My expertise is in the area of psychobiological systems involved in the co-occurrence of psychiatric conditions and substance use. I have lead several grants and published numerous studies on the etiological and treatment processes involved in this overlap from developmental, genetic, and pharmacological perspectives. I am a licensed clinical psychologist and am highly experienced in the assessment and treatment of psychiatric and substance use disorders, including roles on randomized clinical trials. Most recently, I have focused on studies that combine clinical, laboratory, and observational approaches to examine the effects of cannabinoids on psychological, cognitive, and other biobehavioral outcomes relevant to public health. I have published 75 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 $25 million as PI, Co-I, or primary mentor.
NRSC 4011 - Senior Thesis
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2023
Senior Thesis credits are available for students during the semester that they write and defend a departmental Honors Thesis. A neuroscience honors thesis must be based on an empirical research project that the student directs/participates in under guidance from a faculty member. Contact the neuroscience director for further information.
PSYC 1001 - General Psychology
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2021 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2023
Provides a foundation for engaging with scientific research on human behavior, and surveys the basic principles and theories of psychology. Topics include biological and hereditary influences on behavior; human perception, attention, learning, and memory; social influences; personality; psychiatric disorders and treatments.
PSYC 4011 - Senior Thesis
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2021
Critically reviews some aspect of psychological literature, scholarly analysis of a major psychological issue, and/or empirical research project. See the psychology honors director for further information.
PSYC 5541 - Special Topics in Psychology
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2023
Studies and analyzes special interest topics from the broad and diversified field of psychology. Particular section content is determined by instructor. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours, provided the topics vary.
