Lorra Garey

Lorra Garey, Ph.D., is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Houston, within the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. She is also an affiliate of the U54 RMCI HEALTH Center for Addictions Research and Cancer Prevention and the UH HEALTH Research Institute, reflecting her strong engagement in interdisciplinary health research.

Research Interests: Dr. Garey specializes in developing and testing accessible, culturally informed behavioral health interventions for underserved and marginalized populations. Her work integrates mobile health (mHealth) technologies to deliver personalized interventions remotely, with a focus on smoking cessation, mood management, and reducing health disparities. Key areas include anxiety sensitivity, pain interference, and substance use among Black and Latinx communities.

Recent Research Trends: Her recent publications highlight a strong focus on the psychological and social determinants of tobacco and cannabis use, particularly how perceived discrimination, pain, and emotional regulation influence cessation outcomes. The integration of digital tools and remote delivery methods is a consistent theme across her work.

• Scientific Awards: No specific awards listed in the provided text.

Grants and Advising: Dr. Garey has served as Principal Investigator on multiple federally funded grants from the National Cancer Institute and NIMHD, including projects on culturally tailored smoking cessation for Black and Latinx populations with HIV. She also serves as a Co-Mentor on diversity supplements, indicating active mentorship and training roles. While specific students are not named, her leadership in research suggests she mentors graduate students and early-career researchers.

Labs and Research Teams: She is affiliated with major research initiatives including the U54 RMCI HEALTH Center for Addictions Research and Cancer Prevention and the UH HEALTH Research Institute, where she collaborates on integrated interventions targeting addiction and mental health in high-risk populations.