Emily Grekin

Emily Grekin is an Associate Professor and Associate Chair/Graduate Director in the Department of Psychology at Wayne State University. She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Emory University (2003) and has expertise in developing and evaluating technology-based interventions for substance use disorders. Her work focuses on optimizing digital tools such as computerized and social media interventions, with particular attention to cultural factors (e.g., African-American and Arab-American populations) and common relationship factors like empathy and humor in treatment efficacy.

Grekin has secured multiple grants from NIH (NIAAA, NIDA) and HRSA, including leadership roles in opioid workforce training programs and projects evaluating indirect screening methods for drug use. Notable awards include the 2015 Excellence in Teaching Award and 2019 Outstanding Graduate Director Award from Wayne State.

Her research spans behavioral economics in cannabis use, mindfulness-based smoking cessation, and the role of social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook in health interventions. She leads the Grekin Lab, which investigates digital health innovations and their impact on marginalized communities.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Emory University, 2003
  • M.A. in Psychology, Emory University, 1999
  • B.A. in Psychology, Carleton College, 1996
• Key Research Themes:
  • Technology-delivered interventions for substance use
  • Cultural influences on addiction
  • Common therapeutic factors in digital health
  • Health disparities in treatment access

Recent work emphasizes feasibility studies of online interventions, chronic pain management through social media support groups, and mindfulness-based approaches to smoking cessation. Her grants total over $3M in funding, reflecting sustained federal and state support for her innovation in behavioral health technology.