Rutgers Addiction Research Center (RARC)

SSW Webinar - Navigating the Social Media Age: The Talk to Keep YOU Up to Date
2026-01-14 10:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
Social Media is a BIG part of adolescents’ lives. This webinar program looks at the newest trends in social networking as well as the warning signs that providers, parents and caregivers should be informed of. In this program participants will be introduced to common social media sites; laws in accordance with social media usage ; strategies to restore life balance with youth ; signs and symptoms if your child/teen are being affected by social media and referral resources if additional support is needed. [Elective for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Certificate Program]

For more information, click here.

Special Populations Webinar – Increasing Access to MOUD: Direct to Inject Buprenorphine
2026-01-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
In this presentation, we will highlight the rationale for Direct to Inject XR buprenorphine to improve access to life saving treatment for opioid use disorder. We will review the results of a recent national survey comparing emerging practices across the US. Finally, we will review the algorithm that was recently released by the Bridge Center at PHI for emergency department administration of XR buprenorphine and the evidence behind it.

Arianna is an Emergency and Addiction Medicine PA with more than 26 years of clinical experience. She works in Emergency and Addiction Psychiatry as well as buprenorphine access at the VA in Sacramento and serves as Senior Director and M- Principal Investigator for The Bridge Center at PHI and CA Bridge, a program for which she is a cofounder. She is President-elect for California Academy of Physician Associates and is a CE committee member and Presidential Taskforce member for ASAM.

To register, click here.

Rutgers Psychiatry Grand Rounds featuring RWJMS Research - Maia Choi and I-Tzu Hung
2026-01-13 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
The Rutgers Department of Psychiatry is excited to invite you join to our Grand Rounds on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 @ 11AM.
This will be an exciting session presented by I-Tzu Hung (Post-Doctoral Associate) and Maia Choi (Post-Doctoral fellow). Both are a part of RWJMS, Rutgers Addiction Research Center.
Meeting URL: https://rutgers.zoom.us/j/97772468109?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 977 7246 8109
Password: [REDACTED]

SSW Webinar - Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy: What Every Curious Therapist Needs to Know
2026-01-13 09:30 - 12:30 | Virtual
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is a treatment tool increasingly sought by potential clients. Curious clients frequently turn to known mental health professionals to help them assess if this is a good tool for their own healing. Our webinar will leave you sufficiently informed for a thoughtful conversation about if your clients/ friends/ family/ colleagues or you might want to try KAP. It will also help you gauge your own interest in this as a tool for your practice.
For more information, .
KAP provides new possibilities as a medicine for certain mood disorders but is also leveraged well working with obsessive compulsive disorders, neurosis, phobias, trauma work, grief, addiction, etc. and as a general tool for our most stuck places with our most stuck clients. We will dive into all the Who/What/Why/Where and How:

Who is well suited for this treatment?
Who is well suited to work in this field?
What does the treatment process look like?
What conditions and themes are contraindicated?
Where does treatment happen?
Why might you turn to this tool as a client? As a therapist?
How does ketamine and KAP even help?
How do people access KAP

RARC Town Hall Meeting (Virtual - Town Hall #1)
2026-01-12 16:00 - 17:00 | Virtual
It has now been three years since we launched the Rutgers Addiction Research Center (RARC), and your feedback has played a vital role in shaping our mission and activities. As we look ahead to the next 3–5 years, we are once again seeking your input to help guide the future of the RARC. We will be holding a series of town hall meetings in January to share results from the recent RARC Feedback Survey and to create an open forum for discussing priorities and future directions. We hope you will join us for one of these sessions.
If you would like to receive the Feedback Survey materials in advance of the call, please register here.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://rutgers.zoom.us/j/92709619388?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 927 0961 9388; Password: [REDACTED]
Phone: +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)

SSW Webinar - Ethical and Legal Issues in Substance Abuse Counseling
2026-01-08 09:30 - 12:30 | Virtual
This interactive webinar focuses on the major elements of legal issues surrounding counselors in working with patients who have substance use disorders. In this webinar, participants will learn about the different areas of legal concern for today’s counselors working with clients who have both mental health and substance use issues. Legal areas include scope of clinical practice regarding supervision (including 2019 changes and proposed rule changes), ADC telehealth and telemedicine regulations (proposed in 2021), and NJ Uniform Enforcement Act changes (including 2021 changes). Other recent changes to include the required 3 hours of Legal Standards training include regulation/statute changes in ADC continuing education (3 hours of Legal Standards) and statutory requirements of 1 hour of opioid training (for those dually licensed professionals).
*This webinar does not meet the prescription opioid requirement for social work.
*This webinar does not qualify for NBCC clock hours in ethics for Licensed Professional Counselors.
For more information, click here.
Objectives
At the conclusion of this webinar, participants will be able to:

