Rachel Gunn, Ph.D.

Primary Investigator

(She/her/hers)

Dr. Gunn is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and an Assistant Professor at the Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies and the director of the PACE lab. Her research focuses on understanding the etiology (causes and impact) of alcohol and cannabis use and problems in a variety of populations. Dr. Gunn uses laboratory and ambulatory assessment methods to study the impact of alcohol and cannabis use, with the ultimate goal of reducing the burden of substance-related harms on individuals from a diversity of backgrounds. Her current projects focus on understanding the impact of simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use on alcohol consumption and consequences (Project ACE) and cannabis use on momentary and longitudinal alcohol-related outcomes among those in alcohol in treatment (Project LINC). Dr. Gunn also co-directs the PHASES lab  with Dr. Lauren Micalizzi, where they study the etiology of cannabis use in perinatal health. Beyond her research, Dr. Gunn loves spending time outside and exploring New England with her husband, Kyle and son, Theo. 

Lindy Howe, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

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Dr. Lindy Howe is a postdoctoral research fellow at the Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, mentored by Dr. Rachel Gunn and co-mentored by Dr. Jane Metrik. Lindy’s research interests center on substance use, particularly examining the interplay between psychopathology, decision-making, and situational factors of alcohol and cannabis use through ecological momentary assessment. Her emerging research interests also explore the interaction of substance use with perinatal mental health, specifically focusing on the role providers play in shaping perceptions of cannabis use before, during, and after pregnancy, the factors contributing to the return of substance use postpartum, and the impact of cannabis and alcohol use on postpartum mental health outcomes. In her free time, Lindy enjoys traveling and being active, or relaxing on the couch re-watching her favorite TV shows.

Nathan Didier, MS

PhD Student

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(He/him/his)

Nathan is a PhD student in Behavioral and Social Health Sciences and serves the PACE lab by building and implementing data management tools. He is interested in leveraging alcohol biosensors to improve measurement of real-life alcohol use and hopes to eventually use them to facilitate a mobile health application. 

Mary Ellen Fernandez

Program Manager

Mary Ellen is the project manager of the THRU Lab and PACE Lab. As part of the PACE Lab, Mary Ellen works on both research studies: Project ACE and Project LINC. Her research interests include young adults, substance use, harm reduction and public policy. She received her BA in Psychology and minored in Justice Studies at Rhode Island College. Mary Ellen hopes to continue her education in the very near future to receive an MSW (Master of Social Work). In her free time she loves watching movies and television shows and especially going for walks and hikes!

Jaclyn Fischesser

Research Assistant

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Jaclyn is a research assistant thrilled to be working on Project LINC with the PACE Lab! They earned their Bachelor’s in Psychology and their Bachelor’s in Economics from the University of Kentucky. Their main research interests include severe psychopathology and behavioral economics. Jac looks forward to earning their Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, supported by their favorite study partner (and cat) Beef Tortellini.

Amara Ali 

Research Assistant

(She/her/hers)

Amara Ali works as a Research Assistant on the ACE study in the PACE Lab at the Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies. She earned her BS in Neuroscience and a minor in Chemistry from Trinity University. Her research interests include the intersection between culture and mental health and its relation to addiction, eating disorder pathology, weight stigma, and body image issues, particularly in South Asian (American) women. Amara is interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology to explore these research interests further. She loves to dance, cook, and draw in her free time!

Sara Simmons

Research Assistant

(She/her/hers)

Sara is a Research Assistant for the PACE Lab and PHASES Lab at the Center of Alcohol and Addiction Studies. She earned her BS in Psychology and an endorsement in Trauma-Informed Child Advocacy from Mississippi State University. Her research interests include substance use, particularly how it is mediated by impulsivity-related risk facets, personality pathology, and psychopathology. She is pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, singing, traveling, and playing video games

MiKayla Dotson

Graduate Research Assistant

(She/her/hers)

MiKayla is a graduate research assistant for the PACE lab. She is a second year MPH student at the Brown University School of Public Health. Her research interests include the connection between mental health, infrastructure, technology, and  behavior change interventions. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and reviewing restaurants, playing sports and traveling to new spots in New England. 

Lovisa Werner 

Lab Volunteer

(She/her/hers)

Lovisa is a second year Master of Public Health student concentrating in Epidemiology at Brown University. She is a volunteer in the PACE lab. She received her BA in Biology, with minors in Mathematics and Dance from Connecticut College, as well as completion of the Public Health pathway. Her research interests include substance and alcohol use, mental health, and maternal and reproductive health. She hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in Epidemiology in the future. In her free time, Lovisa loves to dance, spend time outdoors and hang out with loved ones!