Overview
I specialize in the assessment and treatment of the psychological and behavioral sequelae of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) including the use of cognitive-behavioral interventions to reduce PTSD symptoms, aggression, and substance misuse.
Research interests
- The psychological, behavioral, and health consequences of traumatic stress
- Health services research related to PTSD and associated behavioral difficulties
- Identification of innovative health behavior change interventions to reduce smoking, alcohol, and drug misuse
- Implementation Science
- Psychometric assessment and methodology
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
·
2017 - Present
Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Behavioral Medicine & Neurosciences,
Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute
·
2018 - Present
Duke Cancer Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Recent Publications
Deployment-related toxic exposures, mental health problems, and suicide outcomes among Gulf War era U.S. veterans.
Journal Article J Psychiatr Res · November 2025 Exposure to toxins, such as pesticides, smoke from burning oil fields, and nerve gas, during military operations have been linked to poor physical health among veterans. However, less is known about how these exposures may affect mental health outcomes, es ... Full text Link to item CiteCombat exposure, social support, and posttraumatic stress: a longitudinal test of the stress-buffering hypothesis among veterans of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Journal Article Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol · October 2025 PURPOSE: While social support is widely viewed as a protective factor against posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), few studies have directly tested whether social support buffers the long-term effects of pre-existing PTSD symptoms or baseline combat expos ... Full text Link to item CiteSmoking Cessation Screening and Treatment Among Veterans With Multiple Sclerosis.
Journal Article Mil Med · September 1, 2025 INTRODUCTION: Cigarette smoking is a leading cause of preventable death in the United States and disproportionately affects veterans. While smoking cessation is the goal for all veterans, it is especially critical for veterans with multiple sclerosis (MS; ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Cognitive Rehabilitation for Treatment of Anger in Veterans with TBI and PTSD
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by Department of Defense · 2025 - 2029Computerized Anger Management Protocol (CAMP) for Service Members With and Without a History of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by Department of Defense · 2025 - 2029Development of mHealth-Supported Skills Training for Alcohol and Related Suicidality (mSTARS): Emotion Regulation Skills Training to Enhance Acute Psychiatric Care and Recovery
ResearchMentor · Awarded by National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism · 2023 - 2028View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Vanderbilt University ·
1998
Ph.D.