Directory Profile

Ralph E. Tarter, PhD
Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences

Ralph E. Tarter, Ph.D. is Director of the NIDA-funded Center for Education and Drug Abuse Research (CEDAR) and Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy.

His research interests focus on the neurobehavioral antecedents and consequences of substance abuse. On these topics, he has published 11 books, 300 peer reviewed articles, and 80 book chapters. Ongoing research pertains to identifying the biobehavioral risk factors underlying the risk for the substance use disorders within a developmental perspective. Using information gathered in etiologic investigations, encompassing genetic, biochemical, psychopathological and epidemiological methods.

Dr. Tarter has served as associate editor for two journals and is on the editorial board of 12 other journals. He was a founding member of the Society for Prevention Research in 1993 and its official journal Prevention Science. For eight years, he served as its treasurer and has received recognition for his efforts on behalf of the Society in 1999 and 2001. He is a fellow of several scientific societies. He co-chaired a Gordon conference in 1989, served on NRC/IOM Committee on Drug Abuse (1989-1991) and on committees of various other organizations.

Research Interest

Elucidating the interaction between biobehavioral and environmental factors underlying etiology of drug abuse and addiction.

Publications

Habeych, M.E., Charles, P.J., Sclabassi, R., Kirisci, L., & Tarter, R. (2004). Direct and mediated associations between P300 amplitude in childhood and SUD outcome in young adulthood. Biological Psychiatry, 57, 76-82.

Tarter, R.E., Kirisci, L., Habeych, M., Reynolds, M., & Vanyukov, M. (2004). Neurobehavior disinhibition in childhood predisposes boys to substance use disorder by young adulthood: direct and mediated etiologic pathways. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 73, 121-132.

Tarter, R.E., Kirisci, L., Mezzich, A., Cornelius, J.R., Pajer, K., Vanyukov, M., Gardner, W., Blackson, T., & Clark, D. (2003). Neurobehavioral disinhibition in childhood predicts early age at onset of substance use disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry, 160, 1078-1085.

Tarter, R. ( 2002). Etiology of adolescent substance abuse: A developmental perspective. The American Journal on Addictions, 11, 171-191.

Kirisci, L., Dunn, M.G., Mezzich, A.C., & Tarter, R.E. (2002). Impact of paternal substance use disorder and child neglect severity on substance use involvement in male offspring. Prevention Science, 5, 241-255.


Tarter, R.E., Kirisci, L., Vanyukov, M., Cornelius, J., Pajer, K., Shoal, G.D., & Giancola, P. (2002). Predicting adolescent violence: Impact of family history, substance use, psychiatry history, and social adjustment. American Journal of Psychiatry, 159, 1541-1547.

Awards

Abuse Research (CEDAR)
NIDA
Ralph E. Tarter, PhD

Genetic Factors Contributing to Oral Health Disparities in Appalachia
NIDCR
Ralph E. Tarter, PhD

Adherence and Health Outcome After Liver Transplantation
NINR
Ralph E. Tarter, PhD

CV

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