Education and Publications

I am currently a researcher assistant with the Computation and Systems Neuroscience Lab at Monash University in Australia. I recently submitted my PhD in neuroscience there, having conducted my graduate studies under the auspices of the Razi Lab. Throughout this journey, I’ve seamlessly integrated my background in psychology into my research.”

Recent and current research

Publications and CV

Imaging analysis using DCM

Clinical trial design and investigation

Recent and current work:

My current research primary looks at the phenomenology of experience related to brain areas by analyzing the outcomes of a recent comprehensive clinical imaging trial of 60 healthy adults under the psychedelic psilocybin. The trial, called PsiConnect (referring to psilocybin, connectivity and context- i.e., mindset and setting) involved the collection of MRI and EEG, a battery of 18 psychological measures and manipulation of mindset using an eight-week course of mindfulness meditation and setting using music. Read more the trial and design here.

In preparation: Protocol design of PsiConnect trial

In planning: PsiConnect MRI imaging results: Resting state, meditation, music and naturalistic stimuli connectivity changes between meditators and non-meditators under psilocybin and their association to subjective effects

Out of body experience comparative analysis across Parkinsons and psilocybin

Publications:

Stoliker, D., Egan, G. F., Friston, K., & Razi, A. (2021). Neural Mechanisms and Psychology of Psychedelic Ego Dissolution. Pharmacological Reviews. vol. 74, no.4, pp. 874-915. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/aewtm. IF = 25.5
Stoliker, D., Novelli, L., Egan, G.F., Preller, K., & Razi, A. Effective Connectivity of Emotion and Cognition under Psilocybin. Biological Psychiatry, In press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.07.013. IF = 13.4
Stoliker, D., Egan, G. F., Friston, K., & Razi, A. (2022). Reduced Precision Underwrites Ego Dissolution and Therapeutic Outcomes Under Psychedelics. Frontiers in Neuroscience. vol. 16, no. 827400. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2022.827400. IF = 5.2

Preprints:

Stoliker, D., Novelli, L., Vollenweider, F.X. Egan, G.F., Preller, K., & Razi, A. Effective Connectivity of Emotion and Cognition under Psilocybin. medRxiv, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.09.06.22279626
Stoliker, D., Preller, K., Anticevic, A., Egan, G.F., Vollenweider, F.X., & Razi, A.Neural Mechanisms of Imagery under Psilocybin. medRxiv. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.09.07.22279700

Link to CV by request.

Imaging analysis using Dynamic Causal Modeling

Dynamic Causal Modeling (DCM) is a computational method that estimates the directed (causal) influence that a model of brain regions exert upon on one another. Using DCM, we build a mathematical picture based on brain scans to see these connections, which can help us understand consciousness, wellbeing and perception.

Central to DCM is the creation of a mathematical representation of brain function, drawing from data procured through neuroimaging techniques, including but not limited to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG). This representation encompasses estimates detailing both the magnitude and orientation of interactions (known as effective connectivity) among distinct brain areas, as well as pinpointing the action of singular neurons or assemblies of them.

Pitting the model’s prognostications against actual data permits the verification of theories regarding the communication and synergy among brain regions. This facilitates the demystification of the precise neural frameworks that propel these functions and their evolution with time.

In the realm of neuroscience, DCM stands out as a robust instrument. Its applications are diverse, ranging from exploring brain maturation and senescence to diseases. Recently, it’s also been employed to decipher the neural basis of the unique experiences elicited in psychedelic states.

Clinical trial design, preparation and implementation

PsiConnect is the first Australian imaging trial of 60 adults under the effects of a psychedelic and is the largest data set of its kind available worldwide . PsiConnect refers to Psilocybin, Connectivity, and Context (psilocybin interactions with meditation, music, psychological traits). Design, preparation and implementation of was significant yet auxiliary component of my PhD completed in coordination with Principle Investigator Adeel Razi and a large host of research and support staff.

The experience provided the opportunity to understand the variability of responses to a standard dose of psilocybin (19mg – low-medium dose) and complexity of associating imaging to subjective effects. Moreover, it served as the opportunity to support participants through the psychedelic experience before, during and after imaging procedures.

The imaging component of the trial is completed. Analysis of the main imaging and behavioural data will begin in early 2023, while follow-up psychological measures will continue to be collected at intervals until end of 2023.

Contact

Devon.Stoliker@monash.edu

Monash BioMedical Imaging
770 Blackburn Rd, Clayton 3168
VIC Australia