Marlene Dobkin de Rios is a medical anthropologist and psychotherapist who has studied the use of Ayahuasca by Peruvian natives. She has published numerous books and articles on the cross-cultural look at the use of hallucinogens and sacred plants, as well as studied shamanic techniques of healing and psychotherapy. From l999 to 2005, she directed the qualitative dimension of research in Brazil on the use of ayahuasca among adolescents in the União do Vegetal Church.

Ms. de Rios launched a website in late 2006 at www.marlenedobkinderios.com.