research overview
- My primary research focus is translational studies investigating the effects of abused drugs and how these effects impact psychological and physical health acutely and chronically. I have expertise in human laboratory studies on cannabis, cannabinoids, alcohol, and nicotine, and maintain research projects in the underlying factors that contribute to successful clinical treatment of psychiatric and substance use conditions. My current research investigates the neuropharmacology effects of drugs of abuse, including high potency marijuana and cannabinoids in psychiatric and medical populations and the direct physiological and behavioral effects of cannabinoids as they pertain to both their abuse potential and potential therapeutic effects in observational, clinical, and human laboratory studies. I have published 97 peer-reviewed papers and 2 book chapters in mental health and addiction that advance etiological and clinical theory, contribute to the design of effective prevention and treatment, and inform public policies targeting substance use. My work has appeared in the top journals in the field – JAMA Psychiatry, Biological Psychiatry, Addiction Biology, Psychological Medicine, and Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. To enable this comprehensive research program, I have built up and manage an extensive laboratory including direct supervision of junior faculty, post-doctoral fellows, research assistants, and graduate and undergraduate student trainees. Our research agenda has been generously supported by the National Institutes of Health, the State of Colorado, and private sponsors. To date, I have secured competitive research funds totaling over $40 million as PI, Co-I, or primary mentor.
