Rafaela Fontes

Rafaela Fontes, Ph.D., is a Research Scientist at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion (VTC), affiliated with the renowned Bickel Lab. Her work bridges experimental psychology and addiction science, focusing on behavioral mechanisms underlying substance use disorders and decision-making.

Education:

• Ph.D., Psychology, Utah State University
• Ph.D., Behavioral Sciences, University of Brasilia
• M.S., Behavioral Sciences, University of Brasilia
• B.A., Psychology, University of Sergipe

Her research centers on punishment, reinforcement, delay discounting, and behavioral interventions such as episodic future thinking. She investigates how cognitive strategies and physical activity influence addiction recovery trajectories, with a strong emphasis on experimental and translational approaches. Her work combines behavioral analysis with neuroimaging and clinical applications.

Her recent publications reveal a consistent focus on the behavioral economics of addiction, resurgence of behavior, and the impact of punishment on choice dynamics. She frequently publishes in top journals like the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior and Drug and Alcohol Dependence, contributing both empirical studies and theoretical frameworks.

Scientific Awards:

• Early Career Poster Award, National Conference on Addiction Recovery Science, 2024
• APA Division 25 SEAB Dissertation Award, 2023
• Top Downloaded Article, JEAB, 2022
• Fulbright Doctoral Dissertation Research Award, 2016–2017
• Multiple scholarships from Utah State University (LaPray, Borg, Alvord)
• SABA Senior Student Presenter Grant, 2018

Rafaela has held prior positions as a Postdoctoral Associate at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Research and Teaching Assistant at the University of Utah, and Lecturer in Brazil. She actively contributes to academic discourse through peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and scholarly presentations. While no formal advisees are listed, her role in the Bickel Lab suggests mentorship and collaborative research. She has been supported by prestigious grants including Fulbright and institutional scholarships, underscoring her research productivity and impact.

Lab Affiliation: Bickel Lab at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, a leading center for addiction and decision science research using behavioral, economic, and neuroimaging methods.