UB students showcase research work in addictions

BUFFALO, N.Y. – The study of addiction, much like addiction itself, is filled with complex questions cutting across many fields, including psychology, sociology, medicine, neuroscience, public health and education. At UB, not only are these questions explored throughout these academic disciplines, but they are also the focus of the university’s Research Institute on Addictions (RIA).

On April 21, RIA will host its second Student Research in Addiction Sciences Open House to highlight the collaborative addictions research work conducted at UB. Nearly 30 undergraduate and graduate students from 12 departments in four UB schools will participate.

The open house will take place from 3-5 p.m. at RIA, 1021 Main St., Buffalo, on UB’s Downtown Campus. It is free and open to the public.

“Last year’s open house was a tremendous success, and we are very excited to once again showcase the broad range of interdisciplinary addictions research taking place at UB to which students can contribute,” says Kenneth Leonard, PhD, RIA director.

Students will present posters featuring research conducted under the guidance and mentorship of faculty and research scientists from RIA and the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Professions and Graduate School of Education.

The poster presentations will cover a broad number of different substances, including opioids, alcohol, cocaine, tobacco and prescription drugs, and address topics such as naloxone administration by emergency personnel in opioid overdoses, interventions to reduce college sexual assault, the influence of socioeconomic factors on alcohol treatment, various neural and behavioral mechanisms underlying addiction, and the interaction of substance use and family relationships.

For more information, visit http://www.buffalo.edu/ria/educ_training/open_house.html or contact Amy Hequembourg, PhD, at ahequemb@ria.buffalo.edu or 887-3343 or Alexis Thompson, PhD, at athompso@ria.buffalo.edu  or 887-2243.

RIA is a research center of the University at Buffalo and a national leader in the study of alcohol and substance abuse issues. RIA’s research programs, most of which have multiple-year funding, are supported by federal, state and private foundation grants. Located on UB’s Downtown Campus, RIA is a member of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and a key contributor to UB’s reputation for research excellence. To learn more, visit buffalo.edu/ria.