Diversity
SPEAKS!

A newsletter from the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee to inspire conversation and action to promote diversity
Issue No. 20

INTERVIEW: Lauren Micalizzi, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Behavioral and Social Sciences

Interview by Sharon Lee, Ph.D.

Lauren Micalizzi, Ph.D., is a member of the Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies. Her research examines the intersection of genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors that contribute to the development of addiction. Taking a lifespan developmental approach, Dr. Micalizzi explores how early life exposures and family dynamics shape substance use risk and resilience. By identifying key risk and protective factors within family systems, her work aims to inform prevention and treatment strategies tailored to the needs of families.

Can you tell us about your academic interests?

My academic interests are rooted in understanding how early life experiences—especially prenatal exposures to substances like nicotine and cannabis—shape child development over time. I’m particularly drawn to the long-term behavioral outcomes, like externalizing behaviors, that can emerge and how we might prevent or support them. What really drives me is the chance to turn science into something tangible—tools, interventions, and policies that actually make life better for families. I'm especially passionate about work that promotes equity and helps reduce the disparities families often face during vulnerable and critical periods—particularly during pregnancy and the early postpartum months, when providing the right support can make a lasting positive impact on families.

What initially drew you to your interests?

I’ve always been fascinated by how early life experiences shape who we become, and I found myself deeply moved by the resilience of families navigating challenges during pregnancy and early parenthood. The prenatal period is such a powerful window of opportunity—not just biologically, but emotionally and socially—and I saw how much potential there is to make a difference by offering support at that time. I witnessed the real-life barriers families affected by substance use face—stigma, gaps in care, policies that don’t meet people’s needs. That’s what inspired me to focus my research not just on understanding risk and opportunity, but on creating meaningful, accessible interventions that truly meet people where they are.

You are involved in advocacy related to prenatal substance use policies. How did you become involved in this advocacy work?

What really motivated me was seeing firsthand how stigma and punitive policies around prenatal substance use often cause more harm than good. Laws that criminalize substance use during pregnancy or mandate reporting to child protective services don’t achieve the goal of protecting birthing people and their babies—in fact, they often do the opposite. These approaches create fear and mistrust, discourage people from seeking prenatal care or being honest with their providers, and ultimately worsen outcomes for both birthing person and child. The harm is especially

profound for families of color, who are disproportionately impacted by these policies and face greater barriers to reunification, further widening existing racial and ethnic disparities. The more I studied and experienced this, the clearer it became that policy in this space was often out of step with the science. That realization pushed me toward advocacy to help bridge the gap between research and policy.

What do you wish more researchers and clinicians knew about these policies and the need for advocacy?

Policies aren’t just abstract rules on paper—they have real, immediate effects on clinical care, on how people engage with services, and on whether they feel safe being honest with their providers. It’s crucial that we continually remind ourselves not to underestimate the fear and mistrust that punitive systems can create—especially for those already navigating stigma, poverty, or systemic racism. These policies can erode trust, drive people away from care, and deepen existing disparities at precisely the moments when support is most needed.

I also encourage researchers and clinicians to identify advocacy not as something separate from science or clinical work, but as a natural extension of it. If our research shows that certain policies are harmful—or that compassionate, evidence-based care leads to better outcomes—then we have a responsibility to help ensure that knowledge is used to inform systems and support change. Advocacy can look like a lot of different things: sharing findings with policymakers, speaking out against harmful legislation, or even just listening more closely to the people most affected and letting their needs guide our work.

What is one piece of advice you have for trainees and early career researchers who are interested in translating their research into advocacy work?

One key piece of advice is to build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with stakeholders who are directly impacted by the issue you're researching. Whether it's policymakers or community organizations, engaging with them early and often helps ensure that your research is aligned with real-world needs. Connecting your findings to real-world applications and the lived experiences of those affected can make your research more accessible and relevant.

RECIPE: One-Pan Farro with Tomatoes

Submitted by Trisha Arnold, Ph.D.

