HEALTH–FAST
Awards
NOTE: Doctoral Scholars are bolded in red, while Early Stage Investigators and Postdoctoral Fellows are bolded in black. HEALTH–FAST leadership is underlined.
Grants Awarded
49. VA Health Systems Research 1I50HX004001-01 (10/2024 – 09/2029)
Title: The Center for Data to Discovery and Delivery Innovation (3DI)
Principal Investigator: Salomeh Keyhani, M.D., M.P.H.
Associate Director: Carolyn Gibson, Ph.D.
48. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health 1 R01 AT012461-01A1 (08/2024 – 07/2029)
Title: A Randomized Trial of a Remotely Delivered Group Pelvic Yoga Program for Women with Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome Multiple Principal Investigators: Alison Huang, M.D., M.A.S. & Carolyn Gibson, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.S.C.P.
47. National Institute on Drug Abuse 1R01DA059480-01A1 (08/2024 – 05/2029)
Title: Elucidating Minority Stress Influences on Tobacco Use at the Intersection of Sexual Orientation and Rurality
Principal Investigator: Katelyn Romm, Ph.D.
Co-Investigators: Carla Berg, Ph.D., M.B.A., Amy Cohn, Ph.D., Laura Beebe, Ph.D., & Yan Wang, Ph.D.
46. National Institute on Drug Abuse R01DA058003 (06/2024 – 03/2029)
Title: Developing and Strengthening Cannabis Warnings
Principal Investigators: Sarah Kowitt, Ph.D. & Leah M. Ranney, Ph.D.
Co-Investigators: Gillian Schauer, Ph.D.; Julia Dilley, Ph.D., Rachel Callanan, JD, & Kristen Jarman, MSPH
45. Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas PP240005 (03/2024 – 02/2029)
Title: Preventing Tobacco-Related Cancers by Expanding Capacity for Tobacco Use Interventions Within Agencies Serving Women
with Behavioral Health Needs
Principal Investigators: Lorraine R. Reitzel, Ph.D., Maggie Britton, Ph.D., & Isabel Martinez Leal, Ph.D.
Co-Investigators: Janice Blalock, Ph.D.
44. American Cancer Society CHERC-24-1160021-01-CHERC (01/2025 – 12/2028)
Title: Empowering Smoking Cessation for Sexual and/or Gender Minoritized (SGM) People in Oklahoma and the ACS South Region Principal Investigator: Julia McQuoid, Ph.D.
Co-Investigators: Katelyn Romm, Ph.D., Erin Vogel, Ph.D., & Jason Oliver, Ph.D.
43. National Cancer Institute/Food and Drug Administration U54DA060049 (09/2023 – 08/2028)
Title: Understanding the Impact of Vaping Prevention Ads on Adolescents and Young Adults
Principal Investigators: Sarah Kowitt, Ph.D., Seth Noar, Ph.D., & Kurt Ribisl, Ph.D.
42. VA Health Services Research and Development Service 1 I01 HX003522-01A1 (06/2023 – 05/2028)
Title: Gaps in Identification, Referral, and Treatment of Cannabis Use in VA Primary Care
Principal Investigators: Carolyn Gibson, Ph.D., M.P.H., & Salomeh Keyhani, M.D., M.P.H. (MPI)
41. National Cancer Institute/Food and Drug Administration K01CA265886 (09/2023 – 08/2027)
Title: Communication Messages to Reduce Youth Multiple Tobacco Product Use
Principal Investigator: Sarah Kowitt, Ph.D.
Mentors: Adam O. Goldstein, M.D., M.P.H. (primary mentor), Seth M. Noar, Ph.D. (co-mentor), Allison J. Lazard, Ph.D. (secondary mentor), & James F. Thrasher, Ph.D. (secondary mentor)
40. Urban Institute Student Upward Mobility Initiative [No number] (09/2024 – 08/2026)
Title: Co-creating a Measure of Critical Career Readiness for Young People in Middle and High School
Principal Investigators: Charles Lea III, Ph.D., M.S.W. & Craig S. Schwalbe, Ph.D., M.S.W.
39. Research Centers in Minority Institutions, HEALTH Research Institute Pilot Grants Program U54MD015946 (08/2024 – 07/2026)
Title: Freedom to Reach Emotional Empowerment: An mHealth App for Black Women with HIV
Principal Investigator: Lorra Garey, Ph.D.
38. Chicago Chronic Condition Equity Network [No number] (07/2025 – 06/2026)
Title: Enhancing Engagement and Reach of Evidence-based Tobacco Cessation in Chicago
Principal Investigator: Emma Brett, Ph.D.
