Find Academic Supervisors

• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Substance Use Disorders
• +3 more

Roman Ivasiy is an Associate Research Scientist at Yale School of Medicine's AIDS department. He holds an MD from Danylo Halytskiy Lviv National Medical University (2014) and an MPH in Epidemiology from Georgia State University (2021, Fulbright-sponsored). His research focuses on substance use disorders, HIV/AIDS prevention, and LGBTQ+ health disparities, with emphasis on global health policy and conflict-related disruptions. He collaborates extensively with institutions in Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. Research highlights include evaluating opioid agonist therapies (OAT) scale-up, analyzing treatment retention during the COVID-19 pandemic, and studying provider stigma impacts in Ukraine. He contributed to policy recommendations during Russia's invasion of Ukraine, emphasizing continuity of OAT services for PWID. Awards: 2025 CIRA Pilot Projects in HIV Research Awardee Key Collaborators: Frederick Altice, Lynn Madden, Amanda Liberman Funding: Multiple NIH-funded studies on opioid use disorder and HIV/HCV comorbidities His work spans 3 continents, with recent studies published in International Journal of Drug Policy , AIDS , and Contemporary Clinical Trials . He advocates for evidence-based responses to health crises in conflict zones and marginalized populations.

• Addiction Medicine
• Harm Reduction
• Substance Use Disorders
• +3 more

Dr. Kimberly Sue is an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Program in Addiction Medicine at Yale School of Medicine. She holds dual board certifications in Internal Medicine and Addiction Medicine. Previously, she served as Medical Director of the National Harm Reduction Coalition. Her current roles include attending physician at APT Foundation’s Central Medical Unit and supervisor of Yale’s Addiction Medicine Fellowship program. She also leads the Yale Addiction Medicine Consult Service. Dr. Sue earned her MD-PhD from Harvard University, with a PhD in Sociocultural Anthropology. Her research focuses on harm reduction, gender disparities in substance use, and overdose prevention strategies. Notable work includes her book Getting Wrecked: Women, Incarceration, and the American Opioid Crisis (2019), examining opioid use disorder among incarcerated women. Education: Harvard Medical School MD-PhD (2015), PhD in Sociocultural Anthropology (2014) Board Certifications: Internal Medicine, Addiction Medicine Key Roles: Former Medical Director (National Harm Reduction Coalition), Attending Physician (APT Foundation/Yale Consult Service) Her research bridges anthropology and public health, addressing systemic barriers to care for substance-using populations. Recent work advocates for decriminalization, overdose prevention centers, and community-based drug checking programs.

Kristi Lynn StringerView profile

Assistant Professor

• Public Health
• Health Related Stigma
• Intersectional Stigma
• +5 more

Dr. Kristi Lynn Stringer serves as an Assistant Professor of Community and Public Health within the Department of Health and Human Performance at Middle Tennessee State University's College of Behavioral and Health Sciences. A native of Murfreesboro, she maintains deep community ties while conducting groundbreaking research on health-related stigma with national recognition. Her educational background includes a PhD (2017) and MA (2012) from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and a BS (2009) from Middle Tennessee State University. Her doctoral training established the foundation for her current research trajectory focusing on marginalized populations. Dr. Stringer's research program centers on intersectional stigma affecting people living with HIV, substance use disorders, and criminal justice involvement. She examines how gender, race, sexuality, and poverty compound health disparities through mixed-methods approaches. Her work demonstrates how layered stigmas create barriers to healthcare access, treatment adherence, and social support systems, particularly in the Deep South context. Analysis of her publication record reveals consistent focus on stigma measurement, harm reduction implementation, and structural barriers to care. Her most recent work employs advanced statistical methods like latent class analysis to model complex stigma pathways. The publications span high-impact journals across public health, addiction science, and HIV research domains. Beyond academia, Dr. Stringer actively contributes to community health through harm reduction organizations serving Nashville's homeless population, providing both supplies and education. This practical engagement directly informs her research on street-level health interventions and policy implementation. Her professional activities include significant contributions to the AIDS and Behavior journal, participation in the HEALing Communities Study, and leadership in the FRESH (Finding Respect and Ending Stigma around HIV) initiative. She maintains active collaborations with researchers at UAB, Meharry Medical College, and Columbia University.

