Magdalena Jaglinska
Department, Institution: Experimental Psychology, UCL
UBEL Pathway: Ecological Study of Brain and Behaviour
Supervisor: Prof Jeremy Skipper, Prof Sarah Garfinkel
Contact details: magdalena.jaglinska.22@ucl.ac.uk
Social Media: x.com/magdajaglinska
Website: psychedelicunit.com
About Me
I am a PhD student based at UCL’s Department of Experimental Psychology. Before starting my PhD, I completed a BSc in Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology from the University of Manchester and an MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience from UCL, where my research focused on the neural mechanisms underlying LSD-induced hallucinations. I also worked as a research assistant on several projects investigating how bodily states influence cognition and the sense of self. During my PhD, I aim to apply this embodied approach to studying psychedelic drugs and the role of the body in altered states of consciousness.
My Research
My PhD research explores the role of bodily and autonomic states in altered states of consciousness. I am particularly interested in how psychedelics like psilocybin and DMT influence processing of bodily signals in the brain, leading to profound changes in consciousness and mental well-being. Key questions I aim to address include: How do serotonergic hallucinogens alter the brain’s processing of autonomic signals? What role does the heart play in psychedelic-induced changes in consciousness? And can we use autonomic signals as biomarkers to predict acute and long-term effects of psychedelic experiences?
Impact of My Research
This research aims to deepen our understanding of the neurophysiological basis of psychedelic effects while reintegrating the body into current theories of psychedelic action, which often overlook its role. Identifying autonomic predictors of psychedelic outcomes could enable more personalized, safer, and more effective psychedelic-assisted therapies. Beyond psychedelic science, this work will contribute to a broader understanding of how the body and brain interact to shape subjective experiences, offering valuable insights with wide-ranging implications for mental health and well-being.