37. University of Chicago Center for Health Administration Studies Seed Grant [No number] (07/2024 – 06/2026)
Title: Overcoming the Digital Divide to Increase Smoking Cessation Treatment Access in Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Adults Who Smoke
Principal Investigator: Emma Brett, Ph.D.
36. National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities R21MD019345 (09/2024 – 06/2026)
Title: Ecological Momentary Assessment of Daily Minority Stressors and Cannabis and Tobacco Co-Use among Sexual Minority Young Adults
Principal Investigators: Amy Cohn, Ph.D. (Contact PI), Katelyn Romm, Ph.D. (MPI)
Co-Investigator: Sarah Ehlke, Ph.D.
35. National Institute on Drug Abuse F32DA060612 (05/2024 – 05/2026)
Title: Socio-Structural Determinants of Cannabis and Derived Psychoactive Cannabis Product Use and Consequences Among Young Adults
Principal Investigator: Cassidy LoParco, Ph.D.
34. Research Centers in Minority Institutions, HEALTH Research Institute Pilot Grants Program U54MD015946 (06/2024 – 04/2026)
Title: Cellular and Genetic Mechanisms of Inflammatory Heart Disease
Principal Investigator: Kumaraswamy Chitrala, Ph.D.
33. VA HSR Pain/Opioid CORE Whole Health Rapid Start Funding Opportunity [No number] (04/2024 – 03/2026)
Title: Rapid Quality Improvement and Evaluation of an Acupuncture Therapy Clinic for Peri/Post-Menopausal Women Veterans with
Chronic Pain. (A-MVP)
Principal Investigator: Felice Indindoli, D.Ac., L.Ac., Dipl Ac. NCCAOM
Co-Investigator: Carolyn Gibson, Ph.D.
32. National Cancer Institute 3R01CA251478-04S1 (09/2025 – 03/2026)
Title: Local Flavor Policies to Enhance Equity in Tobacco – A Diversity Supplement
Principal Investigator: Shyanika W. Rose, Ph.D.
Other Co-Investigators: Delvon Mattingly, Ph.D.
31. VA Office of Rural Health NOMAD PROJ-04118 (10/2024 – 09/2025)
Title: Development and Feasibility of a Telehealth Mind-Body Menopause Program (Year 2)
Principal Investigator: Francesca Nicosia, Ph.D., C-IAYT
Co-Investigator, Carolyn Gibson, Ph.D.
30. Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas PP230003 (08/2023 – 08/2025)
Title: Taking Texas Tobacco Free: Dissemination to and Implementation within Centers Serving Texans who Identify as LGBTQ+
Principal Investigators: Lorraine Reitzel, Ph.D. & Maggie Britton, Ph.D.
Co-Investigators: Isabel Martinez Leal, Ph.D., Tzuan A. Chen, Ph.D., Mike C. Parent, Ph.D., & Bryce Kyburz, M.A.
29. Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas PP230078 (08/2023 – 08/2025)
Title: Implementation and Dissemination of an Evidence-Based Intervention to Increase Tobacco Treatment Capacity in Opioid Treatment Programs
Principal Investigators: Lorraine Reitzel, Ph.D. and Maggie Britton, Ph.D.
Co-Investigators: Isabel Martinez Leal, Ph.D., Tzuan Chen, Ph.D., Paul Cinciripini, Ph.D., & Maher Karam-Hage, M.D.
28. University of North Carolina Tobacco Centers of Regulatory Science Pilot Grant [No number] (09/2024 – 08/2025)
Title: Impact of Objective Ad Features on Recognition of Vaping Prevention Ads
Principal Investigator: Youjin Jang, Ph.D.
Co-Investigators: Sarah Kowitt, Ph.D. & Seth Noar, Ph.D.
27. University of North Carolina Tobacco Centers of Regulatory Science Pilot Grant [No number] (09/2024 – 08/2025)
Title: Understanding Vaping Among Young Adults with Major Depressive Disorder and their Perspective on Mental-Health-Focused Communication Campaign Messages
Principal Investigator: Allie Worsdale, Ph.D.
Co-Investigators: Sarah Kowitt, Ph.D. & Adam Goldstein, Ph.D.
26. Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Health Promotion Research Center R24-02 (07/2023 – 06/2025)
Title: Elucidating Real-time Minority Stress Influences on Tobacco Use at the Intersection of Sexual Identity and Rurality
Principal Investigator: Katelyn Romm, Ph.D.
25. Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Health Promotion Research Center [No number] (07/2023 – 06/2025)
Title: Continuing Time-Sensitive Drug Abuse Research: Evaluating the Impact of Medical Cannabis Legalization on Cannabis Attitudes, Substance Use Behaviors, and Related Health Behaviors in Oklahomans
Co-Investigator: Katelyn Romm, Ph.D.
24. Health Promotion Research Center [No number] (07/2024 – 06/2025)
Title: Project IMMPACT (Investigating Medical Marijuana Perceptions with Alcohol, Cannabis, and Tobacco)
Principal Investigator: Amy Cohn, Ph.D.
Co-Investigators: Katelyn Romm, Ph.D., Erin Vogel, Ph.D., & Darla Kendzor, Ph.D.
23. Notice of Special Interest Supplement under NIMHD U54MD015946 (05/2023 - 04/2025)
Title: Development of Culturally Tailored Content for Smoking Cessation and HIV Care Improvement among Latinx Adults: A Pilot Study
Principal Investigator: Lorra Garey, Ph.D.
22. Stephenson Cancer Center [No number] (08/2024 – 04/2025)
Title: Social Influences on Parenting Dynamics and Tobacco Use among Sexual Minority Youth
Principal Investigators: Katelyn Romm, Ph.D. (Contact PI) & Erin Vogel, Ph.D. (MPI)
Co-Investigators: Amy Cohn, Ph.D., Darla Kendzor, Ph.D., & Meng Chen, Ph.D.
21. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration & National Institute of Drug Abuse (11/2023 – 02/2025)
Title: Impact of Centering Equity within the Healing Communities Study Communities That Heal Model
Principal Investigators: Jeffrey H. Samet, Ph.D., Bridget Freistheler, Ph.D., & Nabila El-Bassel, Ph.D.
Co-Investigators: Charles Lea III, Ph.D., MSW, Dawn Goddard-Eckrich, Ph.D., LaShawn Glasgow, Ph.D., & Avik Chatterjee, PhD, MD
20. Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas PP230002 (03/2023 – 02/2025)
Title: Taking Texas Tobacco Free: Dissemination to and Implementation within Lung Cancer Screening Programs
Principal Investigators: Lorraine Reitzel, Ph.D. and Maggie Britton, Ph.D.
Co-Investigators: Isabel Martinez Leal, Ph.D., Tzuan A. Chen, Ph.D., & Lisa Lowenstein, Ph.D.
19. Stephenson Cancer Center/American Cancer Society 134128-IRG-19-142-01 (02/2023 – 01/2025)
Title: Elucidating Multilevel Influences on Tobacco Use at the Intersection of Sexual Orientation and Rurality
Principal Investigator: Katelyn Romm, Ph.D.
Co-Investigators: Amy Cohn, Ph.D.
18. University of Houston’s Psychological, Health, & Learning Sciences Department Boost Scholarship Grant (01/2023 – 12/2024)
Title: The Interplay of Social Media Networking and Sexual Socialization in Young Adulthood Using a Systems Dynamics Framework
Principal Investigator: Chakema Carmack, Ph.D.
17. Columbia University, School of Social Work Small Grants Program [No number] (01/2024 – 12/2024)
Title: Towards a Large Language Model Artificial Intelligence Chatbot to Assist Service Providers Who Work with LGBTQ+ Populations
Principal Investigators: Charles Lea III, Ph.D., M.S.W. & Elwin Wu, Ph.D.
16. Victoria’s Secret Pink & The Jed Foundation Pink with Purpose Grant [No number] (06/2024 - 12/2024)
Project Title: The Mental Independence and Nurturing Development (MIND) Project: Pathways to Strengthen Community and Promote Positive Mental Health Among Young Adults Aged 18-25
Principal Investigator: Corissa Barrow, M.A.
15. Cougar Initiative To Engage [No number] (06/2024- 07/2024)
Title: Cancer Cell Culture Technology: Advancing Undergraduate Research Skills for Careers in Industry
Principal Investigator: Kumaraswamy Naidu Chitrala, Ph.D.
Mentors: Ezemenari Obasi, Ph.D., Lorraine Reitzel, Ph.D.
14. University of North Carolina School of Medicine Boost Award [No number] (02/2024 – 06/2024)
Title: Developing and Strengthening Cannabis Warnings
Principal Investigators: Sarah Kowitt, Ph.D. and Leah Ranney, Ph.D.
13. National Institute on Drug Abuse 4R00DA054260 (07/2024 – 06/2024)
Title: Development of a Mobile Health Intervention for Electronic Cigarette Use among Young Adults
Principal Investigator: Emma Brett, Ph.D.