Kristen MarksView profile

Associate Professor

• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health-Preventative Medicine
• Hepatology
• +7 more

Kristen Marks is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College within Cornell University . Her clinical expertise spans HIV/AIDS , Viral Hepatitis , and Long COVID , with active roles at the Weill Cornell Clinical Trials Unit and the Center for Special Studies (HIV/AIDS) . She leads studies on HIV/HCV co-infection , hepatitis B/C vaccines , and substance use disorders . Education: M.S. in Clinical Investigation, Weill Cornell Graduate School (2009) M.D., Columbia University (1999) B.A./M.S., Stanford University (1995) Her research focuses on improving treatment outcomes for HIV/viral hepatitis co-infections , particularly among people who inject drugs (PWID) . She has pioneered accessible care models at syringe exchange programs and led AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) initiatives. Recent work addresses Long COVID and hepatitis B vaccine development for immunocompromised populations. Key publications highlight her work on direct-acting antivirals for HCV , rapid treatment initiation , and vaccine efficacy in HIV+ individuals . Her studies often intersect public health policy with clinical practice guidelines , reflecting a commitment to optimizing care for marginalized communities. She co-chaired the IDSA/AASLD Hepatitis C Guidelines Panel and served on New York State’s HCV guidelines , while her teaching roles span medical students, residents, and fellows . Collaborations with organizations like Gilead Sciences and Novo Nordisk underscore her translational research impact.

Monica S. RuizView profile

Associate Professor

• HIV/AIDS
• Substance Use/Addiction
• Health Disparities
• +5 more

Monica S. Ruiz is an Associate Professor at George Washington University's Milken Institute School of Public Health, Department of Prevention and Community Health, affiliated since 2008. She also serves as Co-Director of the iMCH Lab. Her work focuses on HIV prevention, substance use, and health disparities in marginalized populations, including LGBTQ+, people who use drugs, and BIPOC communities. Education: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Loyola Marymount University (1988) Master of Public Health in Epidemiology, University of California, Berkeley (1996) Doctor of Philosophy in Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California School of Medicine (1995) Research: Dr. Ruiz leads projects such as DC POINTE, examining policy impacts on HIV outcomes in Washington, DC. Her work evaluates syringe exchange programs, addiction treatment access, and the effects of gentrification on harm reduction services. She has held roles at NIH, amfAR, and the Institute of Medicine, emphasizing policy-driven health equity. Teaching: She teaches courses including PubH 1102 (History of Public Health), PubH 6553 (Adolescent Health), and PubH 6559 (HIV Prevention Strategies). Community Service: Dr. Ruiz serves on the Syringe Access Working Group in DC, is active in Team RWB (military veteran support), and volunteers for Dogs on Deployment (military pet care). She contributes to national committees addressing HIV/AIDS research and policy. Labs/Teams: Co-Director of the iMCH Lab, collaborating on harm reduction and policy research.

• Drug addiction
• Epidemiology
• Harm reduction
• +9 more

Courtney A McKnight is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at New York University, focusing on mixed methods research in drug use epidemiology, opioid overdose, and HIV/HCV infection. Her work combines academic research with field experience in harm reduction. Prior to NYU, she served as Assistant Director of Research at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, leading studies on syringe services and interventions to improve HIV/HCV testing access. Education : Bachelor of Arts in Women's Studies, Rutgers University Master of Public Health in Community Health Education, Hunter College Doctor of Public Health (DrPH), City University of New York Graduate Center Research Interests : Dr. McKnight examines illicit opioid dynamics, particularly illicit fentanyl's rise, and risk environments for people who use drugs. Her work spans behavioral science, harm reduction, and qualitative research, with a focus on public health interventions. Publications : Recent work addresses vaccine hesitancy during the pandemic, global HCV care disparities, and fentanyl's impact on overdose and infectious diseases. Her research highlights structural barriers to healthcare and the need for evidence-based harm reduction strategies. Awards : No awards explicitly mentioned in the text. Advising & Grants : While no specific grants are listed, her roles as Principal Investigator and project director at Mount Sinai indicate experience managing federally funded studies. Her work emphasizes collaborations to address drug-related health disparities. Labs/Teams : Active in NYU's epidemiology department, collaborating with global networks on harm reduction and infectious disease control.

