“Public health found me.”

In 2008, Timothy Grigsby graduated from the University of California, Irvine, with a bachelor’s degree in psychology — just at the economy crashed and job opportunities were slim. He took a temporary position in the Department of Epidemiology at UC Irvine, despite having no public health experience.

“I remember going home from the interview and typing into Google, ‘What is epidemiology?’ trying to figure out what these words meant,” Grigsby recalled.

This marked the beginning of Grigsby’s career in public health. He already had a passion for research, and studying health at the population level — rather than working one-on-one with individuals — proved to be a better fit for him. He earned a Ph.D. in preventive medicine with a concentration in health behavior research from the University of Southern California in 2016.

In the fall of 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Grigsby joined the UNLV School of Public Health, eager to build a stronger research presence in addiction and childhood trauma at UNLV.

What drew you to UNLV?

There was a significant opportunity for growth in substance misuse research. Since Las Vegas, known as Sin City, encourages indulgence, it serves as an ideal place to study substance use — not just among locals, but among visitors, as well. I was surprised to find that UNLV didn’t have a strong presence in substance use research when I arrived. However, in the past five years, momentum has been building, particularly with the creation of the Cannabis Policy Institute.

I’m also part of an interdisciplinary research group focused on addiction — one of UNLV’s Interdisciplinary Research Development Areas (iRDA). Our group includes faculty from the School of Public Health, School of Nursing, psychology, social work, and other disciplines. We collaborate to develop proposals, generate research ideas, and analyze substance use trends in Nevada and Las Vegas specifically.

Tell me about your research.

I categorize my research into three main areas:

Substance Misuse and Mental Health

I'm interested in understanding the root causes of substance misuse and mental health issues. By using larger models, we can identify the individual, interpersonal, and societal factors that contribute to these conditions and then develop targeted prevention programs.

I focus particularly on secondary prevention. While primary prevention programs are important, they are not always 100% effective. Some individuals either don’t have access to them or don’t benefit from them. We need secondary prevention strategies to intervene before individuals end up in emergency departments or treatment facilities. There have to be better ways to screen and support those at risk before their issues escalate into full-blown substance use disorders.

Health Effects of Childhood Trauma

Returning to my psychology roots, I recognized trauma as a key predictor of substance misuse. Early psychological therapies often focused on unconscious and subconscious factors driving behavior. As I broadened my research portfolio, I became particularly interested in the multifaceted nature of trauma — family-based exposures like neglect, abuse, or witnessing violence, as well as community-level factors like bullying, discrimination, and structural traumas such as lack of access to essential resources.

My recent research has explored how public health can better address trauma-affected populations. Trauma responses vary widely, and engaging with stressors can trigger re-lived experiences. This makes it challenging to create interventions that are both systematic and compassionate. Finding that balance is a crucial part of my work.

Novel Methods of Research in Public Health

My third research focus involves integrating novel research methods into public health. I explore methodologies from other disciplines to determine how their theories and analytical tools can enhance public health research.

What current research project excites you the most?

Sometimes I feel like a dog in a room full of shiny objects — everything seems fascinating! One project I’m particularly excited about is examining a trend called BORG drinking (blackout rage gallon drinking).

We conducted a nationwide study and found that about one in four to five college students engages in this behavior. Among those who don’t, nearly half reported knowing someone who does or having attended a party where it occurred.

BORG drinking involves taking a gallon-sized container, filling it with a 750-milliliter bottle of alcohol — typically vodka — then topping it off with water and a flavor enhancer, sometimes with electrolytes. The idea is that by diluting the alcohol, they’re staying hydrated. However, consuming an entire bottle of vodka in one night is still extremely dangerous.

It’s critical to study novel patterns of high-intensity drinking behaviors among young people. This research has also opened the door to investigating other emerging alcohol use trends. Hopefully, if our grant is funded, we’ll gather valuable data to address these behaviors.

What’s something you wish people understood better about public health?

Two things. First, the power of prevention. Prevention is often overlooked because its success means nothing bad happens. It’s hard to sell the idea of public health because, when it works, people remain healthy and safe. Many don’t realize how much public health efforts — like sanitation, vaccinations, and health education — have improved our lives.

Second, public health professionals do a lot with very little. Federal funding for substance use prevention, for example, is minimal. Most of the budget goes toward law enforcement (interdiction) and treatment while only about 5% is allocated to prevention. Yet, prevention is cost-effective and can significantly reduce the number of people developing substance use disorders. We need to invest more in public health infrastructure and prevention strategies.

When did you know you wanted to teach?

Pretty early in my collegiate education. Even when I was focused on psychology, I knew I wanted to work with students and teach the next generation. I loved those a-ha moments when I connected an assignment to real-world applications, and I wanted to help students experience that, too.

Can you tell me about an inspiring moment in the classroom?

While teaching undergraduate biostatistics in grad school, a student emailed me after class, saying they loved the course so much they applied for a master's in statistics. Years later, I ran into that same student at a conference — she now has a Ph.D. in biostatistics! Knowing I played a small role in her journey is one of the things I cherish most about being an academic.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Don’t be afraid to fail. Growing up in a culture of American exceptionalism, there’s an expectation to always be the best. That fear of failure can be paralyzing. But as a scientist, learning from failure is crucial. Many of my professors reinforced this lesson, and it has shaped my approach to research and life.

What’s your favorite part of living and working in Las Vegas?

When I first moved here, I was surprised by how much more there is to Las Vegas beyond the Strip. I love exploring the communities in North Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, and Enterprise. The diversity here is incredible, and there are always new places to visit and eat. My list of places to explore keeps growing!

What’s one place you recommend to visitors?

Downtown Boulder City. It’s full of unique, family-owned shops, bars, and restaurants, and it’s just a short trip from Hoover Dam. Fun fact — my great-grandfather helped build the Hoover Dam, and my grandfather was born in Boulder City. Now, I live just 15 minutes away from where he was born.

What’s your favorite part of the UNLV campus?

During my first year at UNLV, I was only on campus a few times because of the pandemic. In 2021, my classes were at night, and I loved walking through the Academic Mall. The trees, the breeze, and the quiet made it a peaceful place to reflect before and after class. Sometimes, I'd even sit down on a bench for a few minutes, and just soak in the greenery, and being out of the sunlight was a bonus.

When you’re not working, what do you enjoy for fun?

I love spending time with my family. An evening spent playing board games, watching a movie, or just talking about our day really helps maintain a healthy work-life balance. My two older children are competitive swimmers, which makes me proud since I was a competitive swimmer myself. I also enjoy discovering new restaurants in town — my favorite local spot is a Mexican restaurant called El Zarape.