Dylan K. Richards

Dylan K. Richards, PhD, is a Research Assistant Professor at the University of New Mexico (UNM) and affiliated with the Center on Alcohol, Substance use and Addictions (CASAA). He holds a PhD in General Psychology with a Health Concentration from the University of Texas at El Paso (2020), an MA in Experimental Psychology (2018), and a BS in Psychology (2014) from George Mason University.

• PhD, General Psychology (Health Concentration), University of Texas at El Paso (2020)
• MA, Experimental Psychology, University of Texas at El Paso (2018)
• BS, Psychology, George Mason University (2014)

Dr. Richards' research focuses on psychological factors that reduce substance use harms, particularly applying Self-Determination Theory to alcohol protective behavioral strategies. He employs psychometric analyses to refine measurement of addiction-related constructs, aiming to develop person-centered interventions that address hazardous substance use through motivational frameworks and behavioral regulation models.

His recent publications (2024-2025) emphasize scale development (e.g., Substance Use Protective Strategies Scale), cross-cultural comparisons of alcohol consequences, and psychological need dynamics in cannabis use. Methodologically, he integrates regression trees and longitudinal analysis to identify risk patterns among college students and clinical populations.

Scientific Awards:

• NIAAA K01AA030789 (PI: Richards) - Understanding Recovery from Alcohol Use Disorder
• NIAAA F32AA028712 (PI: Richards) - Ecologically Valid Application of Self-Determination Theory

Dr. Richards collaborates with UNM's Addictions Research Team and contributes to training programs like the NIAAA Institutional Research Training Grant. His work bridges clinical psychology, public health, and behavioral data science, with implications for intervention design and policy.