We believe people who live and work in a community are the experts on what they need. Our lab brings people together to solve health challenges by centering communities in our research.

Lab Overview

The Substance Use and Neurocognition Engagement (SUN-E) Lab, directed by Dr. Marybel R. Gonzalez at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, explores the complex interplay between psychological, neurocognitive, and social factors that influence adolescent and young adult health.

Our work centers on identifying both risk and resilience processes particularly related to substance use and neurocognitive development with the goal of informing early intervention and prevention strategies. Using interdisciplinary and community-engaged approaches, the SUN-E Lab examines how environmental influences such as neighborhood risk, mental health, and family systems shape youth trajectories. We integrate neuroimaging, behavioral assessment, and mixed methods to translate science into real-world impact.

Community Approach

At SUN-E Lab, we prioritize participatory and ethical engagement with youth, families, and community partners. We aim to co-create research that is both developmentally grounded and contextually relevant. Our goal is to produce findings that support adolescent well-being and inform both scientific and applied audiences. Through this, we contribute to broader efforts to improve adolescent mental health and reduce the long-term consequences of substance use during critical developmental periods.

1. Gonzalez, M. R., Cardenas-Iniguez, C., Linares, D. E., Wonnum, S., Bagot, K., White, E. J., Cuan, A., DiMatteo, S., Akiel, Y. D., Lindsley, P., Harris, J. C., Perez-Amparan, E., Powell, T. D., Latino de City Heights Colch, C. O., Dowling, G., Alkire, D., Thompson, W. K., & Murray, T. M. (2025). Responsible research in health disparities using the Adolescent Brain Cognitive DevelopmentSM (ABCD) study. Developmental cognitive neuroscience, 71, 101497. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dcn.2024.101497

Powered by Partnership

The SUN-E Lab is powered by students, researchers, and community partners working together to make a difference.

We believe that collaboration, transparency, and respect for lived experience are essential to improving health and well-being especially in communities impacted by substance use and health disparities.

Whether we’re mapping resources, listening to stories, or presenting our work, our goal is always the same: to make sure every voice counts.

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