Kathryn Elizabeth Gex

Kathryn Elizabeth Gex, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) within the College of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Her academic focus spans substance use prevention, cannabis and alcohol use problems across the lifespan, and qualitative/mixed methods research. She leads research initiatives in the Addiction Sciences Division, emphasizing behavioral economic theory and tailored brief interventions.

Education:

• B.S. in Psychology, College of Charleston
• M.S. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, University of Memphis

Dr. Gex's research explores behavior change mechanisms in cannabis use, integrating behavioral economic theory to develop novel brief interventions. She investigates sex/gender and age-related factors influencing cannabis use, supported by pilot funds from MUSC’s Specialized Center of Research Excellence (SCORE) on Sex and Gender Differences in Cannabis and Stress.

Scientific Awards:

• NIDA K12 Career Development Award
• NIDA K23 Career Development Award

She completed a predoctoral internship and postdoctoral training (NIDA T32) at MUSC, joining the faculty upon fellowship completion. Her work aims to reduce substance use harms through lifespan-focused interventions, with cross-sectional studies involving over 300 cannabis users.