Principal Investigators
Dr. Paul Christine, MD, PhD
I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine-Internal Medicine and a licensed Internist, where I dedicate my career to advancing the field of addiction medicine. My research interests are centered on the effects of health and social policies on the availability and quality of care for individuals with substance use disorders.
I am particularly passionate about exploring and advocating for policies that enhance equity and improve outcomes for individuals enrolled in Medicaid and other safety net programs. Through my work, I aim to address disparities in healthcare access and ensure that vulnerable populations receive the support and treatment they need.
I believe that by understanding and influencing policy, we can make significant strides in improving the lives of those affected by substance use disorders. My goal is to contribute to a healthcare system that is more inclusive, equitable, and effective in addressing the needs of all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
Dr. Katherine LeMasters, PhD MPH
I am an assistant professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine. My primary appointment is in General Internal Medicine and I have a secondary appointment in Epidemiology. I am a social epidemiologist and a community engaged researcher, focusing on how the system of mass incarceration creates and exacerbates health inequities.
In 2023, I graduated with my PhD in Epidemiology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where I was affiliated with the Carolina Population Center and the Bellwether Collaborative for Health Justice. I am also a scholar at The Lifespan/Brown Criminal Justice Research Training Program. My doctorate was funded by an F31 grant I was awarded from the National Institutes of Minority Health and Health Disparities.
Dr. Jarratt Pytell, MD MHS
I am an assistant professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine and a general internist and addiction medicine specialist, dedicated to caring for individuals who use alcohol and other drugs. My clinical interests lie in addressing substance use and co-occurring medical conditions, ensuring comprehensive care for my patients.
Medicine is a public trust, and I strive to uphold this by providing evidence-based, patient-centered care to all my patients. My approach is centered on caring for individuals who use alcohol and other drugs, ensuring they receive the support and treatment they need.
My research is dedicated to enhancing the care of people who use alcohol and other drugs in primary care and general medical settings. This includes conducting research on evidence-based drug testing, understanding the impact of alcohol and other drug use among people with HIV, and implementing patient-reported outcome measures in office-based addiction treatment.
Staff
Allison Macht, BS
I am a research services professional at the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, where I work under the guidance of esteemed researchers Christine, LeMasters, and Pytell. In my role, I assist in the development, execution, and analysis of research projects, contributing to ongoing research and community efforts.
I am driven by curiosity and a desire to effect positive change. My passion for understanding the relationship between brain function and behavior has led me to explore the intersection of criminal legal systems and addiction. My experience as a legal intern for the Colorado Public Defenders has provided valuable insights into the legal aspects of addiction and the experiences of individuals in the system, further fueling my dedication to researching and promoting policies that improve equity and outcomes for affected individuals.
Michael Clifton
I am the Qualitative Data Coordinator for ACL Collaborative at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. My work centers on amplifying the voices of system-impacted individuals through qualitative research, narrative inquiry, and community-rooted storytelling. I bring lived experience and a background in restorative justice, reentry support, and youth engagement. I also lead The Bridge Between Us Series, a restorative storytelling initiative housed within EchoBridges, which I founded. The series is part of a broader multimedia platform focused on justice storytelling and community impact.