News

Lara Coughlin, Ph.D., a prolific researcher with broad expertise and interest in health disparities and inequities, is joining the Frances and Kenneth Eisenberg and Family Depression Center as our inaugural Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) faculty lead.

“Dr. Coughlin is an accomplished mental health researcher with a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.” said Center director Srijan Sen, M.D., Ph.D. “We look forward to her insight and collaboration as we work together to advance depression research."

Coughlin is an assistant professor at the University of Michigan Addiction Center in the Department of Psychiatry. She also leads the CHOICE Lab, part of the Michigan Innovations in Addiction Care through Research and Education.

As the DEI faculty lead, Coughlin will provide tailored support to members and assist in the implementation of the Center’s DEI strategic vision. She will also provide guidance focused on advancing research at the intersection of mental health and DEI. 

Coughlin will also partner with the staff DEI committee to practically apply her guidance to the service offerings of the Center. Her expertise will help the Center support meaningful research and community education while maintaining the DEI core values of community, collaboration, respect and mutual advancement.

Coughlin’s research career has centered on the voices of those facing health inequities, including rural communities, indigenous people and Veterans. Her work aims to translate scientific findings into actionable measures that will improve care for marginalized groups. Her research involves collaborating with patients, community members and practitioners working to address the public health impacts of substance use and mental health conditions.

In addition to her published research, Coughlin has partnered with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Managed Care Organizations, and other community partners to implement low-barrier interventions to improve smoking cessation rates in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. She also serves on a statewide Wellness Committee to address behavioral health needs across the state of Michigan.

“Building a sense of belonging and community is one of the most central goals of my work, and is a key pathway to well-being,” said Coughlin. “Through working with the already thriving DEI committee, we’ll continue to build community across diverse groups of people who all share a common goal of improving behavioral health.”

Coughlin earned her Ph.D. from Virginia Tech and joined the University of Michigan in 2018.