About Us
Established in 2014, the Behavioral Health Research Lab (BHRL) focuses on projects related to how tobacco and other substance use is associated with biological and behavioral measures such as nicotine and other toxicant exposures, subjective effects, abuse liability, and overall consumption patterns, as well as examining broader population-level use patterns and associated predictors.
A primary focus has been investigating the influence of non-cigarette tobacco products such as waterpipes/hookah, little cigars/cigarillos, and electronic nicotine delivery systems on individual and population health.
To address these research questions, the BHRL uses multiple methods including those from the clinical laboratory, content analysis, survey-based approaches, behavioral economic models, and ecological momentary assessment. The BHRL partners with researchers in Departments of Psychology, Forensic Science, Kinesiology and Health Sciences, Internal Medicine, Health Policy, as well as VCU’s Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Overall, research performed in the BHRL is used to inform public health efforts and tobacco-related policies surrounding the use and availability of tobacco products. We aim to disseminate our findings broadly including at the local and community level, among policy-makers, and within the scientific community at large. Our community-centered communications and resources can be found here.