Research to Recovery 2026

Graduate Student Presentation Contest: A select number of graduate students will be chosen to give a brief presentation (10-15 min) of their research. These students will be eligible for an additional prize based on their ability to make their research accessible for a general audience.

Characterization of vaping products confiscated from Virginia school youth between 2022 and 2025

Meredith G. Buckmire, Ankita Gola, Kevin J. Lester, Bayli F. Morton, Kelsey S. Moss, Alaina K. Holt, Jessemia Meekins, Justin L. Poklis, Caroline O. Cobb, Michelle R. Peace

Introduction: Since 2014, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes, “vapes”) have been the most reported method of consuming nicotine for U.S. middle and high students. In an effort to curb underage use, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has prohibited both the sale of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes, vapes) to persons <21 years of age and flavors other than menthol and tobacco in cartridge-based (pod-based) products. Though recent surveys report a decrease in vaping products use among middle and high school populations, of students who reported vaping, almost 9 in 10 reported using vapes with flavors other than menthol and tobacco. E-cigarettes have been adapted to vaporize drugs other than nicotine (DOTNs), most notably Δ9- and Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) alongside other cannabinoids. Objective: The objective of this study is to characterize vaping trends in the adolescent population of Virginia by evaluating vaping products and their liquids (e-liquids) confiscated from public school students. Methods: Vaping products confiscated from Virginia public school students between 2022 and 2025 were shipped to the Laboratory for Forensic Toxicology Research (LFTR) in Richmond, Virginia. The date confiscated, student grade level, and how the student acquired the device were requested. E-liquids were screened using an untargeted gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method. Volatile compounds were identified and quantified using headspace gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (HS-GC-FID). Nicotine and cannabinoid concentrations were determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Microbiological contaminants were identified using 3MTM PETRIFILMTM plates. Results: A total of 1874 vaping devices were received over two collection periods (2023-24 and 2024-25 academic years); only one submission was an FDA-authorized product. The most reported methods of acquisition were receiving the vape from a friend or purchasing themself. Of samples with submission information, most products were collected from high school students and were labeled as fruit-flavored disposable products containing nicotine. Nicotine products (84%) were primarily nicotine-salt formulations with an average of 3% nicotine, and most contained synthetic coolants. The prevalence of cannabinoid vapes (15%) remained constant between 2023-24 and 2024-25, though total cannabinoid concentration (6-77% w/w) increased. Ethanol continued to be detectable (>1% v/v) in a small proportion of products. Yeast, mold, aerobic count, and coliform at or above the United States Pharmacopoeia thresholds were identified in some of the nicotine e-liquids and cannabinoid concentrates, as well as their respective aerosols. Additionally, 18 of the disposable vapes were dual-chamber devices. Discussion/Conclusion: Results suggest that Virginia adolescents continue to have access to unregulated vaping products despite state and federal regulations. E-liquid formulations containing nicotine salt, synthetic coolants, and flavoring chemicals decrease the harsh sensory effects traditionally associated with nicotine inhalation, potentially facilitating initiation and dependence among youth. The identification of increasing cannabinoid concentrations, dual-chamber devices, and microbiologicals in vapes present new concerns for health and safety.

Exclusive and Polysubstance Use Associations with Mental Health and Social Support Among Undergraduate Students
Norhan Botrous*, Sama Monjazeb*

Introduction: Though substance use is highly correlated with mental health and social support, there is more limited data regarding these relationships with polysubstance use. This secondary analysis aimed to explore associations between exclusive and polysubstance use, mental health symptoms, and social support. Methods: In Spring 2025, undergraduates at a large Central Virginia university (n=336) completed an online survey. Participants reported demographics, past 30-day alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco use, mental health symptoms (DASS-21), and perceived social support. Individuals were grouped by substance use behaviors (no substances, alcohol-only, alcohol+cannabis, alcohol+tobacco, all three substances). Due to limited sample size, cannabis-only, tobacco-only, and cannabis+tobacco groups (n=20) were excluded. ANOVA and t-tests compared mental health and social support between groups. Correlations between mental health symptoms and social support were assessed. Results: Participants were on average 20.2 years old, 81.8% female, 30.1% White, 24.7% Black/African American, and 14% Asian (remainder identified as other groups). Alcohol-only use was most prevalent (21.5%) followed by use of all three substances (14.0%), alcohol+tobacco (12.2%), and alcohol+cannabis (9.0%). The highest depression and stress symptoms were observed for those who used alcohol+cannabis and/or tobacco which were significantly higher than those using no substances or alcohol-only (ps<.05). For anxiety symptoms, use of alcohol+tobacco or all three substances was associated with the highest levels which were significantly higher than those using no substances or alcohol-only (ps<.05). Social support did not differ significantly between groups, but mental health symptoms were negatively correlated with social support (rs=-0.26 to -0.29; ps<.001). Conclusions: Findings highlight the prevalence of polysubstance use among undergraduates and associated mental health symptoms. Substance use prevention and intervention efforts should leverage protective social factors and provide mental health support.

