Chemistry | University of South Florida

Jackie von Salm and Chris Witowski, Psilera co-founders

Two chemistry alumni are transforming mental health treatment options through an unlikely source: psychedelics

10/21/26 — Two alumni from the Department of Chemistry, Chris Witowski, PhD and Jackie von Salm, PhD, are revolutionizing treatment options for mental health disorders by utilizing the therapeutic benefits of psychedelic substances without the hallucinogenic properties.

Thirty new faculty are poised to advance strategic priorities

09/21/26 — The new hires are experts in everything from chemistry and psychology to global studies and communications — and they are here to reinforce the college’s strategic priorities with research that supports global and national security, integrates behavioral dynamics with machine learning and advances understandings of health and disease.

Founders of Psilera, Jackie von Salm (left) and Chris Witowski (right). (Photo courtesy of Chris Witowski)

Two USF alumni aim to transform mental health treatment with non-hallucinogenic psychedelics

07/30/24 — Co-founders of Psilera Chris Witowski and Jackie von Salm – chemistry alumni – are using psychedelics to develop non-hallucinogenic drugs for mental health disorders, including frontotemporal dementia.

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Chemistry | University of South Florida

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Two chemistry alumni are transforming mental health treatment options through an unlikely source: psychedelics

Thirty new faculty are poised to advance strategic priorities

Two USF alumni aim to transform mental health treatment with non-hallucinogenic psychedelics