Center for Health Behaviors Research - CHBR

05/01/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Dr. Megan Evans of the MIND Lab at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute on the successful defense of her doctoral dissertation! 👏

Her work explores brain activity and neuromotor function in infants at varying risk for neuromotor impairment—an important step toward improving early identification and intervention.

We’re proud to celebrate this milestone and the impact of her research!

04/30/2026

CHBR and the Addiction Recovery Research Center (ARRC) are proud to co-sponsor an upcoming Pioneers in Biomedical Research Seminar at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute

Denise Hien, Ph.D. (Rutgers University) will present, “Advancing the Treatment of Traumatic Stress and Addictions: How Data Science Can Move the Field Forward.”

Her talk will explore the complex relationship between trauma and substance use—and how data science can help translate clinical research into more effective, real-world care.

📅 May 1
🕚 11:00 a.m.
📍 Room G101 A/B, 4 Riverside Circle + Zoom option available

Proud to support work that is helping shape the future of addiction and recovery research. 👏

May 1, 2026, 11:00 a.m. | Denise Hien, Ph.D., Helen E. Chaney Endowed Chair in Alcohol Studies, Distinguished Professor, Rutgers Center of Alcohol & Substance Use Studies, Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, Rutgers University-New Brunswick | Co-Sponsored by the Fralin Biomedical...

04/29/2026

🗓️ Mark your calendars! 🎓
Megan Evans (MIND Lab) will defend her doctoral dissertation on Friday, May 1 at 10:00 a.m.

Her work explores brain activity and neuromotor function in infants at varying risk for neuromotor impairment—an important contribution to understanding early development and intervention.

We’re proud to be part of this work at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute 👏

04/29/2026

Proud to see Dr. Alex DiFeliceantonio and the Donnut Lab featured as an invited speaker at the Association for Chemoreception Sciences XLVIII Presidential Symposium 👏

This international meeting brings together leading scientists studying taste, smell, and their role in behavior and health—making it an exciting space to showcase this work.

Her talk, “Why do we eat what we eat?: Brain and metabolic responses to processed foods,” highlights emerging research at the intersection of food, reward, and health.

Great to see our team contributing to conversations shaping the future of health behavior research 👏

04/23/2026

🇺🇸 Center for Health Behaviors Research - CHBR and Addiction Recovery Research Center (ARRC) research is being shared at the national level this week 🇺🇸

Nicki Rohani of the Stein Lab is presenting at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Society of Behavioral Medicine, sharing new research on an AI-assisted tool designed to support future-focused thinking and decision-making.

By helping people vividly imagine meaningful future events, this approach may reduce impulsive choices—an important step in understanding and supporting health behavior change.

Proud to see this work—and this team—bringing innovative research to the field 👏

04/22/2026

Environment shapes the brain—more than we realize.

04/21/2026

🌎🌱 Come Celebrate Earth Day with us! 🌎🌱

Celebrate Earth Day with us at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute 🌎🌱

04/21/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Haylee Downey of the Stein Lab!! We're so proud of you!

04/21/2026

What if diet doesn’t just affect the body—but the brain, too? 🧠

VTCSOM student Lillian Brouwer's project examines how ultra-processed foods may relate to inflammation in the brain, using advanced imaging techniques to study regions involved in metabolism and energy regulation.

Early findings highlight the complexity of these relationships—and why more research is needed.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWW8_QICEy2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

04/21/2026

Big moment ahead for DONNUT Lab! 🍩🎓
Zach Hutelin will be defending his dissertation on Friday, May 1 at 1:00 PM.

We’re proud and excited to support him—join us!

04/21/2026

🗓️ Mark your calendars! 🎓

Zach Hutelin (Donnut Lab) will defend his dissertation on May 1, advancing research on the neural and metabolic impacts of ultraprocessed foods. We’re proud to be part of this work at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute.

Big moment ahead for DONNUT Lab! 🍩🎓
Zach Hutelin will be defending his dissertation on Friday, May 1 at 1:00 PM.

We’re proud and excited to support him—join us!

04/09/2026

April is National Minority Health Month — a time to recognize the importance of improving health outcomes and reducing disparities across communities.

At the Center for Health Behaviors Research (CHBR), we are committed to advancing science that reflects everyone. Health is shaped by more than biology — it’s influenced by access, environment, culture, and lived experience. That’s why inclusive research isn’t optional — it’s essential.

By prioritizing diverse representation in our studies, we can better understand health behaviors, develop more effective interventions, and support healthier communities for all.

Because better representation leads to better science — and better care.