The Science of DMT in Brazil: From Brain Mechanisms to Clinical Applications

  • Conference date - May 13th,14th and 15th, 2026

  • Locations in Cuenca: Cuenca, Ecuador -
    Escuela Central | Salón de la Ciudad | Teatro Sucre

Academic Background

Fernanda Palhano-Fontes is a biomedical engineer with a Ph.D. in neuroscience. Her academic background combines functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) techniques with clinical methodologies to study altered states of consciousness. This multidisciplinary foundation allows her to navigate across technological research, neuroscience, and mental health.

Research Focus

Fernanda’s research combines neuroscience, psychiatry, and biomedical engineering. She studies brain mechanisms behind altered states of consciousness using fMRI and psychometric tools. She has contributed to clinical studies on psychedelics like ayahuasca, DMT, ketamine, and LSD, focusing on their effects on mental health and therapeutic potential. Her work balances scientific rigor with exploring new brain–mind frontiers.

Current Institutional Role

She currently works as a clinical neuroscience researcher in Brazil, operating at the intersection of biomedical engineering, psychiatry, and neuroimaging. She is part of research teams developing innovative psychedelic-based treatments for mental health.