John JacksonView profile

Researcher

• Medication Safety
• Opioid Dependence Treatment
• Community Pharmacy Practice
• +3 more

John Jackson is a Researcher at Monash University's Centre for Medicine Use and Safety within the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. With over two decades of research output spanning from 2001 to 2024, he has established himself as a leading expert in medication safety, opioid dependence treatment, and community pharmacy practice. His work contributes significantly to healthcare policy development and implementation of innovative pharmacist-led services. Mr. Jackson holds a Master of Public Health (2003), a Graduate Diploma in Hospital Pharmacy (1981), and a Bachelor of Pharmacy (1973). He serves as an external advisor to the Western Pacific Pharmaceutical Forum since 2013, demonstrating his regional influence in pharmaceutical practice. His research interests focus on optimizing medication use through collaborative care models, particularly in the treatment of opioid dependence. He has pioneered the development and evaluation of pharmacist-prescriber collaborative models for Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Dependence (MATOD), addressing critical treatment shortages in Australia. His policy analyses of the Australian Community Pharmacy Agreement reveal important insights about the intersection of industry interests and public health objectives. Mr. Jackson's publication record shows a clear progression from foundational work on medication safety toward innovative service delivery models. His recent work (2022-2024) centers on implementation science, evaluating the effectiveness of collaborative care models for opioid dependence treatment and analyzing policy environments that influence pharmacist performance. These studies represent a shift toward translating research into practical healthcare solutions. Pharmacist of the Year (2018) As a Chief Investigator on multiple major projects, Mr. Jackson has secured significant research funding, including the current project 'Upscaling a pharmacist-prescriber model of collaborative care for Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Dependence (MATOD) to address Australia's treatment shortage' (2025-2029). His work extends beyond academia through media engagement, with notable contributions including 'Pay pharmacists to improve our health, not just supply medicines' (2019) and commentary on pharmacist workforce issues (2021). Mr. Jackson works within the Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement evidence-based medication services that improve patient outcomes while addressing systemic challenges in healthcare delivery.

Christopher BerndsenView profile

Professor

• Biochemistry
• Structural Biology
• Enzymology
• +6 more

Christopher Berndsen is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at James Madison University (JMU), where he has worked since 2012. His research focuses on understanding enzymatic mechanisms of acyl transfer and viral tethering by human Tetherin using biochemical, structural, and computational techniques. He collaborates with scientists in the MDH CURES community and the JMU Center for Genome and Metagenome Studies. Education: Ph.D. in Biomolecular Chemistry (University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2008), B.S. in Biochemistry (Roanoke College, 2003), Post-Doctoral work at Johns Hopkins University and HHMI (2008-2012). His research spans three main areas: (1) acyl transfer mechanisms (ubiquitination, acetylation), (2) plant β-amylase enzymes (starch degradation), and (3) viral tethering by Tetherin (HIV inhibition). He integrates computational modeling, X-ray crystallography, and biochemical assays to explore enzyme function and regulation. Recent publications highlight his work on malate dehydrogenases, β-amylase conformational dynamics, and Tetherin's structural resilience. His lab trains undergraduates in research, with projects documented on platforms like his website and GitHub . Funding comes from the National Science Foundation, Jeffress Trust, 4-VA, Hamilton Syringe Company, and the U.S.-Israel Binational Science Foundation. Scientific Awards: Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award American Heart Association Pre-Doctoral Fellow He also develops Shiny apps and teaching resources to enhance student understanding of biochemistry, including tools for data fitting, circular dichroism, and enzyme kinetics. His educational philosophy emphasizes applying knowledge to real-world problems and fostering student collaboration through initiatives like the Open Science Framework.

Howard LuneView profile

Professor

• Organizations and Organizational Fields
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Collective Identity
• +3 more

Howard Lune is a Professor in the Department of Sociology at Hunter College, City University of New York, within the School of Arts and Sciences. His academic career focuses on organizational sociology, particularly examining how marginalized groups organize for greater political, social, and economic power. Professor Lune's research interests include: Organizations and Organizational Fields Nonprofit Organizations Collective Identity Formation Social Movements Cultural Nationalism Community Organizing His scholarly work demonstrates a consistent focus on how marginalized communities organize and establish collective identities. Recent publications show a particular interest in Irish-American identity formation, while earlier work examined needle exchange programs, school violence, and nonprofit organizational strategies. His research spans multiple methodologies, including historical analysis, qualitative fieldwork, and organizational studies. Professor Lune has received recognition for his scholarly contributions, including the 2009 Outstanding Book in Nonprofit and Voluntary Action Research Award from ARNOVA (The Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action) for his book "Urban Action Networks: HIV/AIDS and Community Organizing in New York City." His academic service includes co-authoring the widely used textbook "Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences," demonstrating his commitment to training the next generation of sociological researchers.

Shaina TrevinoView profile

Researcher

• Prevention Science
• Educational Data Science
• Quantitative Research Methods
• +4 more

Shaina Trevino, PhD, is a Researcher in the College of Education at the University of Oregon, affiliated with the HEDCO Institute for Evidence-Based Educational Practice and the Prevention Science Institute. She holds a PhD in Prevention Science with a specialization in educational data science and quantitative research methods. Her work focuses on data management, computational reproducibility, and privacy-preserving data publishing, particularly in studying intergenerational self-regulation, youth well-being, and violence prevention. Dr. Trevino’s education includes a PhD (2022) and MS (2018) in Prevention Science from the University of Oregon, and a BS in Psychology (2016) from Southern Oregon University. Her research integrates quantitative methodologies to address societal challenges, such as trauma assessment in families and evidence-based intervention design. Her research interests span prevention science, data science workflows, and bridging research-to-practice gaps. She develops dynamic research reports and interactive web apps to enhance accessibility of educational and preventive interventions. Key areas include early childhood emotion regulation, parent-child dynamics, and the impact of stress on developmental outcomes. Awards: 2022 Minority Travel Award (Society for Prevention Research) 2019 Doctoral Travel Award (University of Oregon) 2018-19 Promising Scholar Award (University of Oregon) Roles: Data science workflows for HEDCO Institute Statistical analysis and data management at the Prevention Science Institute Privacy-preserving data publishing methods Labs/Teams: Collaborates across interdisciplinary teams to advance prevention science and educational data applications.

Brian Wilson WeirView profile

Academic

• HIV prevention
• substance use and overdose prevention
• human rights
• +4 more

Brian Wilson Weir is an Associate Research Professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, affiliated with the Department of Health, Behavior and Society and the Center for Public Health and Human Rights . He holds a PhD in Public Health (2013), MHS (2012), and MPH (2004) from Johns Hopkins and Oregon Health & Science University. HIV prevention Substance use and overdose epidemiology Public health economics Global health policy His research examines HIV prevention strategies for key populations, overdose prevention through harm reduction, and structural determinants of health. Recent work includes PrEP effectiveness studies in Thailand, mobile harm reduction services in Baltimore, and implementation science projects in South Africa and Ukraine. Key scientific contributions have appeared in Lancet Regional Health , Addiction , and AIDS and Behavior . His work has been recognized with multiple Excellence in Teaching Awards and a Delta Omega Society induction. Current projects include the SCOPE Study (Baltimore), HomeLink2 (South Africa), and economic analyses of syringe services programs.

Barbara Andraka-ChristouView profile

Associate Professor

• Substance Use Disorder Treatment
• Health Policy Research
• Health Services Research
• +3 more

Dr. Barbara Andraka-Christou is an Associate Professor in the School of Global Health Management and Informatics at the University of Central Florida (UCF), with a joint appointment in UCF’s College of Medicine. Her research emphasizes evidence-based policies to expand access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), particularly focusing on health services and systemic inequities. She leads the Substance Use Policy & Evaluation (SUPER) research team, which investigates interdisciplinary solutions to addiction crises. Education: Postdoctoral Fellowship in Public Health (Indiana University–Indianapolis, 2017); PhD in Law & Social Science (Indiana University–Bloomington, 2016); JD (Indiana University–Bloomington, 2013); BA in Economics, summa cum laude (University of Florida, 2008). Licensed attorney in Florida. Research Interests: Her work bridges health policy, legal frameworks, and clinical practice. Key topics include MOUD accessibility, harm reduction strategies, court-based substance use interventions, and racial/ethnic disparities in treatment. She has published in top-tier journals like Health Affairs and JAMA Network Open , and authored the acclaimed book The Opioid Fix (2020). Public Engagement: Dr. Andraka-Christou has appeared on NPR’s All Things Considered and Morning Edition , advocating for policy reforms. Her recent studies address police attitudes toward overdose response, virtual court efficacy, and barriers to MOUD in criminal justice systems. She also examines state laws restricting buprenorphine treatment and disparities in opioid overdose reporting. Grants & Leadership: Leads projects funded by NIH and foundations, focusing on policy evaluation and interagency collaboration. Her SUPER team collaborates with courts, healthcare providers, and policymakers to design equitable treatment systems. Office hours are Tuesdays 11 AM–2 PM and Thursdays 11 AM–1 PM. Labs/Teams: Directs the SUPER research team, which publishes on topics like syringe service programs, recovery court dynamics, and opioid-related stigma. Collaborates with multidisciplinary networks to translate research into actionable policy recommendations.

