Joel Lopez
About Joel Lopez
Joel Lopez is a Lab Coordinator at the Race Equity and Addiction Lab at Yale University and a Behavioral Health Specialist in the US Army. He has extensive experience in psychological research and therapy, particularly in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, and aims to develop treatment protocols for service members and veterans.
Current Role at Yale University
Joel Lopez serves as the Lab Coordinator for the Race Equity and Addiction Lab at Yale University. He has held this position since 2021, contributing to research focused on equity and addiction issues. His role involves coordinating lab activities and supporting research initiatives that aim to address social and interpersonal factors related to substance use.
Experience in Behavioral Health
Since 2017, Joel Lopez has worked as a Behavioral Health Specialist in the US Army. His responsibilities include providing mental health support and interventions. Additionally, he is currently a Clinical Research Assistant at the Behavioral Wellness Clinic, a position he has held since 2021. In this role, he assists with clinical research and has contributed to studies involving psychedelic-assisted therapies.
Educational Background
Joel Lopez graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychological Sciences, completing his studies from 2018 to 2021. He also studied at the University of Dubuque, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services from 2016 to 2017. During his undergraduate studies, he was designated as a Ronald E. McNair Scholar.
Previous Professional Experience
Before his current roles, Joel Lopez worked as a Veterans Benefits Counselor at the Veteran Administration for nine months in 2018-2019. He also served as a Project Manager at the Behavioral Wellness Clinic from 2019 to 2021. Earlier in his career, he was a Student Ambassador at the University of Dubuque and held a position as a First Register at Culvers Restaurant in 2016.
Research and Future Aspirations
Joel Lopez participated in a NIDA Summer Research Internship at the University at Buffalo, where he analyzed data related to substance use among Reservists and their spouses. He has also assisted with the MAPS-sponsored MDMA-PTSD expanded access study. He intends to apply to Clinical Psychology Ph.D. programs to develop psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy protocols for active-duty service members and veterans, with a focus on returning to his community in Illinois to provide affordable psychological care.