
WE'VE RE-BRANDED!!!
Welcome to the IMPACT Lab
Department of Clinical Psychology
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
The Innovative Methods for Prevention, Addiction, and Criminogenic Treatment (IMPACT) Research Lab, led by Dennis McChargue, Ph.D., is dedicated to advancing research on substance use behaviors and developing innovative approaches to treatment and prevention. Our team focuses on leveraging technology and restorative justice practices to improve outcomes and address behavioral risks in diverse populations, including college students.
Our research explores key areas, such as:
- Innovations in technology to enhance substance use treatment and prevention outcomes
- Development of innovative restorative justice approaches
- Understanding factors associated with preventing behavioral risks among college populations
Research & Team Objectives
Our mission is to generate impactful research that informs the prevention, intervention, and treatment of substance use disorders. We utilize multi-method and multi-level approaches to:
- Enhance technology-driven solutions for treatment and prevention
- Identify and address risk factors for substance use behaviors
- Develop evidence-based strategies to support individuals, communities, and populations affected by substance use
Explore more about our lab and publications on:
Google Scholar | PubMed
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
At the IMPACT Lab, we recognize that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are essential to advancing science and improving the outcomes of substance use treatment and prevention. We are dedicated to creating an environment that values and respects diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds.
Our commitment is reflected in our actions, which include:
- Fostering an Inclusive Culture: We prioritize open communication, mutual respect, and equitable opportunities for all lab members, collaborators, and participants.
- Promoting Equity in Research: Our work aims to address disparities in substance use treatment and prevention, ensuring our findings and innovations benefit underserved and marginalized communities.

- Encouraging Diverse Representation: We actively seek to broaden participation in our lab by welcoming
- individuals from all identities, including those historically underrepresented in psychology and healthcare.
By embedding these principles into our research,
collaborations, and mentorship, we strive to create meaningful change and ensure our work reflects the diverse populations we serve.
Recent News
08.13.24 | Congratulations to Therese and team for their publication in Journal of Technology in Behavioral Science. |
04.11.24 | The whole team (including some of our undergrads!) headed to Colorado to present at the Collaborative Perspectives on Addiction (CPA). Check out the pictures, here. |
06.30.23 | Congrats to Alexa for presenting at the 2023 International Association of Forensic Mental Health Services in Australia. See the posters & pictures from her trip with our lab director & PI, Dr. Dennis McChargue & our collaborator at the CJC, Jim Jones! |
06.09.23 | Congrats to Patrick for presenting at the 2023 Central IDeA States Regional Meeting in Kansas City, MS. See the poster HERE, or check our our lab updates for more! |
05.12.23 | Congratulations to Kailey for securing her top-ranked internship placement at the Salt Lake VA Healthcare System! Although we'll miss her, we're excited to see her embark on this new journey and wish her all the best. We look forward to witnessing her future accomplishments! |
05.02.23 | Congratulations to Becky Wolfe for her outstanding contribution to mentorship! She was recognized by the department and won an award for Graduate Student Excellence in Mentoring! Way to go, Becky, and congrats to all who won! See the posting HERE |
04.17.23 | Our lab member was featured in the NEWS....we are so proud. Way to go, Becky! https://nebraskanewsservice.net/campus/biopsychosocialpartone/
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08.10.23: | Congratulations to 2nd year clinical student, Alexa Barrett for being commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy |