
Welcome to the Basic and Applied Addictions Research (BAAR) Laboratory
at
Emory University
Our research team is dedicated to advancing knowledge and research in and around addictions, with a particular focus on substance use and related health outcomes, including HIV.
We are particularly focused on developing and testing new strategies and programs, especially digital tools, to better understand the mechanisms driving behaviors like addiction and how we can better support affected individuals and communities.
The BAAR Lab’s mission is to produce high-quality empirical science and design effective interventions to improve health outcomes and provide support for individuals impacted by substance use.

What do we do?
We are an interdisciplinary team dedicated to advancing research around addictions, with a specific focus on substance use and related health outcomes. Our work involves developing and testing new strategies and digital tools to uncover the mechanisms that drive addictive behaviors.

How do we do it?
We conduct rigorous research by treating our participants as respected collaborators and experts on their own lives. By combining team science with meticulous data collection and ethical integrity, we transform questions and ideas from scientists and students into impactful scientific advances.

Why do we do it?
We believe that high-quality empirical science is essential to better support individuals and communities affected by substance use and HIV.
Many people face incredibly difficult moments due to addiction, and our goal is to provide the insights and tools necessary to improve their health and quality of life.
Please explore our website to learn more about our work and ways to get involved!
Current Projects
Publications

Alcohol Feedback, Reflection, and Morning Evaluation (A-FRAME): Refining and testing feasibility and acceptability of a smartphone-delivered alcohol intervention for heavy-drinking young adults. Merrill, J.E., Gebru, N.M., Peterson, R. et al. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, (2024). https://doi.org/10.1111/acer.15424
Relationships among substance use, sociodemographics, Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) awareness and related attitudes. Gebru, N.M., Benvenuti, M.C., Rowland, B.H.P. et al. Substance Use & Misuse, (2022). https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2022.2040030
A behavioral economic examination of sexual behaviors in the era of pre-exposure prophylaxis via explanatory sequential mixed methods. Gebru, N.M., James, T.G., Ahn, S. et al. Archives of Sexual Behavior, (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-024-02822-8

©2026 BAAR Lab