Brian is currently a postdoctoral fellow with the Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research at McMaster University under the supervision of Dr. James MacKillop. He completed his undergraduate degree in Psychology at Nipissing University, his Masters Degree in Applied (Clinical) Psychology at Laurentian University, and his PhD in Clinical Psychology from Simon Fraser University. He is a registered psychologist (supervised practice) with the College of Psychologists of Ontario, and currently provides clinical services to the Young Adult Substance Use Program and the Youth Wellness Centre of St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton.

Brian’s current research uses behavioral economics—which employs principles from operant learning theory and microeconomics—to understand the causes and consequences of substance use and concurrent disorders. He is particularly interested in understanding substance use trajectories in emerging adults, and the co-occurrence of substance use disorders with posttraumatic stress disorder. His previous work has sought to delineate the complex interplay between biological (e.g., hormones), contextual, and individual difference factors that contribute to human competitive behaviour, decision-making, and impulsivity.

For a list of publications, please visit Brian’s Google Scholar page.