Differentiate the major elements necessary to be a qualified supervisor according to the NJ LCADC/CADC licensure regulations.
Identify at least 3 of the telehealth/telemedicine NJ LCADC/CADC regulatory categories.
List at least 3 of the NJ Uniform Enforcement Act Duty to Report components.
Explain which websites are necessary to keep up on licensure regulations changes in NJ.

SSW Webinar - The Opioid Crisis in NJ: Current Trends and Evidence-Based Treatment Options
2026-01-07 09:30 - 12:30 | Virtual
This interactive webinar will discuss the latest developments and trends regarding natural opiates, semi-synthetic opioids, and synthetic opioids. Participants will be able to identify national and local NJ trends with regards to prescribing practices and new legislation, opioid overdoses and trends with opioid use. Participants will be able to distinguish the difference between which drugs are considered naturally occurring opiates, which are considered semi-synthetic opioids and which are considered synthetic opioids. Participants will be introduced into the assessment of and treatment of Opioid Use Disorders via the DSM 5 criteria, the latest nationally recognized medicated assisted treatment and the non-medication assisted treatment approaches when working with clients. Participants will be able to identify three different medicated assisted treatments (MAT), and discussion of medicinal marijuana being added as an MAT option. Webinar participants will be introduced to a harm reduction treatment paradigm and will be able to identify at least 3 different harm reduction principles when working with clients. Finally, participants will engage in an interactive case that will develop throughout the webinar and have different objectives (e.g., assessing a proper level of care, and then incorporating a harm reduction treatment orientation with the client in regards to their MAT decision process). [This webinar will complete your prescription opioid social work license requirement]
For more information, click here.
Objectives
At the conclusion of the webinar, participants will be able to:

Differentiate the major elements the Federal Government uses when classifying drugs from schedule 1 through schedule 5.
Identify national and local NJ trends with regards to prescribing practices and new legislation, opioid overdoses and trends with opioid use.
Distinguish the difference between which drugs are considered naturally occurring opiates, which are considered semi-synthetic opioids and which are considered synthetic opioids.
List and describe three different best practice medication assisted therapies when working with clients who have an opioid use disorder.

SSW Webinar - Current Drug Trends and Emerging Drugs of Abuse
2026-01-06 09:30 - 12:30 | Virtual
Many new drugs are making local and national headlines such as K2/Spice and Bath Salts. This interactive webinar will discuss the latest developments and information regarding synthetic cannabinoids, MDPV, Mephedrone, Kratom, Salvia and other designer drugs that have been emerging over the past few years. Webinar participants will be introduced to the physiology of these drugs and how they can possibly impact, mimic and exacerbate mental health disorders such as anxiety and depressive disorders. Epidemiologic trends in drug abuse in both youth and adults will be discussed as will the latest trends from the New Jersey Division of Addiction Services. Webinar participants will participate in interactive discussions and exercises in differential diagnosis of similar symptoms produced by these emerging drugs of abuse and other mental health disorders. Patterns of use, abilities for urine detection, and other legal aspect regarding these emerging drugs will be discussed. [This webinar will complete your prescription opioid social work license requirement.]
For more information, click here.
Objectives
At the conclusion of this webinar, participants will be able to:

Differentiate the major elements the Federal Government uses when classifying drugs from schedule 1 through schedule 5.
Identify at least two differences (in terms of negative effects) that occur with the ingestion of synthetic cannabinoids.
State which class of drugs synthetic cannabinoids & bath salts (synthetic cathinones) are classified under in the current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Workshop participants will be able to list at least three negative side effects of each.
Compare differences that drugs of abuse such as Adderall, Oxycodone and Suboxone are classified under in the current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Workshop participants will be able to list three negative side effects of each drug listed in this lecture.
List and describe two different best practice therapy approaches regarding counseling clients who are abusing these emerging substances of abuse.
Discuss current legal issues both locally and nationally as they relate to using these emerging substances of abuse.