Risk Drinking Levels During Pregnancy: Associations Across SAMHSA Recovery Domains
Amber R. Green(1), Nicole Boss(2,3), Kevin Xu(4,5), Caitlin E. Martin(1,3)

Introduction: No level of alcohol use is recommended during pregnancy, yet some continue to drink and women with alcohol use disorder (AUD) require targeted support. Reduced drinking relates to better outcomes in non-pregnant people, though no studies have examined how reductions during pregnancy relate across recovery domains. This study examined associations between WHO drinking risk levels across SAMSHA domains among pregnant women. Methods: This analysis from the 2021-2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health included women reporting current pregnancy. Average daily alcohol consumption in the past 30 days was coded into WHO drinking risk levels (none: 0 drinks; low: 1-1.4 drinks; moderate: >1.4-2.9 drinks; high: >2.9-4.3; very high: >4.3 drinks). Hierarchical linear regression models assessed associations of drinking risk across the SAMHSA recovery domains: number of emergency room (ER) visits (Health), difficulty participating in social activities (Community), difficulty completing household responsibilities (Home), and functional impairment (Purpose). Models included age, race, sexual identity, education level, and employment. Results: The sample (n=2,051) was 26-34 years old (43.8%), 55.3% White, 85.4% heterosexual, and 60.9% had some college. Decreased alcohol use was a significant predictor of fewer ER visits (β=.140, p=.031) and less difficulty completing household responsibilities (β=.099, p=.042). Drinking risk levels were not a significant predictor for functional impairment (p=.074) or social activities (p=.17) models. Sexual identity was a significant predictor in all models (p<.001). Conclusions: Abstinence during pregnancy is the safest o

The days of "just say no" and fear-based health messaging are behind us. Today’s college students navigate a complex landscape of social pressures, digital influence, and diverse identities that require a more nuanced, inclusive, and empowering approach to their health. This session explores how VCU is reimagining public health outreach by showcasing a model centered on health equity, fun, and student agency. Attendees will dive into the strategies used to tackle sensitive topics—including sexual health, substance use, and mental health—through a lens that validates student experiences rather than pathologizing them. Participants will also get an in depth look in the "behind the scenes" of VCU's Stall Seat Journal, an award winning public health campaign.

Learning Objectives: 

Participants will learn:

• Learn how to use data in a fun & compelling way to address students’ misperceptions about their peers’ health behaviors.
• Discuss using a social norms marketing approach to foster a healthier campus culture.
• Practice creating positive, intentional, & empowering messages to encourage safer health behaviors among diverse students.

Check out our student poster presentations while you enjoy a box lunch from Apple Spice Junction.

This session will equip substance use service providers with the knowledge and skills needed to deliver effective, trauma-informed substance abuse recovery services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Participants will explore the complex connection between trauma, abuse, and substance use.

1. To learn how to prioritize and integrate safety, empowerment and choice in the work that is done with survivors in recovery.
2. To learn how to provide culturally responsive care to survivors in recovery.
3. To learn how substance abuse is connected to the trauma and victimization of survivors. 

Graduate Student Presentation Contest: A select number of graduate students will be chosen to give a brief presentation (10-15 min) of their research. These students will be eligible for an additional prize based on their ability to make their research accessible for a general audience.

Nicotine and Other Substance Vaping and Mental Health Indicators Among Young Adults
Authors: First M. Last (Affiliation#)Rabia Imran (1)
Mary Carrico (2)
Elizabeth Ogunleye (2)
Darren Farmer (3)
Sama Monjazeb (2)
Norhan Botrous (2)
Caroline Cobb (2)

Introduction: The use of electronic delivery systems to vape nicotine and other substances is rising among young adults. While strong correlations between cigarette smoking and mental health conditions are well documented, less is known regarding these associations for vaping behaviors. This study aimed to characterize links between vaping nicotine and other substances and mental health indicators. Methods: From March 2025-June 2025, undergraduate students at a large university in Central Virginia (n=375) completed an online survey. Participants reported their demographics, past 30-day vaping behaviors and mental health indicators (DASS-21). Vaping nicotine and/or nicotine-free liquids, cannabis-containing liquids, and liquids containing other substances (e.g., caffeine, herbal supplements) were assessed, and individuals were categorized into exclusive subgroups based on their use behavior and distribution of responses. Differences in depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms by vaping subgroups were tested using ANOVA and independent samples t-tests. Results: The sample was ~20 years old with 82.6% female and 30.2% White, 24.0% Black or African American, 18.1% as multiracial, and 27.7% identified as other groups. Past 30-day exclusive nicotine/nicotine-free vaping was most common (15.2%) followed by nicotine/nicotine-free and cannabis/other substance vaping (10.1%) and exclusive cannabis/other substance vaping (6.9%). Symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress were relatively low but differed significantly across vaping subgroups (ps<0.05). Nicotine/nicotine-free vaping, whether exclusive or in combination with cannabis/other substance vaping, was associated with significantly higher depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms compared to those who did not vape (ps<0.04). Descriptively, individuals who vaped nicotine and cannabis/other substances had the highest scores for all three symptom categories. Conclusions: Findings highlight the relative prevalence of vaping behaviors by substance category. Vaping nicotine or nicotine-free liquids alone or in combination with other substances was linked to poorer mental health. While temporality is unknown in the present study, these findings highlight the need to address mental health in vaping prevention and intervention efforts. Given the broad availability of diverse vaping products, behavioral and survey assessments should consider vaping behaviors beyond nicotine-containing products.

