Dr. James Cooke holds three degrees from Oxford University: a First-class honors Bachelor's degree in experimental psychology, a Master of Science in neuroscience, and a PhD in neuroscience. He has conducted research into the brain basis of consciousness for over a decade at institutions such as Oxford University, University of California, Berkeley, University College London, Trinity College Dublin, and Riken Brain Sciences Institute in Tokyo. While at the University of London, he achieved the theoretical breakthrough that forms the basis of this book, first publishing his findings in The Journal of Consciousness Studies and later in Entropy. Outside of academia, he has launched the Innerspace Institute, a platform for promoting understanding around science, secular spirituality, and social change. He also works as a science writer and consultant to psychedelic medicine companies such as Nushama Psychedelic Wellness Center in New York City, Beckley Retreats, and Delic Corp. In early 2022, He left academia to focus on public communication full time.