Going Greene, heading to Brown: NIH F31 fellowship recipient begins postdoctoral journey
Observation sparks the questions that shape a researcher’s career and curiosity is
the foundation. For Dr. Allison Greene, one observation became the foundation of years
of studying alcohol use, the environmental factors that influence risky behaviors
and the perceived norms surrounding substance use among young adults.
In May, Greene received her Ph.D. in Public Health Sciences from UNT Health Fort Worth, but earning the degree represented more than just an academic achievement. It reflected years of investigating the factors that influence substance use and the perceptions surrounding it. Her passion for this work began with an observation that would eventually shape the direction of her research.
While studying addiction and recovery at The University of Alabama, Greene observed firsthand the drinking habits of young adults and the risky behaviors associated with alcohol use. Passionate about the subject, Greene’s research at UNT Health focused on the etiology and prevention of substance use with a focus on alcohol.
Drs. Melissa Lewis and Dana Litt were instrumental in Greene’s decision to enroll at UNT Health. Beyond their individualized mentorship, Lewis’ grant writing course and Litt’s research methods course provided Greene with the time and support to develop her grant proposal for the National Institutes of Health’s F31 Fellowship. Awarded in August 2025 by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the fellowship supported her research on alcohol use among adolescents and young adults.
This fellowship award, the Department of Public Health’s first and the second received at UNT Health in 2025, provides students with funding and the skills needed to train as independent research scientists. Leveraging her award, Greene gained a deeper knowledge of the research in her field, novel methodologies, and the data analysis for her project’s completion.
“I cannot rave enough about how great of mentors Drs. Lewis and Litt were for me,” Greene said. “Their support and resources encouraged me to create meaningful action in the communities that I serve.”
Her first-author publication explored protective behavioral strategies which are harm-reduction techniques an individual uses before, during, or after consuming alcohol to avoid the negative consequences of risky activities. When studying the behaviors of adolescents and young adults, Greene discovered that PBS is not commonly practiced among those engaging in excessive drinking. In addition, she found that the individuals adolescents and young adults drink with, as well as where they drink, can influence their likelihood of exercising PBS. This was incorporated into her dissertation and F31 project goals which examined the daily-level associations between PBS, alcohol use and consequences along with drinking context (i.e., pregaming and drinking games) and social determinants of health among adolescents and young adults.
“Working in public health has allowed me to identify health disparities that exist at the system level in order to understand how they impact those at the individual level,” Greene said.
A huge aspect of her funded research project considers how environmental and structural factors, such as neighborhood disadvantages, impact PBS use and alcohol-related outcomes. As referenced in her dissertation defense, limited access to resources in high-disadvantage areas, such as reliable public transportation, may increase the likelihood of such consequences like driving under the influence.
As her doctoral research drew to a close, Greene turned her attention to the next chapter of her career. Earning her Ph.D. at UNT Health capped years of continuous higher education, including an accelerated master's program. Although she considered postdoctoral and tenured faculty positions across the country, Brown University was always on her radar.
“Substance use will always be a relevant research area, and I was fortunate to connect with researchers in that field over the years, including with my new collaborators at Brown,” Greene said.
Following the National Institutes of Health’s nationwide funding freeze, opportunities for postdoctoral research became increasingly limited. Despite the uncertainty, Greene applied for a postdoctoral fellowship at Brown University.
“This felt like a great next step for my career and for the work I would like to continue,” Greene said. “I look forward to working with an amazing community of researchers in the Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies at Brown. There are so many faculty I can learn from, many of whom have received or contributed to externally funded projects, which will help me to grow professionally.”
Greene’s postdoctoral fellowship began June 30, and she relocated to Rhode Island soon after.
“I’ve struggled with imposter syndrome since beginning the Ph.D. program, so I’m grateful for my mentors, friends and family who encouraged me to celebrate every accomplishment, no matter how big or small,” Greene said.
“For anyone considering a Ph.D. program, it’s important to find a mentor who is the right fit for you. They become a huge part of your support system, so their research interests should align with yours, and their personality should complement your own.”