This is my favorite super-easy healthy recipe! Enjoy!

Ingredients

1 cup semi-pearled farro
2 cups water
1/2 large onion, thinly sliced into rings
2 cloves garlic, minced
9 ounces grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher or coarse sea salt
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for drizzling
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Grated Parmesan cheese or Feta cheese (optional)

Directions

Combine ingredients: In a large, deep skillet or saucepan, combine the farro, water, onion, garlic, tomatoes, salt, red pepper flakes, and 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Cook the mixture: Bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes, or until the farro is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. If it gets too dry before the farro is cooked, just add a bit more water.
Finish the dish: Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Drizzle with a little more olive oil for richness.
Serve: Spoon into bowls and top with fresh basil. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan or Feta - optional, but extra yummy!

RESEARCH AWARDS & OPPORTUNITIES

Active NIMHD Funding Opportunities

Toward alignment with its goals and priorities, the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) strongly encourages prospective grantees to contact extramural program officials before submitting applications whether in response to topic-based or parent grant funding announcements. Please direct inquiries here. Learn more.

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Grants

Systems for Action (S4A) Research Program: The Systems for Action (S4A) research program supports research studies that test novel ideas for aligning delivery and financing systems across sectors in ways that address the health and social needs of people experiencing health inequities. The program will provide funding for a new cohort of community-led pilot studies to produce new, actionable evidence about how to help medical, social, and public health systems work together to address forms of systemic racism. Up to five awards of up to $200,000 each will be funded for a period of up to 12 months. Applications are due by 3 p.m. EST on June 4. Learn more.

Research to Advance Racial and Indigenous Health Equity: This initiative seeks to build an actionable body of evidence to construct fair systems and advance racial and Indigenous health justice. There are two grant types:

Rapid Response Research grants are intended to partially offset losses in federal funding for existing research. Proposals are due by 3 p.m. EST on May 28.
New Research Support grants will fund new, action-oriented research to address ongoing threats to racial and Indigenous health equity. Letters of intent are due by 3 p.m. EST on July 16.

Learn more.

Health Enhancement Scientific Program

The Health Enhancement Scientific Program (HESP) provides future investigators in the field of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRDs) with a tailored mentored training approach to advance career success and satisfaction. An annual : (inclusive of direct and indirect costs) is provided based on the scholar’s educational/career level. This award can be spent on salary, pilot studies, tuition, travel, or other research-related needs.

$95,000 – Early Career Faculty
$70,000 – Postdoctoral Fellows
$45,000 – Graduate/Medical Students

Applications open in January. Learn more.

The William T. Grant Foundation - Research Grants on Reducing Inequality

The program’s research interests center on studies that examine ways to reduce inequality in youth outcomes and descriptive studies that clarify mechanisms for reducing inequality or elucidate how or why a specific program, policy, or practice operates to reduce inequality. The program also welcomes intervention studies that examine attempts to reduce inequality, as well as studies that improve the measurement of inequality. Studies are invited from a range of disciplines, fields, and methods, and investigations into various youth-serving systems, including justice, housing, child welfare, mental health, and education are encouraged. There are two grant types:

Major research grants: $100,000 to $600,000 over 2-3 years, including up to 15% indirect costs. Application deadlines are May 7, and August 6 by 3 p.m. EST.
Officers’ research grants: $25,000–$50,000 over 1-2 years, including up to 15% indirect costs. Application deadline is August 6 by 3 p.m. EST.

Learn more.

Alzheimer's Association Grants

Alzheimer's Association Research Grant — New to the Field (AARG-NTF): The AARG-NTF grant program funds investigators who are new to Alzheimer's and other dementia fields of research in order to support research that will lay the groundwork for future research grant applications to federal or other funding entities. Each AARG-NTF award total is limited to $200,000 (direct and indirect costs) for up to three years. Applicants must be assistant professors or above and new to neuroscience or neurodegeneration. Letters of intent are due in September each year. Learn more.