NIH Grant Writing Mini-Course
2026-01-05 14:00 - 2026-01-09 15:30 | Virtual
New to NIH grants? NJACTS is offering a 5-session virtual mini-course (daily, 2–3:30 pm ET on Zoom) to demystify K & R applications, with practical guidance from a grant-writing coach and recent awardees. Open to trainees, postdocs, fellows, faculty, instructors, and clinicians at U.S.-based institutions (Rutgers affiliation not required).
Enrollment closes Dec 12.
Learn more: https://form.jotform.com/243153997988176

SSW Webinar - Social Media's Influence on Self-Harm Behaviors and Self-Regulation
2026-01-05 13:00 - 16:00 | Virtual
This webinar will begin with an introduction to how social media influences both self-esteem and self-regulating behaviors. We will then move into examining various social media outlets. Newer social media outlets will be explored including the level of involvement different age groups and genders have with them. Finally, the webinar will move into social medias influence on self-regulating behaviors. The webinar will provide strategies for lessening clients exposure to social media. [Elective for Eating Disorders Clinical Certificate Program]
For more information, click here.
Objectives
At the conclusion of this webinar, participants will be able to:

List and describe different types of self-harm behaviors including substance use, self-mutilation, and disordered eating
Explain new strategies for bringing self-harm behaviors into the therapy conversation
List and describe different social media outlets
Review current trends for social media usage among different age groups and genders
Describe the influence of increasing social media exposure and negative behaviors (such as poor body image or disordered eating)
Identify strategies for reducing social media usage in clients and raising awareness of social media influence.

SSW Webinar - Not Just Benzodiazepines: Alternative Treatments of Anxiety and Depression
2026-01-05 09:30 - 12:30 | Virtual
The primary goal of this webinar is to explore non-pharmaceutical treatment of depression and anxiety. The number of people looking for non-pharmaceutical interventions is increasing in both the psychiatric and addiction fields. One need look no further than the desire to decrease benzodiazepine (BZD) use. Treatments to be discussed include herbal and amino acid substances as well as vagal nerve stimulation.

For more information, click here.

Objectives

At the conclusion of this webinar, participants will be able to:

Summarize the advantages and disadvantages of BZDs
List three herbal medications used to treat depression
Describe the mechanism by which some amino acids work in the brain
Explain the effects of using vagal nerve stimulation to treat depression
Define three alternatives to benzodiazepines for treating anxiety

Mobilize Recovery - Fireside Chat with Tom Farley & Ryan Hampton: Navigating the Holidays in Recovery
2025-12-18 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
The holiday season can be a time of joy—but it can also bring stress, loneliness, and complicated emotions, especially for people in or affected by recovery. To offer support, perspective, and connection, Tom Farley from Recovery.com and Mobilize Recovery’s Co-Founder Ryan Hampton will be hosting a live, virtual Fireside Chat on December 18th. Together, they’ll discuss practical ways to stay grounded, connected, and supported during a season that isn’t always easy.
This free, live discussion is open to all. RSVP on this page to receive reminders and the link to tune in.
To RSVP, click here.

Addiction Policy Forum Webinar - 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH): Science, Risks, and Real-World Impact
2025-12-16 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) is a psychoactive component of kratom — and it’s showing up in increasingly in new concentrate and synthetic forms in products found in gas stations and convenience stores. These newer formulations have increased concerns among researchers, clinicians, and advocates about misuse, unpredictable potency, and emerging health risks. Even though kratom is widely available, there’s still limited public understanding of how synthetic and concentrated 7-OH products actually work in the body and how they can impact individuals and communities.
This webinar will unpack what we currently know about 7-OH in a clear, accessible way. We will discuss the latest research on its pharmacology, effects, and risks. A moderated discussion will give participants the chance to ask questions and better understand what this emerging issue means for families, communities, and the broader field.
For more details and registration, click here.

