University of North Texas 
Our Team
Donald Dougherty, Ph.D.
Translational Addictions Research Consortium Primary Investigator
Professor and Senior Associate Dean for Research Strategy
Dr. Dougherty is an internationally recognized translational scientist with more than
30 years of continuous NIH-funded research experience and over 23,000 citations to
his work. His work focuses on alcohol and substance use disorders, integrating laboratory
science, clinical trials, behavioral pharmacology, and biomarker development to better
understand drinking behavior and improve intervention strategies.
His experience includes large-scale clinical and translational infrastructure awards from NIH (e.g., PI on CTSAs and KL2 Career Training Awards). His current work examines objective alcohol monitoring technologies, short-term abstinence interventions, and biomarker-linked health outcomes, bridging basic behavioral science with clinically meaningful endpoints.
Beyond his own research program, Dr. Dougherty has held senior research leadership roles in academic medical centers, where he built research infrastructure, led mentorship initiatives, and supported faculty in securing federal funding. His work is driven by a commitment to advancing translational science and expanding the impact of human behavioral research on public health.
In his free time, Dr. Dougherty likes to go camping, travel, and complete projects around his home.
Current Grant Funding
"Phosphatidylethanol and Other Ethanol Consumption Markers” (R01-AA-022361).
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (09/15/24 to 08/31/28, $3,458,486).
Dr. Dougherty is currently accepting applications for incoming graduate students and undergraduate research assistants for the upcoming academic year. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Dr. Dougherty directly for more information.
His experience includes large-scale clinical and translational infrastructure awards from NIH (e.g., PI on CTSAs and KL2 Career Training Awards). His current work examines objective alcohol monitoring technologies, short-term abstinence interventions, and biomarker-linked health outcomes, bridging basic behavioral science with clinically meaningful endpoints.
Beyond his own research program, Dr. Dougherty has held senior research leadership roles in academic medical centers, where he built research infrastructure, led mentorship initiatives, and supported faculty in securing federal funding. His work is driven by a commitment to advancing translational science and expanding the impact of human behavioral research on public health.
In his free time, Dr. Dougherty likes to go camping, travel, and complete projects around his home.
Current Grant Funding
"Phosphatidylethanol and Other Ethanol Consumption Markers” (R01-AA-022361).
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (09/15/24 to 08/31/28, $3,458,486).
Dr. Dougherty is currently accepting applications for incoming graduate students and undergraduate research assistants for the upcoming academic year. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Dr. Dougherty directly for more information.
Terrill Hall #333
Graduate Student Researcher
Andrea Mack, M.S.
Graduate Research Assistant
Behavioral Science Doctoral Student
Andrea joined the TARC Lab in Fall 2024 after completing her Master’s at Arizona State
University. In the lab, she assists with research that uses remote monitoring technologies
to track alcohol use in real-world settings. Her research interests include delay
discounting, behavioral interventions for substance use, and quality of life outcomes.
She is particularly interested in how different motivations and patterns of use affect
various life domains.
In her free time, she enjoys painting, crocheting, and hanging out with her sweet
puppy, Lyla.
Terrill Hall #342
Post-Baccalaureate Researchers
Daniela Loredo
Research Assistant
Daniela received her associate degree from Paris Junior College through a dual credit program
and recently earned her bachelor degree in psychology with a minor in sociology from
University of North Texas. Her interests lie in the improvement of psychological software
programs. She plans to pursue graduate school and is looking forward to a career in research! For fun, Daniela enjoys sewing, drawing,
and gardening.
Melina Morrison
Volunteer Research Assistant
Lena (Melina) earned her Bachelors of Science degree in psychology from the University
of North Texas. She also branched out into other classes in the STEM department, such
as biology and chemistry. Her main interest lie in memory and sleep. Her current plan
is to go to graduate school (Masters or PhD and become a professor!) Doing things
for fun, she enjoys playing games with her friends, writing and drawing
Undergraduate Student Researchers
Hazel Fansler
Research Assistant
Hazel is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Psychology as well as a minor
in Criminal Justice. She hopes to further her journey into the world of forensics
by getting her Ph.D. in clinical psychology. She joined the TARC Lab in Fall of 2025.
Her long-term goal is to work in correctional therapy.
Lyshelle Flores
Volunteer Research Assistant
Shell is currently pursuing a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Chemistry. Her goal
is to go to medical school and someday practice general psychiatry. She has always
been interested in the human brain both psychologically and biologically. She hopes
to make mental health and healthcare resources more accessible to those in need and
continue to aid in research on different treatments and psychological disorders. In
her free time, she enjoys going to concerts and raves, spending time with her ball
python, Matcha, and playing video games with her friends.
Lab Alumni
The TARC Lab is proud to recognize the following researchers, assistants, and staff
who have contributed to our mission of advancing translational addictions science.
We are grateful for their dedication to developing sustainable, technology-driven
solutions for alcohol misuse and for their role in expanding the public health impact
of our research.
- Chris Haczkiewicz
- Alaya Ahmad
- Diego Heimlich
- Brooke White
- Katy McDonough
- Linda Thompson
- Shannon Smith
- Julie Martin
- Jordan Hooks
- Shannon Doyle
- Ruston Whitus
- Alex Baker
- Reagan Dickson
- Madison Kanneman