Cocaine induces differential regulation of ‘jumping genes’ across the mouse brain
Shelbey Strandberg*(1) and Dr. Peter Hamilton (1)
Background/Objective: Transposable elements (TEs) comprise about half of the mammalian genome and are commonly called ‘jumping genes’ for their ability to be transcribed and re-integrated elsewhere in the genome. This process, termed transposition, can cause permanent disruptions to protein coding and regulatory regions of the genome. Cocaine use is increasingly appreciated as able to alter brain TE transcript expression, but the exact time-course, brain region specificity, and transposition capacity of affected TEs remains under-explored. We investigated these points by creating a cocaine-induced brain TE transcript time-course from public RNA-sequencing datasets. Methods: We identified transcriptomic studies of nucleus accumbens (NAc), dorsal striatum (DS), and prefrontal cortex (PFC) in cocaine exposed mice via self- or investigator-administered paradigms. Using the Python package TEtranscripts, we aligned the datasets to the reference genome mm10 and used an adjusted p-value cutoff of <0.05 to determine differential TE expression produced over the course of cocaine exposure. Results: Across the brain regions, we see time- and dose- dependent changes in TE transcript expression. Surprisingly, despite involvement in reward/addiction, each region has unique TE expression profiles. We identify predominantly downregulated TEs in NAc, whereas DS is primarily upregulated, and PFC displays TE profiles sensitive to the route of cocaine administration (self- or investigator-administered). Conclusion: TEs, a portion of which retain transposition capacity, experience dynamic and distinct brain-region expression following cocaine exposure. These insights may add an additional dimension of the brain molecular mechanisms involved in cocaine use disorder.

Hidden in Plain Sight: Inaccuracies in Labels and Microbiological Contamination of Cannabis Products
Logan N. Petersa, Alaina K. Holta, Justin L. Poklisb, Ankita Golaa, Michelle R. Peacea,b
Introduction The rapid expansion of cannabis products has outpaced regulatory oversight, raising concerns about product safety and labeling accuracy. This study investigates discrepancies between labeled and actual cannabinoid content as well as assesses potential contamination in commercial cannabis products. Semi-synthetic cannabinoids, such as Δ8-THC and HHC, often appear in unregulated products and pose unknown health risks. Various other contaminants such as solvents, pesticides, and vitamin E acetate have been linked to adverse effects. As consumer access to cannabis products increases, robust product surveillance is essential to protect public health and inform evidence-based regulation. Objectives This project aims to analyze the chemical composition of various commercially available cannabis products purchased in Washington, D.C., and to assess potential microbial contamination in order to evaluate consumer health risks associated with inadequate production, handling, or storage practices. Methods Samples were opened and sampled immediately for volatile compound and microbial contamination analysis. Products were analyzed for volatiles using a Shimadzu headspace gas chromatography system (HS-20, GC-2030AF). Known standards were analyzed alongside the samples to identify common compounds. A 100 µg/mL stock of each sample was prepared for microbiological analysis. One milliliter of this solution was plated on Thermo Fisher Petrifilm microbiological plates (yeast and mold, aerobic count, E. coli). Positive controls were prepared using Thermo Fisher Culti-Loops. A 40 µg/mL stock of each sample was analyzed on a Shimadzu GCMS-QP2020 gas chromatography-mass spectrometry system using an untargeted screening method to identify cannabinoids. Cannabinoids present in the sample were quantified using a Shimadzu LCMS-8050 liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry system. Results Of seventy-two products analyzed, only forty-six (63.8%) disclosed cannabinoids contained through product packaging or publicly available certificates of analysis. Of the forty-six with labels, thirty-five (76%) were found to contain compounds not disclosed on the label or certificate of analysis. Fourteen (30%) of these products did not contain one or more of the cannabinoids disclosed on the label or certificate of analysis. Microbiological contaminants were not detected in any vape or edible products. Microbial contamination above threshold limits were detected in 94.1% of plant material products (16/17). Aerobic bacteria were detected in 12 plant material products (220-9800 cfu/g). Yeast and mold were detected in 10