Spokane Campus
Conducting research, program development and dissemination in a culturally appropriate manner to translate research successfully and effectively into practice, in support of the health and well-being of American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) people. Disorder interventions among AI/AN communities, conducting clinical trials and mixed-methods research in diverse settings, prevention science, implementation and dissemination research, and culturally adapting evidence-based interventions.
Our Occupational Sleep Medicine Group studies sleep and cognitive performance in various populations, with a primary focus on Fatigue Risk Management Systems in commercial aviation, to support prevention of accidents and safety. Additionally, we have ongoing interdisciplinary studies in athletes and human horse interactions.
The intersection of the behavioral health, housing, and criminal legal systems; Role of public spaces in reentry after prison or jail; peer support and community integration; Qualitative and mixed methods.
Developing and testing the effectiveness of treatments for co-occurring substance use disorders and severe mental illness. Public health research and behavioral interventions in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. The use of ethyl glucuronide, a biomarker of recent alcohol use, as a component in contingency management interventions for people diagnosed with alcohol use disorders. Research on the assessment and treatment of of children with severe psychiatric disorders who receive care in the public mental health system.
Dr. McPherson is a Professor and Assistant Dean for Research. He is also the Director of the Program of Excellence in Addictions Research (PEAR) at the Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine. Within PEAR, he is the Head and Principal Investigator of the Analytics and Psychopharmacology Laboratory (APPL). He has led several treatment and treatment development focused projects (e.g., Phase I/II trials) focused on pharmacotherapies, technology, and behavioral techniques.
Pathways and access to substance use and mental health care, treatment engagement, implementation of early intervention programs for first-episode psychosis, family-based interventions, racial health equity, culturally sensitive strategies, mixed-methods.