Why Science is a podcast about behavioral and emotional health research at Virginia Commonwealth University. During each episode we welcome a new guest from VCU to discuss their work ranging from substance use to stress, mindfulness to empathy and everything in between.
The College Behavioral and Emotional Health Institute
Courtney Simpson discusses her research on eating disorders, obesity and mental health.
Dr. Everett Worthington explores the psychology of forgiveness and the relationship between empathy and humility, health and justice.
Dr. Danielle Dick explores her 20+ year career studying substance use and mental health outcomes in adolescents, the creation of Spit for Science and the importance of translating research with COBE.
Dr. Jessica Salvatore explains the shared genetic and environmental influences on relationships and substance use.
Daniela Tudor discusses her journey through recovery and the creation of WeConnect, an application that aims to overcome relapse through accountability and peer support.
Trisha Saunders discusses her career in counseling, advocacy and education and the new #MindfulFinals campaign at VCU.
Jessica Bourdon explains her research on behavioral inhibition and anxiety in pre-adolescents and how students utilize support services on campus.
Dr. Chris Reina explores the intersection of mindfulness, leadership and emotional well being and how those topics relate to productivity and positive work environments.
Kristen Kidd Donovan of The Well at VCU and discuss how the Peace Corps jumpstarted her career in public health and the importance of harm reduction policies at VCU and beyond.
Dr. Ananda Amstadter explores stress, trauma and resilience as she explains how her research and clinical experience informs new treatments for veterans with PTSD.
Dr. Peter Barr explains how his research uses sociology, genetics and statistics to learn more about the relationships between behavior, the environment and mental health outcomes.
Dr. Tricia Smith discusses her work with opioids and cannabinoids as well as her undergraduate course on drugs of abuse.
Tom Bannard discusses the importance of research translation, his work with collegiate recovery programs and his personal journey to recovery.
Dr. Caroline Cobb discusses the similarities and differences in health outcomes between smoking hookah, e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes.
Dr. Andrew Barnes discusses choosing an insurance plan, HIV health policy research and how he and his students are working to address the opioid crisis in Virginia.
Dr. Linda Hancock discusses collegiate mental health, resources on campus and why she loves working with students.
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