I am a neuroscientist and a clinical trialist whose rich clinical background set the stage for my scientific path. My research program centers on the investigation of neurobiological underpinnings of social factors in substance use disorders aimed to glean insights for novel prevention, early intervention, and treatments for individuals with substance use disorders. The research questions I study build on my clinical observations coupled with scientific knowledge, facilitating a two-way bridge between clinic and research. I am the Assistant Director of Clinical Research for AIMS, reflecting my contribution in recent years to the advancement of addiction treatment scientifically by scientific design and management of multiple double-blinded randomized controlled clinical trials for medication development and neuroimaging.