Dr Uthaug has a background in health and social psychology, completed her
PhD in Psychopharmacology at Maastricht University under supervision of Professor Johannes Ramaekers. Her doctoral dissertation featured five original naturalistic observational studies on the effects of Ayahuasca and 5-MeO-DMT, and was completed in record speed (2,5 years) making her a PhD by the age of 27.

After her PhD defense, Dr Uthaug worked at The Centre of Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London, previously led by Professor Robin Carhart-Harris, now led by Dr David Erritzøe. Here she continued exploring the effects of not only 5-MeO-DMT, but also (Holotropic) Breathwork.

Today, she is co-leading a first phase-1 trial on the effects of intramuscularly administered 5-meO-DMT assessed through holistic means at Swinburne University of Technology together with Professor Susan Rossell and Dr Martin Williams. The trial is employing not only imaging techniques, but also various assessments of wellbeing rooted in physiology, biology and psychology to uncover the mechanisms of effect of 5-MeO-DMT and to further elucidate the mind-body connection. The trial will start fall 2023.