Principal Investigator (PI)

Billy Brooks

Co-Investigator (Co-I)

Hadii M. Mamudu

Co-Investigator (Co-I)

David Shoham

Co-Investigator (Co-I)

Praveen Fernandopulle*

Mountain Home Veterans Affairs

*Dr. Praveen Fernandopulle, a US Air Force veteran, has transitioned into a dedicated psychiatrist. Currently serving as a staff psychiatrist at the Mountain Home VA Medical Center, he focuses on supporting veterans within the substance use disorder program. His experiences alongside fellow veterans during his service in Iraq inspire his commitment to a career in veterans affairs. Dr. Fernandopulle is a passionate advocate for improved treatment and innovative strategies to assist veterans facing substance use disorders.

Cessalie Severson-Turner*

Research Assistant

*Cessalie Severson-Turner, a Master of Health Administration candidate at East Tennessee State University, brings over a decade of experience overseeing MOUD facilities and expanding access to recovery services. She currently serves as a research assistant for the VICTOR Project, supporting efforts to improve care and social connectedness for veterans impacted by opioid use disorder. Cessalie is passionate about advancing equitable, community-based solutions for substance use recovery across Appalachia.