeley, California at 2pm pacific time on Saturday July 13th.

The first event of our series explores Your Brain on Psychedelics, presented by esteemed psychedelic researcher at UCSF, Dr. Manesh Girn Ph.D! Psychedelics, when used with proper preparation and integration, have the power to facilitate lasting changes in our behavior and mental health. Manesh’s presentation will explore what happens to the brain and the science behind these changes with a focus on the concept of neuroplasticity, which refers to our brain’s ability to rewire itself and create new connections.

Come join Dr. Manesh Girn PhD as he provides a guided tour through what exactly neuroplasticity is, the ways in which psychedelics affect it, and how it can be best harnessed for healing and behavior change in the context of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. The discussion will be framed using concepts from the latest scientific findings and perspectives, drawing heavily on the concept of ‘self-directed neuroplasticity’. Expect to leave this workshop with an informed and practical understanding of neuroplasticity that can be applied both in your own life – with and without psychedelics - and in the context of working with others.

Emergence will feature a curated lineup of the Bay Area's most distinguished psychedelic researchers, who will present groundbreaking insights from their latest work. These experts, from diverse backgrounds in neuroscience, psychology, and psychiatry, will delve into a range of topics including neuropsychopharmacology, the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, and the complex interplay between psychedelic experiences and consciousness. Our mission is to connect community members, share research findings, and engaging presentations about the latest psychedelic research happening in the Bay Area, fostering meaningful conversations around these developments.

Each session will begin with community connection exercises, specifically designed to facilitate networking and collaboration among attendees. These activities aim to cultivate a sense of community among those interested in the psychedelic renaissance, fostering deep connections that extend beyond the event. Then we will dive into an engaging presentation, followed by a dynamic Q&A segment, offering you the opportunity to delve deeper into the subject matter. This interactive format is designed to foster a robust exchange of ideas, encouraging you to engage directly with the leading minds in the field.

Emergence is a celebration of the new era of psychedelic research in the San Francisco Bay Area. It's an invitation to be part of a community that is reshaping the future of mental health and addiction treatment, creativity and expanding our understanding of the human mind. Join us in exploring these profound and transformative substances, as we embark on a journey of discovery, understanding, and communal growth.

**Tickets are limited, so reserve your spot now and be part of this incredible celebration of psychedelic science!**

We look forward to sharing space with you

About Your Presenter:

Dr. Manesh Girn Ph.D is a postdoctoral neuroscientist and popular science content creator specializing in the neuroscience of psychedelic drugs. He currently works at the University of California, San Francisco, alongside psychedelic research pioneer Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris, where he conducts research on the neural mechanisms underlying the psychedelic experience and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. He has been lead or co-author of over 20 peer-reviewed publications to date on topics including psychedelics, the default mode network, abstract cognitive processes, and brain network organization. In addition to his research, Manesh runs a popular digital platform on Instagram and YouTube called "The Psychedelic Scientist”, where he shares the latest findings in psychedelic science in a digestible and easy to understand way. Finally, Manesh serves as the Chief Research Officer at EntheoTech Bioscience, a pioneering Canadian bioscience company focused on psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and multidisciplinary mental health solutions.

About Your Host:

Danielle Nova, is the Co-Founder of Microdosing Facilitator Training, Founder of Psychedelic Recovery and Executive Director of San Francisco Psychedelic Society. Danielle is a dedicated trainer, educator, and guide in the psychedelic field specialized in addiction recovery, medication detox support, microdosing, deep journey work and spiritual transformation. With a global impact, Danielle has over six years of professional experience providing comprehensive psychedelic education programs, integration services, and compassionate guided experiences for thousands of individuals. Danielle spearheads a global addiction recovery support program where she is creating specialized training programs for recovery group facilitators, guiding individuals out of harmful addictive patterns and educating clinicians on psychedelics as a tool for addiction recovery. Danielle played a pivotal role in the founding of Decriminalize Nature Oakland, contributing to the historic passage of the first resolution in the United States to decriminalize entheogenic plants and fungi. Featured in notable outlets such as CBS News and MAPS Psychedelic Science Conference, Danielle is a trailblazer in psychedelic advocacy and addiction treatment.

The San Francisco Psychedelic Society is the largest psychedelic society in the United States. A global organization that stands as a transformative healing community, SFPS drives the evolution of global psychedelic culture through the provision of accessible education, training, integration, and connection. With a distinguished record of providing education and integration support to over 15K individuals worldwide, we are committed to empowering people to unlock the healing and transformative potential inherent in psychedelics, all while respecting and honoring their ancient lineages. Our dedicated advocacy centers around facilitating individuals' access to understanding altered states of consciousness and providing unwavering support to those seeking recovery from addiction, mental health assistance, spiritual growth, and personal development. Our organization played a pivotal role in the establishment of Decriminalize Nature Oakland, contributing significantly to the historic passage of the first resolution in the United States that decriminalizes entheogenic plants and fungi. Our collective mission is to foster a culture of empowerment, understanding, and responsible exploration of the profound benefits that psychedelics can offer to individuals and society at large. Connect with our work at www.psychedelicsocietysf.org