Buffalo, NY-based Arezoo Aria (28) is a graduate research assistant at the University of New York, Buffalo, where she is completing her PhD in Chemical and biological Engineering. Born and raised in Iran, Arezoo Aria earned a BS in Chemical Engineering (and played college basketball) before traveling to the US as a chemical engineering PhD student. Though unconsciously affected by the discriminatory and oppressive culture she grew up in, her family encouraged her to live freely and fight for her rights.

Arezoo didn’t resonate with the materialistic and unsocial aspect of her work in chemical engineering and struggled to fit in as an international student. Depressed, she began researching cognitive behavioral therapy and was introduced to psychedelics’ potential in understanding the human mind and treating mental suffering. Transformed by a personal encounter with psychedelics, she was inspired to dedicate her life to bringing this healing experience to others whose constricted perceptions are limiting their potential. Arezoo believes psychedelics could help people live more contented, fuller lives and teach us about the human psyche, neurobiology, and the mystery of consciousness. “I envision a future where all of us together will bring about a world that is a place for every being to express themselves equally, fully and with love," she says.

Arezoo hopes to help bring the life-changing effects of psychedelics to people in Iran. “It breaks my heart knowing how many lives could be different and how many children could be raised differently and have a better future,” she says. “I believe the most effective form of change occurs gradually and by future generations.”

The Cosmic Sister Emerging Voices Award (CS EVA) increases visibility for talented newcomers who demonstrate potential in the field of psychedelics. We are pleased to announce the very first CS EVA recipients, in partnership with The Sleeping Octopus Assembly on Psychedelics (@pittsburghsoap) in Pittsburgh, PA, Sep 27-29, 2019.