Grantee: Johannes Thrul, PhD

Johannes Thrul, PhD

Organization:

• Johns Hopkins University

Current Title
Associate Professor

Describe your scientific identity.
I am a behavioral scientist focusing on the use of digital and mobile health technologies to enhance the understanding of substance use disorders and health behavior change. My work aims to develop and test innovative mHealth interventions for substance use disorders.

What are your research interests?
My research interests center around the use of digital health tools to support smoking cessation and other health behavior change. I am particularly interested in using real-time data collection methods, like Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA), to inform the development of tailored interventions. I am also currently leading studies focusing on medicinal cannabis use and digital wellbeing (e.g., technology use and health outcomes).

What is the significance of your current research project?
The significance of my current NCI-funded R01 project lies in its focus on testing urge reduction messages for young adult smokers. This project aims to deliver personalized smoking cessation interventions through digital platforms, potentially increasing accessibility and effectiveness for a demographic that heavily utilizes mobile technology. Our goal is to reduce smoking rates and improve public health outcomes by providing targeted support that can be accessed anytime and anywhere.

What motivated you to work in tobacco control research?
My motivation to work in tobacco control research stems from a desire to reduce the health burden caused by tobacco use. Early in my career, I recognized the significant impact that tobacco has on public health, and I saw the potential for digital health technologies to make a meaningful difference in cessation efforts.

Describe something that had a profound influence on your program of research or scientific interests (an "ah-ha!" moment).
A profound influence on my research was realizing the potential of mobile health technologies during my postdoctoral training. Observing how real-time data collection and digital interventions could provide immediate support and personalized feedback to individuals trying to quit smoking highlighted the transformative potential of these tools in public health.

Selected training, awards, and honors:

• Multiple teaching awards recognizing excellence in mentoring and education.
• Significant research grants from organizations like the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
• Selected to participate in Emerging Leaders Forum, National Academy of Medicine and Bloomberg Faculty Leadership Program, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

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