Professor creating impact through research in adolescent mental health and substance misuse, Dr. Ali M. Yurasek serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Education and Behavior at the University of Florida. Her scholarly work is dedicated to the development and evaluation of brief motivational interventions aimed at reducing marijuana and alcohol use among at-risk populations. Dr. Yurasek's research is particularly significant in the context of evolving legal landscapes surrounding substance use.
Dr. Yurasek employs behavioral economic theory to delve into the intricate risk factors associated with substance misuse and the challenges of poor treatment responses. Her investigations focus on how various elements such as social norms, expectancies, delay discounting, and changes in reward value can impact the effectiveness of interventions. Through this lens, she seeks to refine treatment strategies and broaden their accessibility, particularly for vulnerable youth populations.
A significant aspect of Dr. Yurasek's research is her exploration of adolescent marijuana use and its interplay with mental health issues, especially as legal frameworks continue to shift. Her work is instrumental in understanding how these changes affect young individuals and in developing interventions that are both effective and adaptable to new legal contexts.
Dr. Yurasek's commitment to enhancing treatment efforts is evident in her pursuit of innovative approaches that address the unique challenges faced by at-risk youth. Her research not only contributes to the academic community but also has practical implications for public health policies and intervention programs.
By focusing on the intersection of behavioral economics and substance misuse, Dr. Yurasek's work provides valuable insights into the mechanisms that drive substance use behaviors and the potential pathways for effective intervention. Her contributions are paving the way for more informed and effective strategies in the realm of health education and behavior.
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The University of Florida (UF) is a public land-grant research university in Gainesville, Florida. It is the oldest and largest university in the State University System of Florida. UF is also a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a distinction held by fewer than 60 universities in the United States and Canada.
At the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL, the focus in Health Education and Kinesiology involves the comprehensive study of health behaviors, educational strategies, and human movement. This integrated approach equips students with knowledge and skills to promote well-being and enhance physical performance across diverse populations. Programs explore critical public health issues, behavioral science, applied human anatomy, exercise physiology, and biomechanics. Research covers areas like health literacy, disparities, digital health, cardiovascular physiology, motor behavior, and rehabilitation neuroscience. Students gain practical skills, preparing them for careers as health educators, exercise physiologists, public health advocates, and fitness professionals, addressing multifaceted aspects of health and human performance.
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