UK Hosting Second Annual Substance Use Research Day

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 26, 2020) – The University of Kentucky is hosting its second annual Substance Use Research Day next Tuesday, March 3, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. inside the UK Gatton Student Center. This annual event showcases the work of faculty across the UK campus who are working to reduce the burden of substance use disorders in Kentucky and beyond.

This year’s event will feature two plenary speakers from outside UK, three thematic symposia from UK faculty, a poster session and data blitz for trainees.

“Over the years, UK has hosted a number of Research Days highlighting the great work of our fellow scientists in other disciplines,” said William Stoops, Ph.D., UK College of Medicine professor and organizing committee chair for the event. “Substance Use Research Day was created to highlight the depth and breadth of relevant research happening all over campus, and it provides an opportunity to bring together experts from many different backgrounds to build networks and continue to spur future collaborations.”

Plenary speakers this year are:

• Dr. Alexander Walley, associate professor of medicine, Boston University School of Medicine; “Clinical and Public Health Approaches to the Opioid Crisis”
• Elise M. Weerts, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; “Behavioral, Pharmacological and Neuroimaging Approaches Towards Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder”

The following symposia will be given by UK faculty:

“Addressing the Opioid Epidemic in Kentucky: HEALing, Hope, and Justice”

• Sharon Walsh, Ph.D., director, UK Center on Drug and Alcohol Research – Kentucky HEALing Communities Study
• April Young, Ph.D., associate professor of epidemiology, UK College of Public Health – CARE2HOPE project
• Carrie Oser, Ph.D., professor of sociology, UK College of Arts & Sciences – Women’s JCOIN project

“Human Research and Clinical Perspectives on Psychostimulant Use or Clinical and Behavioral Management of Stimulant Use”

• Dr. Laura Fanucchi, associate professor of internal medicine, UK College of Medicine
• Craig Rush, Ph.D., professor of behavioral science, UK College of Medicine

“New Frontiers in Substance Use Etiology: Evidence from Preclinical Research”

• Pavel Ortinski, Ph.D., assistant professor of neuroscience, UK College of Medicine
• Jill Turner, Ph.D., assistant professor of pharmaceutical sciences, UK College of Pharmacy

UK Substance Use Research Day is sponsored by the UK Office of the Vice President for Research. For more information, visit UK Research.