Rutgers Psychiatry Grand Rounds featuring Rutgers RWJMS Jill WIlliams, "Tobacco Use in Populations with Behavioral Health Conditions: A 25 Year Perspective"
2025-12-16 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
Meeting URL: https://rutgers.zoom.us/j/97772468109?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 977 7246 8109
Password: [REDACTED]

Addiction Policy Forum Webinar - Cannabis Use Disorder Prevention and Treatment
2025-12-12 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Cannabis is one of the most commonly used substances in the United States, and while often perceived as low risk, use can lead to the development of cannabis use disorder (CUD). CUD can affect brain function, behavior, and overall health, and the risk is especially concerning among adolescents and young adults. Despite its prevalence, effective prevention and treatment strategies for CUD are often less well known than those for other substance use disorders.
This webinar will focus on the science of CUD, including its neurobiology, risk factors, and the intersections between cannabis use, CUD, and other forms of substance use disorders. Presenters will also discuss evidence-based prevention and treatment strategies to reduce initiation and harms, and improve health outcomes. Participants will also learn about available resources and best practices to support individuals and families affected by cannabis use disorder.
For more information, click here.

Rutgers Psychiatry Grand Rounds - Rutgers BHI - Dr. Chris Pierce, "The Sins of the Fathers: Intergenerational Effects of Paternal Stimulants"
2025-12-09 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
The Rutgers Department of Psychiatry is excited to invite you join to our Grand Rounds on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 @ 11AM.
This will be an exciting session presented by Dr. Chris Pierce – Rutgers Brain Health Institute .
Please see attached PDF for instruction on texting attendance for CE Credits. Code will be distributed in the Chat during the session.

RARC Digital Health Workgroup Meeting featuring Alexis Kuerbis, "Digitally Dividing or Digitally Thriving? Older Adult Responses to Digital Interventions to Reduce Alcohol Use"
2025-12-02 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
Join via Zoom: https://rutgers.zoom.us/j/93713701197?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 937 1370 1197
Password: [REDACTED]

NJ ACTS Special Populations Seminar with Katie Honovich - Inside IRTS: Data, Design, and the Power of Peer Support
2025-12-02 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
This presentation highlights the IRTS program’s structure and key outcomes while exploring the essential role of Peer Support Specialists in driving recovery and connection. Through data-informed insights, we celebrate Peer Support Specialists as the unsung heroes of community mental health.

Katie Honovich has worked in the behavioral health field since 2006, beginning her career with a focus on substance use disorders. Over the years, her clinical experience has spanned the full continuum of care —including inpatient, outpatient, community-based, and acute partial hospitalization programs —serving individuals with both mental health and substance use needs. Since joining Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care (UBHC) in 2013, Katie has held multiple leadership roles and currently serves as the Program Director in the Community-Based Services Department. As an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), she is dedicated to mentoring emerging professionals, guiding them toward licensure, and fostering their growth within the field. Katie’s professional interests include working with forensic populations and individuals with personality disorders. She is deeply committed to reducing stigma, promoting recovery, and empowering the next generation of community mental health professionals.

Register for the seminar: https://go.rutgers.edu/66m0mmkq

Treatment & Recovery Workgroup Meeting - Featuring Presentation by Dr. Cowan "GLP-1s and addiction"
2025-11-20 13:00 - 14:00 | Room D203, University Behavioral Health Care building, 671 Hoes Ln W, Piscataway, 08854
The next RARC Treatment & Recovery Workgroup meeting will be held on Thursday, November 20, at 1:00 PM. This hybrid meeting feature a presentation by workgroup leader, Dr. Ethan Cowan, on GLP-1s and addiction, plus a work in progress discussion.
In-person: University Behavioral Health Care, Room D203, 671 Hoes Ln W, Piscataway, NJ 08854
Virtual: Zoom (Link to be sent the week before the event)
Please register to attend: CLICK HERE.
Meeting Highlights:

Presentation by Dr. Ethan Cowan on GLP-1s and addiction
Works in Progress

Lunch will be provided for in-person attendees!

GSAPP Webinar: Women and Opioid Use Disorders
2025-11-19 09:30 - 13:00 | Virtual
The opioid epidemic has impacted the lives of many. Women, however, are particularly vulnerable on many levels. This course provides an overview of the DSM 5 criteria for Opioid Use Disorders (OUDs) from a trauma informed perspective. Participants will explore the unique needs and challenges of women and pregnant women seeking treatment. A brief discussion of Positive/Adverse Childhood Experiences (P/ACEs) serves to highlight treatment implications. Course concludes with interventions that address barriers to treatment and relapse prevention to support women in the recovery process.
Instructor: Ana Guerra, LCSW, LPC, LCADC, CCS
For more information, click here.

