RARC Scientific Interest Groups bring together researchers, trainees, and partners across Rutgers who have shared interests around particular topic areas. These groups create space for sharing ideas, building collaborations, and developing new research directions.
Scientific Interest Groups are initiated and led by faculty or co-leads, with support from RARC staff who help facilitate coordination, communication, and logistics. Anyone affiliated with the RARC is welcome to join any Scientific Interest Group. To be added to a group’s email list, please contact the group leader and cc rarc@bhi.rutgers.edu.
If you have an idea for a new Scientific Interest Group, we encourage you to reach out to reach out Danielle Dick and/or RARC team.
Because Scientific Interest Groups are faculty-driven, each group has its own structure and focus. In general, Scientific Interest Groups:
- Host meetings featuring invited speakers and research presentations
- Provide opportunities to share and refine research ideas
- Foster collaboration across disciplines
- Support activities such as grant development, feedback, and knowledge exchange
Below is a list of current RARC Scientific Interest Groups.
Science Communication
Led by: Dr. Jessica L. Hamilton
Launched: October 2023
Contact: jessica.hamilton@rutgers.edu
The Science Communication Scientific Interest Group focuses on strengthening the reach and impact of addiction research through clear, effective communication. The group supports researchers in translating their work for public audiences, media, and other non-specialist stakeholders, while also helping build practical science communication skills across the RARC community.
Community Engagement
Led by: Dr. Alexandria Bauer
Launched: 2023–2024
Contact: alexandria.bauer@rutgers.edu
The Community Engagement Scientific Interest Group supports community-engaged scholarship across teaching, research, and practice. The group works to connect Rutgers addiction researchers with community organizations and stakeholders, expand opportunities for partnership, and improve the sharing of research findings with the broader community.
Cannabis Research
Led by: Dr. Mary Bridgeman
Launched: May 2024
Contact: mary.bridgeman@pharmacy.rutgers.edu
The Cannabis Research Scientific Interest Group brings together Rutgers researchers studying cannabis use, cannabis use disorder, treatment implications, and related policy and regulatory issues. As cannabis use becomes more widespread and the legal landscape continues to evolve, the group aims to strengthen collaboration, identify gaps in current research, and support the development of new lines of cannabis-related research at Rutgers.
Treatment & Recovery
Led by: Dr. Ethan Cowan
Launched: November 2024
Contact: ethan.cowan@rutgers.edu
The Treatment & Recovery Scientific Interest Group brings together researchers focused on treatment, recovery, and clinical translation. The group serves as a space for interdisciplinary exchange, collaboration, and resource sharing, with the goal of advancing research that improves treatment access, quality, and outcomes.
Feeding
Led by: Dr. Bridget A. Matikainen-Ankney
Launched: January 2025
Contact: bridget.m@rutgers.edu
The Feeding Scientific Interest Group explores the intersections among feeding behavior, substance use, and compulsive behavior. Bringing together researchers from areas such as neuroscience, nutrition, and clinical psychology, the group aims to foster collaboration and advance research in this emerging area.
Translational Impact
Led by: Drs. Jamey Lister and Danielle Dick
Launched: November 2025
Contact: jlister@ssw.rutgers.edu
The Translational Impact Scientific Interest Group brings together researchers interested in moving scientific discoveries into real-world impact. Areas of focus include dissemination strategies, policy translation, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and partnership with non-academic stakeholders such as community organizations, health systems, and industry. The group is designed to help researchers think more intentionally about how addiction science can inform practice, policy, and public understanding.
Digital Health
Led by: Drs. Kristina Jackson and Marilyn Piccirillo
Launched: December 2025
Contact: kristina.jackson@rutgers.edu
The Digital Health Scientific Interest Group brings together researchers interested in digital approaches to addiction research, prevention, intervention, and recovery support. The group provides a forum for sharing research, discussing emerging tools and methods, and fostering collaboration around mobile health, digital therapeutics, remote monitoring, and related innovations.
Psychiatric & Behavioral Genetics
Led by: Drs. Jill Rabinowitz, Jessica Salvatore, and Sarah Brislin
Launched: February 2026
Contact: jr1919@rwjms.rutgers.edu
The Psychiatric & Behavioral Genetics Scientific Interest Group brings together Rutgers scholars studying the genetic and developmental foundations of psychiatric and behavioral outcomes. The group aims to advance understanding of complex mental health and addiction-related traits while fostering multidisciplinary collaboration across genetics, psychology, psychiatry, and related fields.