Martha TillsonView profile

Researcher

• Substance Use & Misuse
• Harm Reduction
• Criminal Justice System
• +3 more

Martha Tillson is a Research Scientist at the University of Kentucky's Center on Drug and Alcohol Research and a trainee in the NIDA-funded JEAP Initiative. She holds a PhD in Sociology from the University of Kentucky, with interdisciplinary expertise in psychology and social work. Her research focuses on women's gendered experiences of substance use/misuse, recovery support services, and barriers to reentry post-incarceration. She investigates interventions to reduce stigma, harm, and recidivism among marginalized populations. Her work emphasizes rural Appalachian communities, examining intersections of substance use, criminal justice systems, and healthcare access. Key projects include peer navigation programs for opioid use disorder (OUD) and telehealth strategies to link justice-involved women to treatment. She collaborates with the Substance Use Priority Research Area at UK and has contributed to initiatives like the Kentucky Women’s Justice Community Opioid Innovation Network (JCOIN). Publications highlight factors influencing overdose risks, injection drug use, and reentry outcomes. Her research underscores the need for gender-specific, community-based interventions to address systemic inequities in healthcare and criminal justice systems.

Navid Behzadi KoochaniView profile

Professor

• Emergency Medicine
• Epilepsy
• Cardiovascular Research
• +5 more

Navid Behzadi Koochani is a Professor and academic director at Camilo José Cela University, where he leads the Master's Degree in the Study of Interventions in Emergencies, Disasters, and International Cooperation. He is also a practicing physician and holds senior leadership roles at the Madrid Emergency Medical Service (SUMMA112), including Head of the Northern Functional Unit and Head of the SUMMA112 Research Commission. His professional affiliations include the Scientific Advisory Council of the Primary Care Biomedical Research Foundation (FIIBAP). He completed a PhD in Clinical Sciences at the University of Alcalá (2013), a Master's in Urgencies and Emergencias from Complutense University (2005), and dual qualifications in Medicine and Surgery (Autonomous University of Madrid, 2002) and Family and Community Medicine (Ramón y Cajal Hospital, 2005). Research interests focus on acute coronary syndrome, epilepsy management, extracorporeal circulation in cardiorespiratory arrest, and healthcare cost-effectiveness. He also explores societal resilience through European Horizon 2020 projects and has contributed to clinical trials at the National Center for Cardiovascular Research (CNIC). His work bridges emergency medicine with international cooperation and public health policy. Over his career, he has authored multiple articles in high-impact journals, contributed book chapters, and developed a utility patent for hands-free syringe equipment (2019). His articles reflect expertise in epilepsy treatment protocols, CPR efficacy, pandemic-related respiratory care, and prehospital fibrinolysis outcomes. He has supervised over 40 master's theses in emergencies and international cooperation and actively participates in research evaluations. His roles include directing academic programs, coordinating SUMMA112 research initiatives, and advising the Primary Care Biomedical Research Foundation's strategic projects. Behzadi Koochani is affiliated with SUMMA112's research teams, the ACESUR registry collaboration, and the Clinical Simulation Center at Francisco de Vitoria University. He collaborates across institutions to advance emergency medicine practices and clinical education.

Sean AllenView profile

Associate Professor

• Harm Reduction
• Rural Health Disparities
• Overdose Prevention
• +2 more

Dr. Sean Allen is an Associate Professor researching structural drivers of public health among marginalized populations, particularly people who inject drugs. His work addresses rural health disparities, harm reduction initiatives, and policy interventions for infectious disease prevention. Previously served as Senior Policy Advisor at the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. Education: DrPH (George Washington University), MPH/BS (University of Kentucky) Research Areas: Implementation of syringe service programs; fentanyl test strip use; PrEP adoption barriers; HIV prevention in rural Appalachia; geospatial analysis of substance use. Projects: Adapting HIV interventions for rural PWID; Syringe services in Indigenous communities.