Rutgers Psychiatry Grand Rounds featuring NJMS Psychiatry Chair Dr. Petros Levounis - "The Future of Addiction Treatment — Beyond ChatGPT”
2025-11-18 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
Join Dr. Petros Levounis, Professor and Chair of Psychiatry at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and 150th President of the American Psychiatric Association, for an engaging Grand Rounds presentation, “The Future of Addiction Treatment — Beyond ChatGPT.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://rutgers.zoom.us/j/97772468109?pwd=[REDACTED]

Addiction Policy Forum Webinar: Cannabis and Health: What the Science Tells Us
2025-11-14 13:00 - 14:30 | Virtual
There have been national policy changes related to the use of Cannabis for medical purposes, yet there are many questions from the public and healthcare providers about medical use. The FDA has approved specific cannabis-derived and cannabis-related therapeutics for treating certain medical conditions, but it has not approved cannabis itself for treating any health conditions.

This webinar will examine the scientific evidence on cannabis and health, while separating evidence-based facts from common myths. Speakers will provide an overview of what is known about cannabis’ medical applications, limitations in the research, and its public health implications. Presenters will also address common myths, highlight what science has yet to establish, and provide resources for those seeking reliable information.

For more information, click here.

Rutgers Training in Addiction Research Program Meeting with David Eyerman, Apellis Pharmaceuticals - "Perspectives on Biotech As a ﻿Career Path for Neuro Ph.D’s"
2025-11-13 13:00 - 2025-11-23 14:00 | Rutgers School of Public Health, Room 258, 683 Hoes Ln W, Piscataway, NJ, 08854
In-person Location: Rutgers School of Public Health, Room 258
Busch Campus, 683 Hoes Ln W, Piscataway, NJ 08854
Virtual via Zoom: https://rutgers.zoom.us/j/91416384562?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 914 1638 4562
Password: [REDACTED]
Join us for the Rutgers TARP Monthly Meeting on Thursday, November 13, at 1:00 PM in the RWJMS Research Building and School of Public Health (Room 258) in Piscataway and via Zoom. This month’s speaker is David Eyerman, Head of Research at Apellis Pharmaceuticals. All TARP and RARC faculty, trainees, and collaborators are welcome. Food and drinks provided.

Rapid highlights from the Frontiers special issue - Innovations in Recovery Science: Pathways, Policies, and Platforms that Promote Thriving After Addiction
2025-11-12 13:00 - 2025-11-17 14:00 | Virtual
Calling all Researchers, practitioners, peer leaders, policymakers, funders, and anyone building recovery-supportive ecosystems! Join us Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 10:00-11:00 pm Pacific/1:00-2:00 pm Eastern for a fast-paced, 1-hour Showcase of the Frontiers in Public Health special issue, “Innovations in Recovery Science: Pathways, Policies, and Platforms that Promote Thriving After Addiction” hosted by the Consortium on Addiction Recovery Science. Email Patrick Hibbard (pfhibbard@chestnut.org) if you are interested in attending.
You’ll hear rapid highlights straight from the authors—spanning recovery community centers (RCCs), peer recovery support services, recovery housing, recovery processes/identity, family & special populations, and policy/systems innovation.
Why this showcase (and the special issue) matters

This is the largest special issue on recovery science to date with 24 articles—original research, reviews, conceptual work, and a case study—covering recovery as a dynamic process and innovations in services, systems, and measurement.
Themes align with today’s recovery science needs: RCCs; PRSS & workforce; recovery housing; recovery processes & identity; family/special populations; policy & systems innovation; measurement & assessment.
Cross-cutting priorities include equity and population tailoring, strong peer/workforce infrastructure, measurement innovation (taxonomies, daily diary, RCC metrics, and economic tools), integration across systems (OTP–RCC linkages, primary care checkups), and sustainability/financing.
Bottom line: Recovery science is shifting from treating SUD alone to supporting thriving, long-term recovery across social, psychological, and structural domains.

