Maria holds a master’s degree in Cognitive Neuroscience and has a background in molecular biology. She carried out both fundamental and clinical research, investigating the immune system, the role of neurotransmitters in the brain, and emotional processes in people with ADHD.

Maria has entered a path of self-exploration through meditation, yoga, and the study of eastern religions and philosophies. She is in love with nature and spent the last year fighting climate change both as an activist and educator. Her passion for plant medicines developed together with her scientific curiosity towards the mysteries of the mind. She sees her own psychedelic experiences as life-changing, incredibly transformative, and healing and hopes for a world where science and spirituality can come together for the awakening of human consciousness.

As part of the health screening team at Synthesis Retreat, Maria helps with the development of new protocols with the aim of guaranteeing the safety, comfort, and proper preparation of people joining the retreats. As a member of the research team, she carries out scientific research and builds outside research collaborations to improve the physical and mental health of people joining the Synthesis retreat and to contribute to the scientific psychedelic research movement at large.