Ali has an undergraduate degree in Molecular Biology and Religious Studies and a professional degree in Radiation Therapy where they worked for over a decade inspired by a desire to work with the dying. They were inspired to pursue graduate studies after walking late at night while listening to Philosophize This! and completed an Master's in Theological Studies and an Interdisciplinary MPhil while working full time in health care.

They found their professional calling after leaving health care to work in community and currently works as a counsellor at Emmanuel House, a community-based Mental Health and Addictions treatment centre where they blend spirituality with DBT, and challenge norms of professionalism and boundaries.

Their doctoral research focuses on the phenomenology, epistemics and existential interdependence in psychedelic therapy transformation and attempts to transcend myopic disciplinary and methodological theories of psychedelic transformation. Their project is intended to be accessible to a broad audience including clinicians and academics outside philosophy.

They happily lead an unconventional life and love meeting interesting people from all walks of life. They believe that changing the conversation, and the willingness to remain curious in discussions with folks with different values and beliefs are the seeds of creating a better world.