Where Are They Now? - Dr. Jessica Flori

Where do you work and in what capacity?  

I work as Clinical Research Associate at the University of Connecticut’s School of Medicine. I originally started here as a NIAAA-T32 post-doctoral fellow after completing my PhD in clinical psychology and have stayed on as a Clinical Research Associate.  

    What are your current research and clinical interests?  

My research focuses on understanding mechanisms underlying behavioral interventions for substance use disorders. I am specifically interested in how interventions work, who they work best for, and how they can be improved to positively impact more individuals. Relatedly, I am interested in refining substance use outcomes to ensure that our measures are client centered and relevant to people they are meant to serve. I am also passionate about working on projects that amplify the voices of individuals with lived experience. Currently, I am working on my K99/R00 project that focuses on using community-based participatory research strategies to understand mechanisms underlying peer recovery support for opioid use disorder. Clinically, I am interested in working with individuals with substance use disorders.  

How did you become interested in addictive behaviors?  

Prior to my graduate training, I worked as a research assistant on several NIDA and NIAAA funded projects at a detoxification facility. Working on projects that connected individuals from detoxification to outpatient substance use treatment, I was privy to witness the real-world impact of substance use treatment and intervention. These experiences inspired me to pursue graduate training in clinical psychology with a specific focus on substance use intervention and prevention.  

What motivated you to serve as a prior student representative for the Society of Addiction Psychology (Division 50)?  

Having been a member of Division 50 and previously attending CPA, I was inspired to seek out a service commitment that would support the important work being done by the division. When I saw the opportunity to become a student member of the Finance and Budget Committee, I jumped at the opportunity to become more involved. It was invaluable to learn more about how the division is run and how decisions are made related to funding.   

How has your involvement with Division 50 positively impacted your career? 

Division 50 has impacted my career in many positive ways, and there are so many ways to be involved.  I have had the opportunity to regularly attend CPA, which has provided me with opportunities to network and receive feedback on my own work. Through the various division activities, I have been able to connect with Division 50 researchers and clinicians. In 2024, I received an Early Career Psychologist Award from APA Division 50 that allowed me to continue working on an area of research I started during my graduate training, which helped to jump start my research path.  

What advice can you provide for current students who are interested in getting more involved in the field? 

My greatest advice to students interested in getting more involved in the field is to seek out mentorship from people who are doing things you would someday like to do. I have been so fortunate to have so many mentors through formal and informal relationships who have helped me grow as both a researcher and a clinician.