Jamie Parnes

Jamie Parnes is an incoming Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, starting Spring 2026. His research centers on psychosocial determinants of cannabis and substance use, with a strong focus on sexual and gender minoritized (SGM) populations, including LGBTQ+ individuals. He employs diverse methodologies such as self-report, laboratory studies, ecological momentary assessment, and advanced statistical modeling.

His research interests include:

• Individual differences in cannabis use initiation and escalation
• Minority stress and mental health among SGM individuals
• Cannabis harm reduction and treatment interventions
• Policy impacts on substance use behaviors
• Co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders

The available publications highlight a consistent focus on minority stress, real-time behavioral assessment, and the development of psychometric tools in substance use research. His work bridges clinical psychology, public health, and quantitative methods, particularly in understanding how social and psychological factors influence substance use trajectories in vulnerable populations.

Scientific awards:

• No awards explicitly mentioned in the provided text.

Dr. Parnes is involved in clinical work focused on evidence-based psychodiagnostic assessment and treatment of substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions in adolescents and young adults. While current advisees are not listed, his research program is poised to train students in clinical science, quantitative methods, and LGBTQ+ health. He has not received mention of external grants in the text, but his publication record suggests active involvement in intervention and observational research.

There is no explicit mention of labs or research teams in the provided text, but his methodological approach indicates likely leadership of a research lab focused on substance use and minority mental health upon arrival at UMass Amherst.