Teresa Leyro

Dr. Teresa Leyro is an esteemed Associate Professor in the Psychology Department at Rutgers University-Camden, where she also serves as the Director of the Affective and Biological Underpinnings of Substance Use and Anxiety (ABUSA) lab. Her research is deeply rooted in exploring the cognitive-affective and biological vulnerabilities associated with substance use, with a particular focus on tobacco dependence and anxiety disorders. Dr. Leyro's work is distinguished by its integration of multi-method and translational approaches, utilizing biopsychosocial models to both develop and test innovative interventions. In her role as Principal Investigator, Dr. Leyro leads an NIH/NIDA-funded study that investigates the efficacy of heart rate variability biofeedback as a tool for smoking cessation. Additionally, she is the Co-Principal Investigator on a pioneering study aimed at developing a puff topography biofeedback paradigm, which seeks to reduce the reinforcement of smoking behaviors. Her research endeavors are not only groundbreaking but also collaborative, as she works alongside researchers from prestigious institutions such as Brown University and the University of Houston. Dr. Leyro holds the position of Clinical Area Representative and Co-Director of the Addiction and Health Behavior Center at Rutgers. Her research interests are closely aligned with those of her colleagues in the Psychology Department and the Center of Alcohol Studies, fostering a rich environment for collaborative research and innovation. Her work is characterized by a commitment to understanding the etiology and maintenance of tobacco dependence and anxiety, with the ultimate goal of improving intervention strategies. Her contributions to the field are widely recognized, and she is actively involved in mentoring the next generation of researchers and clinicians. Dr. Leyro's dedication to her research and her students is evident in her ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and practical application, ensuring that her work has a meaningful impact on public health. Dr. Leyro's passion for her field is matched by her commitment to advancing the understanding of the complex interplay between cognitive, affective, and biological factors in substance use and anxiety. Her work continues to push the boundaries of what is known, offering new insights and potential solutions to some of the most pressing issues in mental health and addiction.