Addiction Research Training Program for Undergraduates in Central Appalachia

The EMSUR Program at East Tennessee State University provides students with hands-on research experience focused on substance use disorder, opioid recovery, behavioral health, and rural health disparities impacting Central Appalachia.

Through mentorship, research training, and community engagement, participants work alongside leading researchers and professionals dedicated to improving the health and well-being of Appalachian communities.

The EMSUR Program (ETSU Mentored Substance Use Research Program) is a federally funded summer research training experience designed to prepare undergraduate students for careers in:

  • Addiction Science

  • Public Health

  • Behavioral Health

  • Substance Use Research

  • Rural Health

  • Opioid Recovery

  • Community Health

  • Population Health

Students gain direct exposure to research, prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives while learning from experienced faculty mentors across multiple disciplines.

The program is supported through funding from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

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Program Mission

““Improving Appalachian health outcomes starts with investing in the next generation of leaders.””
— -EMSUR Program

The mission of EMSUR is to strengthen the future addiction science workforce by preparing students to address substance use and behavioral health challenges affecting rural and underserved communities.

The program aims to:

  • Increase research opportunities in Appalachia

  • Support workforce development in addiction science

  • Expand rural health research capacity

  • Improve understanding of substance use disorders

  • Promote evidence-based recovery and prevention strategies

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

  • 12-Week Summer Research Experience

  • Paid Research Stipend

  • Free On-Campus Housing

  • Faculty Mentorship

  • Hands-On Research Training

  • Professional Development Workshops

  • Community Engagement Opportunities

  • Conference & Publication Support

  • Networking with Addiction Science Professionals

  • Research Presentation Experience

Research Tracks

Population Health Track

Students interested in public health, healthcare systems, behavioral health, and community-based research may participate in the Population Health Track.

Areas of focus may include:

  • Opioid Use Disorder

  • Rural Health Disparities

  • Veterans & Recovery

  • Behavioral Health Access

  • Harm Reduction

  • Prevention Strategies

  • Recovery Support Services

  • Public Health Policy

  • Community Health Initiatives

Basic Science Track

Students interested in laboratory science and neuroscience may participate in the Basic Science Track.

Areas of focus may include:

  • Neurobiology of Addiction

  • Substance Use & Brain Function

  • Withdrawal & Relapse Pathways

  • PTSD & Substance Use

  • Polysubstance Use

  • Pharmacology

  • Preclinical Addiction Research

  • Fentanyl & Emerging Drug Trends