Advisory Board
Shanna Babalonis
Director
Shanna Babalonis, PhD is an associate professor with tenure in the UK College of Medicine Department of Behavioral Science and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research. Her NIH-funded research focuses on clinical trials and human laboratory assessments of the abuse potential, risks, and therapeutic effects of cannabis and opioids. She is the acientist representative on the Council for Governmental Relations Hemp and Cannabis Group and serves on the program committee for the International Cannabinoid Research Society. She is also a consulting editor for the scientific journal, Cannabis. UK President Eli Capilouto appointed Dr. Babalonis as the director of the Cannabis Center in July 2022.
Executive / Steering Committee
The Executive / Steering Committee is composed of six faculty members who serve as the Center's core leadership. They work with the director to establish the Center's research goals and agenda, and make key financial decisions.
Peter Akpunonu, MD
Positions Held:
- Associate Professor, Emergency Medicine & Medical Toxicology
- Director, Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine
- Director, Medical Toxicology
Linda Dwoskin, PhD
Positions Held:
- Professor
- Senior Associate Vice President for Research, Special Projects
Laura Fanucchi, MD
Positions Held:
- Associate Professor
- Director of UK Addiction Consult and Education Service
William Stoops
Positions Held:
- Professor
- Associate Director, Clinical Research of the UK Substance Use
- Director, UK Clinical Research Support Office
Internal Advisory Committee
The Internal Advisory Committee is comprised of six faculty members that advise the director and the Executive / Steering Committee. They provide feedback on the Center's progress and overall direction.
