Beatriz Carlini PhD, MPH

Dr. Beatriz Carlini, PhD, MPH (Bia) is an Acting Associate Professor at the Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, and teaches in the online Master of Public Health Program in the School of Public Health, Department of Health Systems & Population Health.

Her research career has been dedicated to understanding the public health impact of legal psychoactive substance use (such as alcohol, inhalants, tobacco, and cannabis) and policies on social and health outcomes. Since 2016, Dr. Carlini has led the ADAI Cannabis Research and Education Program, including acting as the Program Chair of UW Cannabis Research Symposium, and conducting cannabis research that assists Washington community-based agencies, government agencies, and policymakers in making decisions and setting priorities.

Dr. Carlini has been a pioneer on bringing awareness of the sharp increase in the availability and risks of high-THC content products brought by cannabis legalization in WA. In 2020, she chaired the PRSC Cannabis Concentration Workgroup composed of UW and WSU scientists, which authored a Consensus Statement and Report on Cannabis Concentration and Health Risks.

As a first-generation immigrant and a foreign-born American citizen, Dr. Carlini is especially interested in the impact of cannabis and tobacco use on perpetuating health and social disparities. Dr. Carlini has a passion for fostering social inclusion, challenging stereotypes, and fighting stigma. She applies an equity lens to her work as a researcher and educator.