GSAPP Webinar: A 50-Year Integrative Perspective on the Psychology and Psychotherapy of Substance Use Disorders
2025-11-07 09:30 - 13:00 | Virtual
This webinar presents a psychological and psychotherapeutic approach to understanding and treating addiction, informed by the presenter’s five decades of experience working with diverse patient populations across a wide range of substance use disorders (SUDs) involving alcohol, opioids, cocaine, and other psychoactive drugs. His work spans multiple settings, from inpatient and outpatient programs to private office-based and internet-based practice. He will share insights into effective treatment strategies, focusing on how mental health professionals, regardless of theoretical background, can build on their existing skills to address both the behavioral and psychological dimensions of addiction.
For psychotherapists and others in the mental health field, it is well-recognized that behavior change alone often falls short in overcoming addiction. When complex psychological issues remain unrecognized and unaddressed, substance use frequently serves as a coping mechanism for managing overwhelming emotions and psychological distress, making relapse likely or even inevitable. This webinar explores how sustained abstinence, while beneficial, does not fully resolve underlying emotional difficulties. These unresolved issues, unless adequately identified and addressed, may continue to drive cravings and self-medication urges long after substance use has ceased.
This webinar will describe key principles and practices of treatment that blend together psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, client-centered, and pharmacological interventions. And, how key elements of seemingly disparate approaches can be blended together to provide effective individualized care. The integrated psychotherapeutic approach described in this webinar is transtheoretical in the sense that it does not view one conceptual framework or theoretical orientation as superior to all others. Rather, it appreciates that each has something to offer to greater or lesser degrees depending on the particulars of a given case. A flexible nondogmatic stance that gives priority to establishing and maintaining a positive therapeutic relationship with each patient is seen as the primary vehicle for delivering truly individualized care. Participants will learn how they can build upon the clinical skills they already have to engage and treat patients with SUDs more effectively in psychotherapy practice and/or other clinical settings.
Instructor: Arnold Washton, PhD
For more information, click here.

BHI Plenary Seminar: Dr. Michael J. Frank Frontosubthalamic Control Over Motivated Action
2025-11-06 12:00 - 13:00 | Aidekman Research Center, Room 103, 197 University Avenue, Newark, NJ, 07102, United States
he Rutgers Brain Health Institute (BHI) is thrilled to welcome Dr. Michael J. Frank, Edgar L. Marston Professor of Cognitive, Linguistic, and Psychological Sciences and Director of the Carney Center for Computational Brain Science at Brown University, as our distinguished plenary speaker for the Brain Health Institute Plenary Seminar Series. This event, scheduled for Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 12:00 PM at Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Aidekman Building, Room 103 Rutgers University-Newark, promises to spark innovative dialogues at the intersection of computational neuroscience, decision-making, and basal ganglia circuits—key to understanding motivated behaviors and disorders like Parkinson’s disease.
Dr. Michael J. Frank
Dr. Frank’s trajectory in neuroscience exemplifies a seamless integration of engineering rigor and cognitive inquiry. He earned a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from Queen’s University, Canada, in 1997, followed by an M.S. in Electrical Engineering (Biomedicine) from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2000, and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience and Psychology from the same institution in 2004. His doctoral research, advised by Dr. Randall C. O’Reilly, explored dynamic dopamine modulation of striato-cortical circuits in cognition—a foundation for his lifelong pursuit of how neural networks drive learning and choice. Launching his independent career as an Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona in 2006, Dr. Frank joined Brown University in 2009. There, he advanced rapidly: Associate Professor from 2011 to 2016, full Professor in Cognitive and Psychological Sciences since 2016, Edgar L. Marston Professor since 2018, and Director of the Carney Center for Computational Brain Science since 2020. In these roles, he oversees interdisciplinary efforts to model brain function, bridging theory with empirical data to advance computational psychiatry.
Abstract of the Talk: “Frontosubthalamic Control over Motivated Action”
The subthalamic nucleus (STN) is the primary region targeted by deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery for Parkinson’s patients. While STN-DBS is effective, it can also induce cognitive side effects. Synthesizing anatomical, electrophysiological, and lesion data, we developed a computational account of how the STN contributes to action selection and decision making. In the model, the STN detects “conflict” among competing cortical actions and, in turn, sends a “hold your horses” signal to temporarily prevent the striatum from prematurely selecting a response. We have studied this mechanism at levels of computation that are both more abstract (functional and cognitive) and more biophysical (mechanism). We showed that neural dynamics within the frontal cortex-STN network can be summarized in terms of more abstract mathematical models of decision dynamics in the form of sequential sampling models, wherein STN activity increases the effective “decision threshold.” Several key predictions from this model have been supported: decision conflict induces low-frequency cortical and STN dynamics, which in turn support adaptive decision making by altering the decision threshold. Moreover, interfering with this mechanism via STN-DBS reduces the decision threshold and induces impulsivity. At the biophysical level, we have built a large-scale model of the STN and its interaction with other basal ganglia nuclei to study the mechanisms that give rise to low-frequency oscillations related to decision conflict. This work identified NMDA receptors within the STN and architectural constraints that induce the observed neural dynamics, consistent with recent reports that NMDA modulation within STN can be leveraged to modulate impulsivity. This work truly shows the impact of multilevel modeling from circuit to function to biophysics.
Date and Time: Thursday, November 6, 12:00 PM
Location: Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Aidekman Building, Room 103, Rutgers University-Newark
Zoom: https://rutgers.zoom.us/j/94853284352?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting code: 948 5328 4352 Password: [REDACTED]
Hosted by Dr. Travis Baker, Associate Professor, the Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Rutgers University-Newark
Learn more, click here.

