Brief Overview of Clinical Research
My research focuses on the neuropsychopharmacology of addiction. I combine neuroscience and behavioral science to better understand drug-seeking behavior and to develop effective treatments. My work includes clinical trials, human laboratory research, brain imaging studies and molecular genetics.
Inpatient
1993-1998 – University of Texas – Houston Health Science Center:
I supervised volunteer subjects who participated in specific research protocols at the NIH-sponsored University Clinical Research Center.
1998-2004 – University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio:
I continued inpatient research at the University Clinical Psychopharmacology Laboratory, focusing on the NIAAA-sponsored Project COMBINE Pilot 1 study.
Outpatient
1993-1998: University of Texas – Houston Health Science Center
I was responsible for the treatment and care of all outpatients and human laboratory subjects at the Clinical Laboratory and Experimental Alcohol Research Center. My work primarily focused on individuals with substance dependence and related mental health issues.
1998-2004: The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
I continued supervising outpatient services at the Treatment Research Center. During this time, over 300 substance-dependent individuals received care under my supervision.
2005-2013: University of Virginia Center for Addiction Research and Education
At this new outpatient facility, which was funded by NIH, I led efforts to bring clinical research to the Charlottesville, Virginia community. The primary objective was to identify pharmacological treatments for addiction to substances such as alcohol, cocaine, methamphetamine, and nicotine. Additionally, we aimed to promote education in the addiction sciences. A key component of this work was the transfer of scientific knowledge to the community, helping to bridge the gap between research and practice.
2014-Dec 2019: Clinical Neurobehavioral Center (CNC)
As Director of this advanced inpatient facility, I led efforts to research and treat a wide range of addiction and impulse control disorders. The CNC focused on patients with alcohol use disorders, exploring genetic markers and pharmacological treatments. Beyond clinical research, the CNC also served as a primary referral center for VIP patients seeking evidence-based treatments for alcohol use disorders.
The facility also housed the award-winning Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling, a key resource providing a referral network for gambling counselors and service providers. The center trained counselors, educators, prevention specialists, and healthcare and social service providers. Additionally, it developed and managed numerous prevention and community outreach programs.