12. Center for Healing of Opioid and Other Substance Use Disorders Enhancing Intervention Development and Implementation (CHOSEN), Columbia University [No number] (06/2023 – 05/2024)
Title: Reentry and Substance Abuse: Identifying Risks and Protective Factors among Formerly Incarcerated Emerging Adult Black Men
Principal Investigator: Charles Lea, Ph.D.
11. Research Advisory Council [No number] (05/2022 – 05/2024)
Title: Creation of a Firearm Event Registry and Evaluation of Gun Shows’ Impact on Gun Violence Rates
Principal Investigators: Sanjay Batish, M.D., Adam Goldstein, M.D., M.P.H., Sarah Kowitt, Ph.D., Joseph Pino, M.D., M.H.A.
10. National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities/ National Institutes of Health U54MD015946-03S1 (05/2022 – 04/2024)
Title: Addressing Tobacco-related and Lung Cancer Inequities Among Black Adults: A Mixed Methods Pilot Project
Principal Investigators: Maggie Britton, Ph.D. and Isabel Martinez Leal, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator on the Application: Ezemenari Obasi, Ph.D.
Co-Investigators: Lorraine Reitzel, Ph.D. and LeChauncy Woodard, M.D.
9. National Cancer Institute 3R21CA263765-01A1S1 (07/2022 – 01/2024)
Title: Approach Bias Retraining for Nicotine Addiction among Dual Combustible and Electronic Cigarette Users: Diversity Supplement
Principal Investigator: Lorra Garey, Ph.D.
Funding Candidate: Pamella Nizio, B.S.
8. National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities 3U54 MD015946-02S2 (10/2021 – 9/2023)
Title: Podcasting HIV Prevention within African American Communities to Decrease New Infection - Administrative Supplement
Principal Investigator: Chakema Carmack, Ph.D. (submitted as a supplement under Ezemenari Obasi, Ph.D.)
Application.
Mentor: Ezemenari Obasi, Ph.D.
7. North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services [No number] (08/2022 – 07/2023)
Title: North Carolinians for a Tobacco-Free Generation
Principal Investigators: Sarah Kowitt, Ph.D. and Leah Ranney, Ph.D.
6. University of North Carolina Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention [No number] (07/2022 – 06/2023)
Title: Strengthening Cannabis Warnings
Principal Investigators: Sarah Kowitt, Ph.D. and Leah Ranney, Ph.D.
5. Vice President of Research at the University of Texas [No number] (05/2022 – 04/2023)
Title: Using Asynchronous Telehealth to Reduce Tobacco Use Among LGBTQ+ People in Austin
Principal Investigator: Michael Parent, Ph.D.
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Office on Smoking and Health (OSH) HHS000930400001 (05/2022 – 4/2023)
Title: Tobacco use in the Austin LGBTQ+ community
Subcontract Principal Investigator: Michael Parent, Ph.D.
3. Research Centers in Minority Institutions, HEALTH Research Institute Pilot Grants Program U54MD015946 (02/2022 – 02/2023)
Title: Proof of Concept and Feasibility in Podcasting Cervical Cancer Prevention in for African American Females
Principal Investigator: Chakema Carmack, Ph.D.
Mentors: Ezemenari Obasi, Ph.D. (primary mentor); Lorraine Reitzel, Ph.D. (secondary mentor)
2. National Institute on Drug Abuse F32DA055388-91 (05/2022 – 09/2022)
Title: Parental Influences on Tobacco Use among Sexual Minority Young Adults in a New Market and Policy Landscape
Principal Investigator: Katelyn Romm, Ph.D.
Mentor: Carla J. Berg, Ph.D.
1. Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch and the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) Office on Smoking and Health (OSH) HHS000930400001 (09/2021 – 08/2022)
Title: Tobacco Use in the Austin LGBTQ+ Community
Partner: Michael Parent, Ph.D.
