Biography
Dr. Joseph Lichter, Ph.D., is a teaching professor in the Chemistry & Biochemistry department and the Director of the Office of Pre-Health Advising. Dr. Lichter grew up in South Florida and completed his undergraduate studies at Florida State University (B.S. Biochemistry) and graduate work at Emory University (Ph.D. Chemistry) before joining FIU. He teaches in the first year IDH1001/1002 but is most proud of his two upper division courses (IDH 3034 and 3035). The Fall course he teaches is the “Tao of Sports”, which investigates human behavior and associated sciences through the lens of Sports. Bringing knowledge from his many vast experiences in ultra-marathons and ultra-triathlons including multi day runs and being one of the few in the world to complete a deca triathlon (24 mile swim/1,120 mile bike/262 mile run), Lichter brings his own experiences and excellent guest lecturers to help discuss and learn this material.
His other course, “The Psychedelic Renaissance”, investigates the history, chemistry, neurobiology, risk and potential of psychedelics. Research on psychedelics with psychotherapy and as potential agents to battle depression, PTSD, and more are on the rise. There has been a great paradigm shift in the last 2 to 3 decades and Lichter offers a course to critically investigate this movement, evaluating the research and aiming to understand the historical context for this renaissance. Outside of the classroom, Lichter is an avid runner, reader, and is passionate about helping others. Whether you take a course with him or not, you should reach out to him if you ever have questions about being a pre-medical or pre-dental student or have any interest in his areas of expertise.