About the program
Funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), our T32 training program prepares predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows to conduct research aimed at reducing the gap between real-world practice and evidence-based interventions targeting substance use prevention. Through a combination of coursework and research apprenticeships with interdisciplinary faculty, fellows receive advanced training in substance use prevention, implementation science, digital interventions and innovative research methodology.
Trainees engage in studies designed to improve the successful uptake, adaptation and sustainability of preventive interventions in community settings. Training faculty bring particular expertise in research with ethnically diverse populations and in cutting-edge quantitative methods.
Program goal
To build a scientific workforce capable of closing the gap between research on substance use prevention and real-world practice.
Training areas
Our program provides comprehensive training in:
- Substance use prevention
- Implementation science
- Digital health interventions
- Advanced research methodology
- Professional development and career preparation
The REACH Institute
The program is housed in ASU’s Reach Institute, within the Department of Psychology. REACH brings together an interdisciplinary group of prevention and implementation scientists from across the university to accelerate the translation of research into practice and improve public health outcomes.
Application status
All current pre-doctoral and post-doctoral training slots are filled. We expect to begin recruting in spring 2026, pending funding for the next project period.
Translational research focus
Our training program emphasizes research spanning the continuum from etiology to intervention delivery and real-world implementation.
- Epidemiology and Etiology of Substance Use and Addiction (SU/A)
Research explores developmental, genetic, neurobiological, interpersonal, and environmental pathways underlying substance use and addiction.
- Intervention Development and Efficacy Testing
Faculty design, adapt, and test evidence-based prevention programs to optimize their reach, cost-effectiveness, and real-world impact.
- Effectiveness and Implementation in Service Delivery Settings
Trainees study how proven interventions can be scaled in real-world systems. Projects emphasize community-engaged approaches, technology-based adaptations, implementation strategies, and sustaining interventions within service systems.
- Digital Health Technologies
Fellows utilize digital tools to enhance prevention and implementation. These technologies support scalability, accessibility, personalization, and real-time data collection.
- Advanced Methodology
Training emphasizes state-of-the-art quantitative and mixed-methods approaches
T32 administrative faculty and advisors
Co-chairs:
Members:
- Armando Piña
- William Corbin
- Abigail Gewirtz
- Michelle "Lani" Shiota
- Madeline Meier
- Nichea Spillane
- Adela Grando
Early career members:
Core and affiliated faculty
- Biodesign Institute
- College of Health Solutions
- Department of Psychology*
- Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation
- Hugh Downs School of Human Communication
- School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
- School of Social Work
- School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy
- T. Denny Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics*
- W.P. Carey School of Business
*Both pre-doctoral fellows and post-doctoral fellows; other units are post-doctoral only.
Faculty and mentorship structure
Core faculty
Our core faculty serve as the primary mentors for trainees and provide the foundation of our training program. They are nationally recognized leaders in prevention science, with extensive experience in:
- NIH-funded research
- Award-winning mentorship
- Leadership roles in national scientific and professional organizations
Their expertise ensures trainees receive high-quality guidance, support, and career development throughout the program.
Affiliated faculty
Affiliated faculty serve as secondary or co-mentors, broadening the scientific perspectives available to trainees. They bring specialized expertise in areas that complement prevention and implementation science, including:
- Neurobiology
- Technology and digital health
- Economics
- Engineering
- Public policy
This expanded network allows trainees to build interdisciplinary teams aligned with their research goals.
Team science and mentorship model
The program is built on a collaborative team science framework. Trainees work closely with multiple mentors to integrate diverse perspectives, strengthen research skills, and promote innovation. This model ensures comprehensive training and prepares scholars to succeed in today’s interdisciplinary research environment.
Recent trainees (2021–25)
- Jack Waddell
- Austin Blake
- Aubrey Rhodes
- Kamryn Morris
- Mary Kuckertz
- Jeri Sasser
- Scott King
- Savannah Ostner
- Tiffany Tran
- Abigail McDonald
- Sydni Basha
- Joanna Kim
- Matt Miller
- Kimberly Osborne
- Anna Maria Melendez
- Carlie Sloan
- Karina Cahill
- Becka Hoppe
Questions?
Get in touch with our training program co-directors and the steering committee co-chairs.
ASU Charter and Design Aspirations
Our T32 program is deeply aligned with Arizona State University's Charter and Design Aspirations, which guide how we train the next generation of prevention and implementation scientists.