National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (R01 AA024433) “Developmental and peer effects on the neurobiology of cognitive control and reward processes,” 7/01/17-6/30/22 ($2,416,589). PIs: Brian Hicks and Mary Heitzeg. Role: Co-Investigator.
The presence of peers has been shown to increase neuroactivation of reward processes during adolescence, a phenomenon hypothesized to account for the high rates of risky behavior in adolescence. We will examine peer effects on reward and cognitive control processes over the course of adolescence, and how individual differences in the neurodevelopment of these processes contribute to alcohol use problems and other high-risk behavior.
National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (U54 MD012393; Sub-Project ID: 5378) “Antecedents and Consequences of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems in Underrepresented Youth,” 9/20/2017-6/30/2022 ($1,562,804). Project Leads: Elisa M. Trucco and Matthew Sutherland.
Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the US. Although rates of cigarette use are decreasing, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) use is increasing at a rapid pace among adolescents. There is a growing debate whether using ENDS are less harmful than regular cigarettes. One side recognizes the potential benefit of ENDS as a harm reduction tool, while others believe that ENDS specifically target adolescent non-smokers. There are few studies that test patterns of use and long-term health effects of ENDS among adolescents. Using a prospective longitudinal study design, this project will identify factors that influence the onset of ENDS among adolescents and determine whether ENDS use leads to greater use of other substances. We will also examine whether ENDS use has a negative impact on brain functioning and structure using neuroimaging. This project will be part of the FIU-RCMI.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (T32 DA043449) “Training Program in Adolescent Substance Use Disorders and Co-Occurring Mental and Behavioral Disorders,” 8/1/2019-7/30/2024 ($1,524,305). PI: Pelham. Role: Primary Mentor (0% Effort).
Supported across three academic units: the Center for Children and Families, the Center for Research on U.S. Latino HIV/AIDS and Drug Abuse (CRUSADA), and the Department of Epidemiology, this T32 focuses on providing training to predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows on Substance Use Disorders-Co-Occurring Disorders. Three tracks emphasize emerging areas of research: developmental psychopathology/neurobiology, prevention and intervention, and dissemination, implementation, and health services practice.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (U01 DA041156) “ABCD-USA CONSORTIUM: RESEARCH PROJECT SITE AT FIU,” 04/15/2020-03/31/2027 ($1,255,155). mPI: Raul Gonzalez and Angela Laird. Role: Co-Investigator (2% Effort).
In conjunction with the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Coordinating Center, Data Center, and selected sites, this study will reveal how psychosocial (including cultural), neurocognitive, and neurobiological factors dynamically interact to influence substance use trajectories during development from childhood through adolescence and into young adulthood using a Latino sample. The findings of the ABCD Study will further NIDA’s mission to apply cutting-edge science to issues of substance use and addiction in order to inform policy and improve prevention and treatment.
National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (3U54MD012393-04S2) “Impact of COVID-19-related experiences on mental health, substance use, and the brain among underrepresented youth: Leveraging the ACE Project,” 09/01/2020-06/30/2021 ($184,189). Project Leads: Matthew T. Sutherland and Elisa M. Trucco (30% Summer Effort).
The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted communities nationwide and led to school closures forcing children and parents to face many uncertainties and added burdens. Understanding the effects of these COVID-19-related stressors on adolescents and caregivers, particularly those from lower income and/or minority households, and the associated risk/protective factors for/against poor psychological outcomes may identify strategies to promote wellbeing. This study utilizes an ongoing longitudinal study focused on teen e-cigarette use to now better understand coronavirus experiences that influence adolescent and caregiver substance use, mental health, and adolescent brain outcomes which could ultimately provide useful information to local, state, and federal agencies responsible for disaster response.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (K08 AA23290) “Environment, Genes, and Temperament on the Development of Alcohol Use Disorder,” 09/01/2020-08/31/2021 ($872,848). PI: Elisa M. Trucco.
This training grant has two major goals. The first is to redress gaps in the current alcohol use disorder (AUD) literature by advancing an interdisciplinary program of research on genetic, social environmental, and temperamental factors underlying adolescent alcohol use using two large longitudinal datasets. The second is to enhance the investigator’s knowledge base and research skills, especially as it pertains to molecular genetics and biostatistics.