About Us

Founded in 2018 at Binghamton University, B-SMART (Begdache Science of Motivation, Addiction, Reward, and Transformation) is a mentored undergraduate research team dedicated to understanding the complex interactions among substance use, nutrition, lifestyle behaviors, and neurobehavioral health.

Led by Dr. Lina Begdache, Associate Professor of Health and Wellness Studies and a researcher in nutritional neuroscience, B-SMART provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to engage in meaningful research experiences that explore the biological, psychological, and behavioral factors influencing decision-making, motivation, reward processes, resilience, and health outcomes.

Through the Begdache IRB-to-Impact (I²I) Model™, students participate in the full research process, from developing research questions and reviewing scientific literature to collecting and analyzing data, presenting findings, publishing scholarly work, and translating discoveries into educational resources.

B-SMART research examines factors associated with non-medical stimulant and substance use among college populations while also investigating broader lifestyle and psychological influences that shape cognitive function, mental well-being, and health behaviors. By integrating research training, mentorship, and professional development, B-SMART prepares students to become future scientists, healthcare professionals, and leaders who apply evidence-based knowledge to address complex health challenges.

Beyond research, B-SMART is committed to knowledge translation and community engagement. Through seminars, presentations, and outreach initiatives, team members share evidence-based information about substance use, brain health, resilience, and healthy lifestyle behaviors with campus and community audiences.

Since its establishment, B-SMART students have contributed to peer-reviewed publications, presented research at local and national conferences, and pursued diverse career pathways in healthcare, science, and related fields. Through research, mentorship, and impact-driven education, B-SMART continues to empower students to transform scientific curiosity into meaningful contributions that benefit society.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to advance understanding of motivation, reward, substance use, nutrition, and neurobehavioral health through student-driven research, education, and community engagement. Guided by the Begdache IRB-to-Impact (I²I) Model™, B-SMART empowers undergraduate researchers to transform scientific questions into meaningful discoveries and evidence-based solutions that promote mental well-being and healthier lifestyle choices.

Through mentorship, interdisciplinary research, and knowledge translation, we strive to increase awareness, reduce stigma, and provide individuals with the information needed to make informed decisions that support brain health and overall well-being.

Vision Statement

Our vision is to create a future where research, education, and community engagement work together to improve understanding of mental health, substance use, and health behaviors.

We envision a campus and broader community where individuals feel empowered to openly discuss mental well-being, access evidence-based resources, and develop healthier behaviors. Through the I²I Model™, B-SMART aims to cultivate the next generation of scientists, healthcare professionals, and leaders who use research to create positive change in society.

Research Goals

Through our research initiatives, B-SMART aims to advance understanding of the biological, psychological, and behavioral factors that influence motivation, reward, substance use, and neurobehavioral health among college students and diverse populations. Our research goals are to:

Advance Understanding of Neurobehavioral Health

Investigate the complex interactions among substance use, nutrition, lifestyle behaviors, motivation, reward processes, stress, and mental well-being to better understand factors that influence health-related decisions and behaviors.

Identify Factors Influencing Health Behaviors

Examine the individual, social, and environmental factors that contribute to substance use patterns, resilience, decision-making, and overall psychological well-being.

Develop Future Scientists and Health Leaders

Provide students with structured research experiences that develop skills in scientific inquiry, literature evaluation, research methodology, data analysis, ethical research practices, and scholarly communication.

Generate Evidence-Based Knowledge

Contribute to the scientific community through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and interdisciplinary research collaborations that advance understanding of addiction, behavior change, and brain health.

Translate Research Into Action

Transform scientific findings into educational resources, prevention strategies, and evidence-based approaches that promote healthier choices and improve student well-being.

Outreach Goals

Through education and community engagement, B-SMART aims to translate scientific knowledge into accessible information that supports mental health awareness, substance use prevention, and healthier lifestyle choices. Our outreach goals are to:

Promote Mental Health Awareness

Increase understanding of the factors that influence mental well-being, motivation, stress, and behavioral health while encouraging open conversations about mental health.

Reduce Stigma Through Education

Provide evidence-based information that challenges misconceptions surrounding substance use, addiction, and mental health challenges.

Empower Informed Decision-Making

Share research-based resources that help individuals understand the relationship between brain health, lifestyle behaviors, and health outcomes.

Engage the Campus and Community

Create opportunities for learning through seminars, presentations, workshops, and outreach events focused on neuroscience, nutrition, substance use, resilience, and healthy behaviors.

Expand Knowledge Translation

Train students to communicate scientific discoveries effectively through presentations, educational materials, and public engagement initiatives that extend research impact beyond academia.