Ryan Carpenter

Dr. Carpenter is an incoming Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology, starting Fall 2024.  His research focuses on substance use and how substance use disorder manifests in the natural environment. He uses ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to study substance use and co-use amongst individuals with both problematic use as well as individuals who are “typical” users. Much of his work has focused on alcohol, opioid, and cannabis use and co-use, but he is also interested in the use of other substances. His work also examines the effectiveness and feasibility of mobile health (mHealth) interventions to address and prevent substance use in daily life. A second and related focus of Dr. Carpenter’s research is applying models of negative reinforcement to shed light on the processes through which aversive internal experiences (e.g., negative affect, physical pain) lead some individuals to use substances or engage in self-destructive behaviors, such as non-suicidal self-injury.