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Background

Emily Zale's research is broadly in the areas of health psychology and behavioral medicine, with an emphasis on interrelations between substance use, pain, and psychopathology. She utilizes an interdisciplinary, multi-methods approach to identify potential mechanisms of action and modifiable treatment targets. As a clinical scientist, her translational approach emphasizes the application of empirical research findings towards the development and evaluation of novel interventions. Zale's research program at ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ will focus on studies of comorbid pain and nicotine/tobacco, alcohol, and prescription opioids. A multi-methods approach will include (1) original laboratory investigations that utilize novel human experimental pain models, (2) cross-sectional and prospective surveys of pain-substance use relations in clinical populations, and (3) development and evaluation of novel motivational interventions and integrated cognitive behavioral treatments for both substance use and pain.

Education

• PhD, Syracuse University
• MS, Texas A&M University
• BA, University of Rochester

Research Interests

• Health psychology and behavioral medicine
• Biopsychosocial model of health and illness
• Substance use (e.g., nicotine/tobacco; alcohol) and addictions
• Pain (e.g., clinical assessment; laboratory human experimental models)
• Mechanisms and effects of co-occurring substance use and medical conditions (e.g., chronic pain)
• Psychopathology and transdiagnostic constructs
• Translational research and intervention development

Clinical Interests

• Integrated treatments and healthcare models
• Behavioral medicine
• Motivational interventions

Teaching Interests

• Health Psychology
• Research Methods

Awards

• National Research Service Award (Individual Predoctoral Fellowship awarded by the National Institutes on Drug Abuse, 2015-2017)

Research Profile

• Substance Use, Pain, and Health Research Lab