Madeleine Zhu earned a bachelor’s degree in toxicology in 2020 from the University of California, Berkeley, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in bioethics from the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining MAPS Public Benefit Corporation (MAPS PBC), Madeleine supported the IGI’s SARS-CoV-2 Testing Consortium as a research associate, by providing accessible COVID-19 testing to folx in the Bay Area. She also worked as a research assistant exploring the thermogenic gene program of brown adipocytes as a means for potential obesity therapeutics.

At MAPS PBC, Madeleine is currently serving as a clinical study assistant for VA Phase 3 MDMA-assisted psychotherapy studies for patients diagnosed with PTSD. She strives for environmental and health equity, cognizant of the cultural context of psychedelic plants to indigenous peoples and hopeful that the healing modality of psychedelics can be utilized to combat this country’s ongoing mental health crisis. Madeleine is passionate about the impact of intersectionality on mental health and is thrilled at the possibility for psychedelic therapeutics to heal intergenerational trauma.

In Madeleine’s free time, she enjoys strolls through nature and catching sunsets, indulging in savory tunes, and cozying up with a fresh book.