Carrie B. Oser, Ph.D., has been named director of the University of Kentucky College of Medicine's Center on Drug and Alcohol Research (CDAR) effective July 1, 2026.
Oser brings to the role more than 20 years of experience advancing research on substance use disorders and improving health outcomes in Kentucky and beyond. A faculty member at UK since 2004, she has been involved with CDAR throughout her career and was named a University Research Professor in 2024. She is a professor in the UK College of Medicine Department of Behavioral Science and holds a joint appointment in the UK College of Arts & Sciences Department of Sociology.
An internationally recognized expert in addiction science, Oser's work focuses on substance use disorders, health services, implementation science and health disparities, particularly among rural populations and individuals involved in the criminal legal system. She has published more than 200 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters on these topics. Oser has also secured more than $18.5 million as principal investigator on eight awards and $145 million as a co-investigator for research funded by the National Institutes of Health. Her research has helped inform prevention, treatment and recovery efforts while strengthening partnerships among researchers, healthcare providers, policymakers and communities.
As director, Oser will lead CDAR's research, education and service missions while supporting faculty development, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and expanding opportunities for students, trainees and early-career investigators. She will also guide efforts to grow the center's research portfolio and strengthen partnerships across the University and with communities throughout Kentucky and beyond.
"I’m honored and excited to begin serving as the CDAR director,” said Oser. “I look forward to working with CDAR faculty, staff, trainees and community partners as we continue to advance CDAR’s mission and maximize our impact on the lives of individuals, families and communities affected by substance use.”
Oser currently serves as associate director of the university's Substance Use Priority Research Area and has served as associate director of the Center for Health, Engagement, and Transformation. Her leadership experience spans multiple academic and research units across the university, reflecting a longstanding commitment to collaboration and research excellence.
Founded in 1990, CDAR is one of the nation's leading centers dedicated to understanding substance use disorders and developing evidence-based approaches to prevention, treatment and recovery. Under Oser's leadership, the center will continue building on its strengths in research, education and community engagement.