Jeffrey Simons

Jeffrey Simons is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of South Dakota, where he has established himself as a leading researcher in substance use behavior, self-regulation processes, and trauma-related psychological phenomena. His work integrates clinical psychology with advanced statistical methodologies, with particular focus on alcohol use disorders, PTSD, and their interrelationships. Dr. Simons maintains an active research program with numerous NIH-funded grants spanning multiple decades.

Dr. Simons earned his BA in Psychology from the University of Colorado-Boulder in 1991, followed by an MS (1996) and PhD (2000) in Clinical Psychology from Syracuse University. He is a Licensed Psychologist with the South Dakota Psychology Association and has received significant recognition for his work, including the USD President's Award for Research Excellence in 2020 and 2004.

His research focuses primarily on substance use behavior as an area to study self-regulation, examining factors that differentiate problematic from non-problematic use. He investigates the role of affect, self-control, and personal goals in self-regulation processes, with additional interests in individual difference constructs such as affect lability and distress tolerance. His methodological expertise includes structural equation modeling, multi-level modeling, generalized linear models, and experience sampling methods using palmtop computers to examine within-person associations with alcohol-related problems.

Analysis of Dr. Simons' recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on trauma-related research, particularly examining the intersections between PTSD, alcohol use disorders, and emotional dysregulation. His work frequently employs network analysis and experience sampling methods to understand within-person processes. There's a clear trajectory toward more complex statistical approaches and collaborative multi-site research, especially in neuroimaging studies related to trauma.

• USD President's Award for Research Excellence, USD, 2020
• President's Award of Research Excellence, University of South Dakota, 2004
• Phi Beta Kappa, University of Colorado, 1991

Dr. Simons has successfully secured substantial research funding from multiple NIH institutes including NIAAA and NIMH, as well as the Department of Defense. His current grants include studies on alcohol and sexual decision-making among MSM, PTSD and AUD interactions, and experience sampling studies of sleep, PTSD, and alcohol. He has mentored numerous students and collaborators who frequently co-author his publications, suggesting an active laboratory environment focused on trauma and substance use research.

His research team appears to be highly collaborative, working with multiple institutions on large-scale projects like the ENIGMA PTSD consortium. The lab likely employs experience sampling methods and advanced statistical approaches to examine within-person associations related to alcohol use and mental health outcomes. Dr. Simons' work bridges clinical psychology with methodological innovation, creating a unique niche in understanding the dynamic processes underlying substance use disorders and trauma-related conditions.