Dr. Alexander Shackman's lab at the University of Maryland focuses on understanding how anxiety influences behaviors related to alcohol misuse. By integrating advanced brain imaging techniques and smartphone assessments, the lab investigates the connections between brain circuits responsible for processing threats and the behaviors associated with alcohol use. The goal is to find new ways to treat alcohol misuse by identifying key factors that exacerbate anxiety and drive drinking behavior.

Ethan H Mereish's lab at the University of Maryland focuses on understanding the complex relationship between minority stress and substance use among sexual minority adolescents of color. They investigate how discrimination and structural oppression influence alcohol and drug use over time, aiming to uncover protective factors that could help mitigate these risks. This research seeks to enhance prevention and treatment strategies for these vulnerable populations.

Dr. Derek Iwamoto's research focuses on understanding how social stressors impact health outcomes in young Asian Americans, particularly Filipino, Korean, and Indian Americans. He aims to uncover patterns of substance use, mental health issues, and general well-being over time. This research is crucial for revealing how unique cultural backgrounds influence health trajectories in these communities.

Dr. Jessica Magidson's lab focuses on improving treatment for people struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD) and polysubstance use in underserved rural communities. The lab utilizes an innovative mobile telemedicine unit to deliver addiction treatment and develops peer-delivered interventions that encourage positive behaviors to enhance treatment retention and reduce substance use. Their research is crucial in addressing the addiction crisis and improving access to care in areas where medical resources are limited.