You are leading an NIH supported Training Lab to teach the next generation of addiction scientists. Could you give us an overview of this program, what needs it aims to fill, and how?

I lead two world-class training programs. One is called SMART and one is called START. Investing in training and workforce development for addiction scientists strengthens our global competitiveness and equips us to address large-scale epidemics and global challenges. We must continue to develop scientific innovation and research talent in the United States to tackle these complex problems. The START and SMART initiatives are critical to achieve this mission.

 

The Substance Misuse and Addiction Research Traineeship (SMART) program is a transdisciplinary research education initiative designed to enhance workforce readiness in the next generation of substance misuse and addiction scientists. Funded by an NIH R25 research grant, SMART provides undergraduate students with comprehensive training in substance misuse research through mentored experiences, workshops, and hands-on activities. The program emphasizes skill-building in scientific inquiry, health disparities research, and community engagement, with the ultimate goal of creating a pipeline of scientists equipped to address critical public health challenges. To date, the program has supported over 50 students on the path to graduate school, many of whom are on track to become researchers, physicians, and clinician-scientists.

 

The Scientific Training in Addiction Research Techniques (START) program is a cutting-edge initiative that delivers specialized research training in addiction science to early-career investigators. An initiative of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, START offers participants an immersive educational experience in advanced research methodologies, neurobehavioral science, and epidemiology. The program has received national recognition for exceeding expectations and aims to build capacity in addiction research through mentorship, innovative training modules, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The program currently supports 36 junior scholars, including graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and assistant professors, located at universities across the United States.

 

 

The idea of diversity programs and projects to address underserved communities can lead to a preconceived notion of what those communities are. Yet, some of the people targeted by diversity programs might surprise folks. Could you discuss the hidden gaps?

These terms are defined and used in very different ways. However, I can speak as a leader of two cutting-edge training programs. We avoid political talking points and one-sided or short-sided conversations. We care about all communities and all future scientists. We care about rural kids on Limerick Roads who drink well water, and we care about kids in Section 8 houses drinking lead water and all kids in between. We are blessed to have supporters, students, and team members who represent all political spectrums and we are smart enough to listen to them all.

 

 

Your research has focused on the intersection of social stress, addiction, and juvenile justice and how trauma and social disadvantage factor into substance use disorder. What are some key misconceptions that are especially important to clear up? How can prominent community and business leaders be uniquely positioned to influence change?

Addiction is an illness that impacts all social, political, and demographic groups. Punitive paradigms versus healthcare paradigms will be the biggest shift. Community and business leaders first need to understand that addiction is an illness. We have treatments but they work best with social support, healthcare, and good old fashion compassion. It is very difficult to truly see the drug user as a human who is suffering from an illness. It is much easier to process their experiences as a “choice” or a “crime.” Unfortunately, these perspectives have further exacerbated drugs and the broader behavioral health problems in the United States.

Black History is a celebration of resilience. The struggle is just to provide some context for the testimony and extraordinary achievements. What we can learn from Black History Month is the extraordinary healing power of family, community, social support, artistic expression, and faith traditions. These are the major protective factors that fuel resilience, recovery, and achievement. Each of these exists on a continuum ranging from toxic to healthy. The power lies in healthy families, friends, faith traditions, artistic expressions, and so on. In regard to resilience, I think art is underappreciated for its widespread health, economic, pedagogical, and social benefits.