Jon Dean

Jon Dean is a doctoral candidate at the University of Michigan, specializing in Molecular and Integrative Physiology.2 He is currently in his final year of PhD studies, expecting to obtain his degree by summer 2025.1

Dean's research focuses on the powerful psychedelic compound dimethyltryptamine (DMT).1 His work investigates whether human brains synthesize DMT naturally and, if so, why this occurs. Some key findings from his research include:

1. DMT is present in rat brains at concentrations similar to serotonin, a major neurotransmitter.1
2. DMT brain levels rise during cardiac arrest in rats, which may be related to near-death experiences reported by some cardiac arrest survivors.1

Prior to his academic career, Dean was a musician. He played guitar in a popular local indie rock band called Asleep during the 2000s.1 The band achieved some success, including playing at the South By Southwest music conference and recording with renowned producer Steve Albini.1

Dean's path to his current research began after experiencing anxiety following the death of a close friend when he was an undergraduate at Youngstown State University.1 This led him to explore alternative approaches to mental health, eventually sparking his interest in DMT research.

His work contributes to a growing field of research investigating the potential therapeutic applications of psychedelic compounds for various mental health conditions, including PTSD, depression, addiction, and end-of-life anxiety.1