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Nicole Lewellyn Schramm-Sapyta

Associate Professor of the Practice in the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences
Duke Institute for Brain Sciences
308 Research Dr Room M055, Box 91003, Durham, NC 27708
308 Research Dr Room M055, Box 91003, Durham, NC 27708

Research Interests


My research team is currently interested in the intersection between mental illness, substance use disorder, and incarceration.  We collaborate with the Durham County Detention Facility and Duke Health to analyze an anonymized dataset regarding these issues.  We are also embarking on a qualitative analysis, using Focus groups involving people with lived experiences with these issues, to provide context to our data and generate recommendations for improvements to services.  

Selected Grants


The Impact Neuroscience Program: an Inclusive Multi-Dimensional Program to Advance Career Training (R25)

Inst. Training Prgm or CMECollaborator · Awarded by National Institute of Mental Health · 2023 - 2028

Role of HPA Axis in Adolescent Vulnerability to Drug Addiction

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2006 - 2011

Fellowships, Gifts, and Supported Research


Exploring Services for the Formerly-Incarcerated Population with Mental Health and Substance Use Diagnoses · 2021 - 2022 Awarded by: Community Engaged Scholarship Collaborative
Seed Grant: Inclusion and Power Dynamics: Year 3 · 2020 Lead · Awarded by: Duke Office for Faculty Advancement Over the past two years, the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences has hosted a workshop series on inclusion and power dynamics that has served more than 460 people across the university and health system. Faculty, staff, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows have engaged with topics related to the unique power dynamics of a research environment and the ways that members of our community are impacted by that power structure. For the coming year, this group will offer workshops and training in skills that promote inclusion; convene conversations with experts and leaders at Duke to share best practices; and create affinity groups to support each other and share resources for improving workplace culture. Duke faculty are the primary focus, but the broader audiences may include staff, students, and postdoctoral fellows. https://facultyadvancement.duke.edu/2020-faculty-advancement-seed-grants-awardees
Seed Grant: Navigating Power Dynamics in a Diverse and Inclusive Academic Community · 2019 Co-Lead · Awarded by: Duke Office for Faculty Advancement Creating a Healthy, Vibrant, and Inclusive Community That Welcomes All People and Perspectives. https://facultyadvancement.duke.edu/seed-grants/2029
Seed Grant: Inclusion and Power Dynamics in Academia · 2018 Co-Lead · Awarded by: Duke Office for Faculty Advancement A series of workshops and seminars over the course of a year that will discuss issues related to inclusion (specifically gender and race) and power dynamics in academia. https://facultyadvancement.duke.edu/seed-grants/2025
Mental Health and the Justice System in Durham County · 2018 - 2024 Awarded by: Duke University Bass Connections and Data + Programs

External Relationships


  • Housing for New Hope
  • moss + ross

This faculty member (or a member of their immediate family) has reported outside activities with the companies, institutions, or organizations listed above. This information is available to institutional leadership and, when appropriate, management plans are in place to address potential conflicts of interest.