Hollis Karoly CV

Broadly, my research aims to characterize neural, molecular and behavioral mechanisms underlying the etiology of alcohol use disorders, in an effort to inform treatment development. More specifically, I am interested in how functional impairments along the microbiota-gut-brain-axis (MGBA; which refers to bidirectional interactions between gut microbes, endocrine, autonomic, enteric, immune and central nervous systems) may promote alcohol use behavior and serve as potential treatment targets. In recent years, my work has increasingly emphasized the role of the endogenous cannabinoid system – which is distributed heavily throughout the brain and gut – in the context of alcohol use disorders.

Thus, I am conducting several studies measuring the impact of phytocannabinoids (primarily cannabidiol [CBD] and tetrahydrocannabinol [THC]) on behavioral phenotypes related to alcohol use disorder (alcohol consumption, craving, intoxication) and on biomarkers across the MGBA (brain structure and function, peripheral inflammation, intestinal permeability, gut microbial composition). Outside of work, I try to spend as much time as I can enjoying the Colorado mountains with my husband and son.

Meggan Drennan CV

I am a Ph.D. candidate in the Cognitive Neuroscience program and currently conducting my dissertation research through heading the ORCA study. Prior to arriving at CSU, I received my B.S. in Behavioral Neuroscience from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Tx where I discovered my love of research and decided to pursue a career in exploring the physiological mechanisms behind psychology and behavior. I relocated to Fort Collins and completed my Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences before joining the ENIGMA lab for my Ph.D. My research combines psychological and biological measures to investigate relationships between the gut microbiome, brain and behavior as it is influenced by alcohol and cannabis use. Outside of academia, I am the mother of 2 beautiful children and enjoy writing music, playing the piano and singing, as well as creating artwork in multiple forms.

Cianna Piercey CV

Cianna Piercey Twitter

I am a fourth-year doctoral candidate in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program at CSU and the director of the DISCO and kratom/kava studies. I also assist on the mobile lab studies in varying capacities and have a number of collaborative projects I contribute to spanning cannabis, kratom, and psychedelic substances. Broadly, my research leverages mixed methodologies (e.g., drug administration, ethnography, participant observation), and advanced quantitative and qualitative analytic techniques, to better understand substance use behavior and drug pharmacology across a range of substances—particularly emerging botanicals or other drugs about which limited data currently exist. I am also especially interested in understanding the acute effects associated with specific drug combinations and how individuals might mitigate risks within the context of polysubstance use. For example, my master’s thesis focused on the development of a novel inventory of polysubstance use protective strategies for use within club and festival contexts. Ultimately, all of my work is conducted through a harm reduction lens, which includes community outreach, advocacy, and distribution of evidence-based drug information and resources. Outside of research, I am a therapist at a local substance use treatment clinic and serve in a number of professional service roles. Currently, I am a student representative for APA division 28 (Psychopharmacology and Substance Use) and the division 28 social media chair. I also serve on the student committee within APA division 50 (Society of Addiction Psychology). In my down time, I enjoy seeing live music, being outside (especially camping and hiking), making art, and spending time with friends and family.

I am a fourth-year student in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program and the lead graduate researcher on the FRACTAL and EXCEL studies. I moved to Colorado in 2016 to complete my dual B.A. in Neuroscience and Psychology at the University of Colorado, Boulder (sko buffs!). I am interested in researching novel therapeutic approaches to alleviate mental health disorders and promote overall wellness. I am fascinated by the intersection of behavioral health and physical well-being and aspire to someday work in a primary care facility or academic medical center where I can incorporate exercise, diet, and counseling in my approach to “whole-person” care. When I’m not working, I love to celebrate my body through movement. As such, I’m typically at the gym or on a hike with my partner. I love being outdoors and exploring this beautiful state! I’m also a self-proclaimed foodie and enjoy trying new recipes and feeding the people I love.

Eleftherios Hetelekides CV

I started the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program in Fall 2022 and am currently the lead graduate researcher on the NECCTAR and RISE studies. My previous research experiences include preclinical work related to the endocannabinoid system, neuroimaging, and neuropharmacology in mouse and rat models of addiction. I have also been involved in clinically focused substance use research related to personality, protective behavioral strategies/harm reduction, drug-related behaviors, craving, and neuroelectrophysiology (i.e., EEG). For my PhD and career, I am interested in exploring biopsychosocial mechanisms related to psychopathology, substance use/addiction, and behavior change. In my free time I enjoy being outside, exercising (especially rock climbing!), chilling with friends, having philosophical discussions, playing video games, and cooking delicious food with minimal effort in my air fryer.

My name is Marina, I was born in Kharkiv, Ukraine, I immigrated to Los Angeles when I was 6, and found myself in Colorado in 2017. I recently graduated CSU with a Bachelor’s degree, with a concentration in cellular/molecular biology and genetics. I hope to spend my career furthering research where I can apply my passion for molecular biology and genetics to further the understanding of our world, the human experience, and the connections between physiology and psychology. As such, I have a strong interest in working with interdisciplinary and biopsychosocial studies. I am taking a couple of gap years to gain research experience, find the best graduate program for me, and to volunteer in Ukraine as much as I can. I spend my free time connecting with nature, learning new things, playing video games, and spending time with my husband and our two cats.