Alzheimer's Association Research Grant to Promote Diversity (AARG-D): The AARG-D grant program aims to fund early-career investigators to lay the groundwork for future research grant applications to federal or other funding entities. The objective of this award is to increase the number of highly trained investigators from diverse backgrounds solving problems related to Alzheimer's and other dementias. Each AARG-D award total is limited to $200,000 (direct and indirect costs) for up to three years. Applicants must be assistant professors or associate professors. Letters of intent are due each February. Learn more.

Alzheimer's Association Research Fellowship to Promote Diversity (AARF-D): The AARF-D grant program supports exceptional researchers who are engaged in post-graduate work and have not yet received a faculty appointment (i.e., postdoctoral fellows) and are working in diverse areas of research. Each AARF-D award total is limited to $200,000. Letters of intent are due each February. Learn more.

**BOOK REVIEW: Your Mom's Gonna Love Me by Matt Rife**

Review by Trisha Arnold, Ph.D.

“The people you love the most are the ones you roast the most.” – Matt Rife

(Because he made me giggle, cry, and question everything I thought I knew about Thanksgiving)

Laughter really is the best medicine—especially during a stressful political season. Your Mom’s Gonna Love Me is part memoir, part stand-up set, and part emotional rollercoaster, all wrapped in a charming package from a guy who openly admits he went through puberty late and once bought his grandfather an “intimate toy” for Christmas. (Yes, really.)

Born and raised in North Lewisburg, Ohio, Matt walks us through his humble beginnings and how his Pawpaw was the original Rife ride-or-die. Pawpaw even bought enough tickets to Matt’s first comedy show to get him on stage.

Matt earned his GED early so he could chase comedy full-time. In the book, he talks candidly about his mental health, grief, and body insecurities—including the wild and dangerous myth that stuffing and dressing are the same thing. (As a proud Arkansan, I now realize I’ve been living a lie.)

And then there's the moment when he claims Madea isn’t anyone’s favorite movie franchise. That’s a bold stance from someone who’s clearly never met me. Anyone who knows me—or has attended one of my lectures—knows I’m a Madea superfan.

From rising high enough to buy a Jeep, to going broke and losing the Jeep, to hosting comedy shows in a parking lot during COVID, Rife proves he’s got more resilience than my fat cat begging for treats. He’s redefining crowd work with comedy that’s not just inclusive but sincerely respectful—yes, even toward people with cancer or missing limbs. Somehow, he manages to put the fun in funeral-adjacent topics.

This book isn’t just a behind-the-scenes peek into his life—it’s a heartfelt, hilarious reminder that embracing what makes you different is the ultimate punchline.

Final thoughts?
Matt Rife: funny, flawed, and probably banned from Thanksgiving in the South. Your mom will love him. And honestly? You probably will too.

EVENTS

Mays Boyz Makin’ NOIZE: A Father and Sons Exhibition

Thurs., May 1 - Sun., June 1 | WaterFire Arts Center, 475 Valley St., Providence
A video, photography, and mixed media exhibition confronting systemic racism, displacement, and the ongoing struggle for justice. Learn more.

BBQueer!

Fri., May 2, 11 a.m. | Stonewall House, 22 Benevolent St., Providence
An early Pride celebration open to all Brown students, staff, and faculty. Enjoy free food, yard games, music, and sunshine. Learn more.

Bamboo Rhyme Chinese Ensemble

Sun., May 4, 7:30 p.m. | Salomon Center, Rm. 001
A concert of traditional Chinese music and pop favorites. Learn more.

Somos Rhode Island

Fri., May 9 - Wed. June 25 | Rhode Island Latino Arts, 209 Central St., Central Falls
An exhibition of 30 portraits by artist René Gómez of individuals from the Latino community in Rhode Island. Learn more.