Awards and Honors
1. National Cancer Institute, Loan Repayment Program Award
Awardee: Cherell Cottrell-Daniels
2. Global Leaders of Behavioral Health Education (GLOBE) Fellowship
Awardee: Kerry Chavez
3. Global Leaders of Behavioral Health Education (GLOBE) Fellowship
Awardee: Tarik Goulbourne
4. Global Leaders of Behavioral Health Education (GLOBE) Fellowship
Awardee: Rachel Roberts
5. Cullen Fellowship Travel Grant
Awardee: Haleem Brown
6. Cullen Fellowship Travel Grant, University of Houston
Awardee: Pamella Nizio
7. University of Houston’s Elizabeth D. Rockwell Ethics & Leadership Scholarship
Awardee: Corissa Barrow
8. Gender Pay Gap Activist Scholar awarded by Power on Heels 501(c) (3) non-profit organization
Awardee: Corissa Barrow
9. 2022 American Academy of Health Behavior Oral Abstract Presentation: High Honors Certificate
Title: Social Cohesion/trust is Associated with Smoking Status amongst Adults Experiencing Homelessness
Awardee: Rachel Roberts
10. 2022 Annual Psychological, Health, & Learning Sciences Symposium Multicultural and Social Justice Poster Award
Awardee: Tarik Goulbourne
11. Author area expert for the Veterans Affairs National Center
Title: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder mobile app team "Women's Wellness Within Coach"
Honoree: Carolyn Gibson
12. Content area expert for Veterans Affairs Informatics and Computing Infrastructure (VINCI)
Title: Develop hybrid algorithm to classify menopause status
Honoree: Carolyn Gibson
13. Contribution for the Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System's Pain Research, Informatics, Multi-morbidities
and Education (PRIME) Center
Title: Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Prevalence in Veterans Study
Honoree: Carolyn Gibson
14. Department of Psychological, Health, & Learning Sciences Travel Fellowship
Awardee: Haleem Brown
15. Department of Psychological, Health, & Learning Sciences Travel Fellowship
Awardee: Rachel Roberts
16. Department of Psychological, Health, & Learning Sciences Travel Fellowship
Awardee: Tarik Goulbourne
17. Dr. Walter Cubberly Memorial Fellowship Endowment
Awardee: Haleem Brown
18. Geographical Management of Cancer Health Disparities Program (GMaP) Travel Fellowship
Awardee: Corissa Barrow
19. Geographical Management of Cancer Health Disparities Program (GMaP) Travel Fellowship
Awardee: Pamella Nizio
20. Geographical Management of Cancer Health Disparities Program (GMaP) Travel Fellowship
Awardee: Ty Robinson
21. Gordon L. Paul Memorial Scholarship
Awardee: Pamella Nizio
22. Honorable Mention for the 2022 RISE Research Award from the Association for Psychological Science
Awardee: Kerry Chavez
23. National Research Mentoring Network (Grant Writing Coaching)
Title: Strategic Empowerment Tailored for Health Equity Investigators
Awardee: Charles Lea
24. National Institute of Drug Abuse Travel Fellowship
Awardee: Tarik Goulbourne
25. National Institute on Drug Abuse
Title: Innovation to Impact: Translational Education.
Awardee: Michael Parent
26. Special topics author for the Veterans Affairs State of Reproductive Health 2022 Report
Title: Menopause and Mental Health
Honoree: Carolyn Gibson
27. Student Poster of Distinction Award, American Academy of Health Behavior
Title: Internalized Homonegativity and Somatic Anxiety Distinguish Former from Current Cigarette Smokers and may Represent Cessation Targets for Intervention in LGB Communities.
Awardee: Ty Robinson
28. American Psychological Association (APA) Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) Predoctoral Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (MHSAS) Fellow
Awardee: Ty Robinson
29. Department of Psychological, Health, & Learning Sciences (PHLS) Travel Fellowship
Awardee: Ty Robinson
30. Multicultural & Social Justice Poster Award, Psychological, Health, & Learning Sciences (PHLS) Research Symposium
Title: Exploring the Impact of Sexual Orientation Microaggressions on LGB Emerging Adults' Coping and Sexual Health:
A Qualitative Study
Awardee: Ty Robinson
31. Best Graduate Student Poster Award, Psychological, Health, & Learning Sciences (PHLS) Research Symposium
Title: Exploring the Impact of Sexual Orientation Microaggressions on LGB Emerging Adults' Coping and Sexual Health:
A Qualitative Study
Awardee: Ty Robinson
32. Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) Psychological Summer Institute (PSI) Fellow
Awardee: Ty Robinson
33. Dalmas A. Taylor Memorial Summer Minority Policy Fellowship
Awardee: Ty Robinson
34. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Diversity Scholars Travel Award
Awardee: Ty Robinson
35. Global Faculty Development Fund, University of Houston
Awardee: Lorra Garey
36. Weltzien Endowed Scholarship 2024-2025 Academic Year
Awardee: Christina Segura
37. Lydia Mendoza Graduate Fellowship Recipient 2024-2025 Academic Year
Awardee: Christina Segura
38. National Institute on Drug Abuse Loan Repayment Program Award
Awardee: Emma Brett
39. American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse (AJDAA) Diversity Editorial Fellowship
Awardee: Delvon Mattingly
40. The University of Arizona-Banner Health 2025 Data Fellows Program
Awardee: Delvon Mattingly