Rutgers Psychiatry Grand Rounds: RWJMS Trainee GR- PGY IVs - Dr. Emma Azurin & Dr. Adaugo Okoye
2025-11-04 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
The Rutgers Department of Psychiatry is excited to have you join us for the first Grand Rounds of the 2025-2026 Academic year.
Pleased to invite you join to us on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 @ 11AM.
Join Zoom Meeting

RARC Translational Impact Workgroup - Kick Off Meeting
2025-11-03 11:30 - 12:30 | 390 George Street, 3rd Floor, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
This new workgroup aims to bring together researchers from different fields with a shared mission to translate their scientific discoveries into real-world impact. Some areas of focus will include: (1) how researchers can leverage their discoveries and create partnerships to facilitate health policy changes, (2) dissemination strategies that maximize public trust and acceptability of scientific recommendations, and (3) strategies for partnering across fields (e.g., neuroscience to clinical trials) and with non-academic stakeholders (e.g., industry) who play a critical role in helping facilitate discoveries into real-world impacts. The workgroup will be led by Dr. Jamey Lister, an Associate Professor at Rutgers University School of Social Work, with co-leadership from Dr. Danielle Dick, the Director of the RARC, and Greg Brown Endowed Chair in Neuroscience.
In-person: Classroom B (308), 390 George Street, 3rd Floor, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Virtual: Zoom (Link to be sent the week before the event)
Please register to attend: CLICK HERE

SSW Webinar: Understanding Comorbidity in the Treatment of Eating Disorders
2025-11-03 09:30 - 12:30 | Virtual
This clinical webinar will focus on comorbid concerns and diagnoses related to Eating Disorders. Newer trends focusing on ADHD and autism will be discussed and how they influence disordered eating behaviors. Case studies will be used to understand the comorbidity of these diagnoses and how to work with clients on both the disordered eating and other concerns. (This is an elective for the Certificate Program in Eating Disorders)

Monday, November 03, 2025
9:30 am – 12:30 pm ET
Live Interactive Online Webinar
Presenter: Sara Martino, PhD, NCC, LPC
For more information, click here.

Mobilize Recovery Campus Surge 2025 - Addiction, Recovery, and Mental Health Resource Fair and Live Performance
2025-11-03 05:00 - 20:00 | 84 Joyce Kilmer Ave, Livingston Student Center, Piscataway, NJ
Mobilize Recovery is bringing the Campus Surge 2025 initiative to Rutgers University – New Brunswick as part of a nationwide effort to address the challenges of substance use and mental health among college students. This event aims to raise awareness, provide resources, and empower students and the Rutgers community to become advocates for recovery on campus. Rutgers will highlight what they are doing in the addiction and recovery space, as well as the people who are making it happen.
What To Expect:

Resource Fair: Informational tabling on addiction, recovery, and mental health led by experts and advocates.
Harm Reduction: Distribution of overdose reversal agents and fentanyl test strips to reduce fatalities.
Community Engagement: Opportunities to mingle, network, and connect.
​Musical performance by Noah Thompson, country music singer and 2022 American Idol winner.
Dinner buffet will be provided to attendees. Please RSVP.
Premier of The History of Collegiate Recovery at Rutgers.
Powerful Keynote Panel with special guests

5:00pm: Resource Fair
6:00pm: Noah Thompson Performance
6:30pm: Buffet-style Dinner
6:45pm: Keynote Panel
RSVP Today
