The Advisory Committee

The Advisory Committee (AC) guides Center strategy toward effectiveness and sustainability. These expert researchers in drug use research, HIV/HCV infection, neuro-imaging/neurology, and the behavioral health provide independent advice regarding overall Center performance. Members of the AC meet with RDAR members twice per year to provide constructive evaluations of the Center. The AC also plays an important role in the selection of new Project Leaders as openings become available.



Photo of Stephen Higgins
Stephen Higgins

Stephen HigginsChair

Higgins is the Director of Vermont Center on Behavior and Health, and the Behavioral Pharmacology of Drug Dependence Training Program. Higgins is also Vice Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Vermont.

Full Stephen Higgins bio



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Jennifer Havens

Jennifer HavensMember

Dr. Havens is a Professor and epidemiologist at the University of Kentucky with an appointment in the Center on Drug and Alcohol Research.

Full Jennifer Havens bio


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Rajita Sinha

Rajita SinhaMember

Sinha, Ph.D., is the Foundations Fund Professor of Neurobiology and Child Study at the Yale School of Medicine.

Full Rajita Sinha bio


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Eric Donny

Eric DonnyMember

Donny is a Professor of Physiology and Pharmacology at Wake Forest School of Medicine.


Full Eric Donny bio


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Nathan Meier

Nathan MeierMember

Nathan Meier is Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research Development within the Office of Research and Economic Development at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). Leading UNL’s Research Development Group, he enhances research partnerships, capacity, and competitiveness to support faculty and institutional goals for extramural funding, societal impact, and external recognition.

Full Nathan Meier bio


Photo of Sarah Gervais
Sarah Gervais

Sarah GervaisMember

Dr. Gervais is a Professor and Associate Chair of the Department of Psychology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Full Sarah Gervais bio