About Us
Established in 2014, the Behavioral Health Research Lab (BHRL) investigates how tobacco and other substance use link to biological and behavioral outcomes. A primary focus of our work is investigating the use and impact of emerging tobacco products and those that are flavored—including little cigars/cigarillos, waterpipes/hookah, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and menthol cigarettes.
These products are heavily and systematically marketed to specific communities by the tobacco industry, including Black and African Americans and sexual and gender minorities (LGBTQIA+). Our research specifically aims to document, understand, and ultimately dismantle the disparate health harms and inequities experienced by these marginalized groups.
To address these critical public health challenges, research at the BHRL utilizes biological and behavioral methods to understand nicotine and toxicant exposure, subjective effects, abuse liability, and overall consumption patterns. We also leverage population-based and mixed methods approaches to uncover real-world use patterns and the lived experience of those who use tobacco products. We collaborate closely with researchers across Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), including the Departments of Psychology, Forensic Science, Kinesiology and Health Sciences, Internal Medicine, and Health Policy, as well as VCU’s Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. Our team also includes a diverse network of local and county partners across Virginia to ensure our research is community-informed.
Ultimately, research conducted at the BHRL is designed to inform public health strategies and shape tobacco-related policies that regulate the availability and marketing of these products. We are deeply committed to translating our scientific findings into action. We disseminate our work broadly to policymakers, the scientific community, and—most importantly—at the local level through community-centered resources.
Explore our recent publications here.
Explore our community-centered communications and resources here.