Hena M. Başak is dedicated to exploring the healing and spiritual potential of psychoactive and psychedelic medicines, including plant-based traditions. Her work focuses on trauma and mental health, especially the under-researched symptoms of dissociation and derealization. She also studies women’s health across different phases of life. She is committed to understanding how trauma affects underserved communities, including refugees and women whose experiences are often overlooked in research.
She holds a B.S. in Biology from the University of Florida, a degree in Arts and Humanities, and a Master’s in Psychoactive Pharmaceuticals from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Coming from a Pakistani background and raised Muslim, Hena is committed to bridging Islamic theology and psychedelic studies. This commitment inspired the Islam, Muslims, and Psychedelics series she created, which uplifts Muslim scholars, practitioners, and community voices. She previously served as Communications Officer at the Chacruna Institute and formerly sat on the Board of Directors for Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP).
In her free time, Hena enjoys embracing life to the fullest alongside her husband in Florida.