معرفی
Robert F. Leeman is Professor and Chair of the Department of Public Health and Health Sciences in the Bouvé College of Health Sciences at Northeastern University, where he has served since August 2022. He holds affiliate appointments in the Department of Applied Psychology and the Institute for Experiential AI, and courtesy faculty status at the University of Florida's Department of Health Education & Behavior.
Education:
- PhD and MA in Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- BA in Psychology and Screen Studies, Clark University, Worcester, MA
Dr. Leeman's research centers on addictive behaviors, particularly alcohol use, sexual health, and impulsivity, with a focus on adolescents and young adults. His work integrates laboratory and real-world data to understand self-control difficulties and develop novel behavioral interventions. He employs methods from behavioral economics, ecological momentary assessment, and digital health tools to study risk factors and test intervention strategies. His research has strong implications for public health and HIV prevention.
His recent publications highlight a consistent focus on impaired control over drinking, delay discounting, and behavioral economic models of risk behavior. He frequently investigates the intersection of alcohol use and sexual health, particularly in the context of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and HIV risk. His methodological approach combines experimental paradigms with field-based assessments, including smartphone-based monitoring and real-time intervention.
Scientific Awards:
- Fellow, American Psychological Association (APA), Division 28
- Inaugural Mary F. Lane Endowed Professor, University of Florida
- SCCAHS Distinguished Lecturer Award
- Presidential Citation for Distinguished Service, APA Division 50
- NIH Clinical Research Loan Repayment Program
Dr. Leeman has been continuously funded by the NIH since 2010 and has held leadership roles in national and international professional organizations. He has advised numerous trainees and led federally funded training programs, including a T32 in alcohol and HIV. He currently serves as Chair of the APA Board of Convention Affairs, Field Editor for the Journal of Studies on Alcohol & Drugs, and Co-Chair of the Communications Committee for the International Society for Biomedical Research on Alcoholism.
He is actively involved in interdisciplinary research teams and collaborates with experts in AI, public health, and behavioral medicine. His lab integrates experiential AI and digital phenotyping to enhance intervention delivery and understanding of behavioral dynamics in real-world settings.