Feast of St. Joseph

Fri., June 6 - Sun, June 8 | Federal Hill, Atwells Ave., Providence
A three-day celebration of St. Joseph, the patron saint of Sicily, featuring live entertainment, meatball and zeppole contests, food, rides and games. Learn more.

Rhode Island Caribbean American Heritage Festival

Sat., Jun. 21, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Fete Music Hall, 103 Dike St., Providence
A showcase of Rhode Island's rich diverse Caribbean American community through arts and craft, Caribbean food, and music. Learn more.

CONGRATULATIONS:
Grants, Awards, and Honors

Grant for Clinica Esperanza Partnership

Together with her collaborators, Hayley Treloar Padovano, PhD, associate professor of psychiatry and human behavior and associate professor of behavioral and social sciences, received a $865,095 grant to partner with Clínica Esperanza / Hope Clinic (CEHC), a Providence nonprofit that provides linguistically and culturally appropriate medical care and preventative health services to uninsured adults in Rhode Island. The grant is a supplement to the Center for Addiction and Disease Risk Exacerbation (CADRE), an NIGMS-funded Center for Biomedical Research Excellence established through the leadership of Peter M. Monti, PhD. Together with the CEHC team of multilingual volunteers and core staff, co-researchers Mollie A. Monnig, PhD, Stephanie Goldstein, PhD, and Kittichai Promrat, MD, and multilingual staff and trainees from the Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, this project will provide free screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment/prevention for metabolism- and alcohol-associated liver disease (MetALD) using Fibroscan®, a noninvasive, painless liver ultrasound. This team science is the first of its kind to identify and intervene in earlier stages of liver damage through recognizing patients as the experts of their own lives, helping them to make informed choices, emphasizing multilevel determinants of wellness, and supporting inclusivity through addressing language barriers to research representation and care.

LEAD Fellowship & Postdoctoral Health Psychology Award

Postdoctoral fellow Linda Guzman, PhD, was recently selected as a LEAD (Leadership Education to Advance Diversity) Fellow by the Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology. Learn more.

In September, the Society for Health Psychology selected Dr. Guzman for its 2024 Postdoctoral Health Psychology Award for Clinical Excellence. Learn more.

Brown Clinical Psychology Internship
Research Grant

Clinical psychology resident Jamilah George, M.S., M.Div., was awarded the 2025 Brown Clinical Psychology Internship Research Grant. The title of her project is "A Systematic Review of Quantitative Studies on the Link Between Racial Discrimination and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms among African American Adults."

Mind Brain Research Day
Diversity Research Awards

At the 2025 Mind Brain Research Day, the following Diversity Research Awards were announced:

1st place: Kristine Durkin, Ph.D.

Co-authors: Brissia Rodriguez Reyes, Sarah Adeniyi, Wujuudat Balogun,Mariah Ajiboye, Luvie Benavides, Jully Myrthil, Arianna Bouzi, Meredith Bello, Lounay Oliver-Camacho, Akemi Parker, Krissia Ramirez, Elissa Jelalian, Ph.D., Deborah Pearlman, Ph.D., A.Rani Elwy, Ph.D., and Elizabeth L. McQuaid, Ph.D. ABPP

Project title: Amplifying Young Voices: Strategies for Building and Sustaining a Youth Advisory Panel in Health Research

2nd place: Eliana Boxerman, B.A., and Madeline Rahilly, B.S.

Co-authors: Caroline Nester Rooney, Ph.D., Sarah Prieto, Ph.D., & Laura Korthauer, Ph.D.

Project title: Area Deprivation Index (ADI) and Brain Health in Aging Rhode Islanders: Exploring the Relationships Among Neighborhood Deprivation, Neuropsychological Functioning, and Depressive Symptoms

Newsletter contributors: Trisha Arnold, Ph.D., Sharon Lee, Ph.D., Katie Liesener, and Hwamee Oh, Ph.D.

Interested in getting involved? Please contact Co-Chairs Ernestine Jennings, Ph.D., or Hayley Treloar Padovano, Ph.D. for more information.