University of North Texas 
Donald Dougherty, Ph.D.
Psychology
Professor
Senior Associate Dean for Research Strategy
Accepting Graduate Students
Behavioral Science
Office: Terrill Hall-333
Dr. Dougherty is accepting graduate student applications this year.
Education
Ohio University - Athens, Ohio (1992)
Postdoctoral Fellowship
University of Texas Medical School in Houston - Human Psychopharmacology (June 1992 - May 1995)
Background & Research Interests
Dr. Dougherty is Professor and Senior Associate Dean for Research Strategy at the University of North Texas and an internationally recognized translational scientist with more than 30 years of continuous NIH-funded research experience. His work focuses on alcohol and substance use disorders, integrating laboratory science, clinical trials, behavioral pharmacology, and biomarker development to better understand drinking behavior and improve intervention strategies. His experience includes large-scale clinical and translational infrastructure awards from NIH (e.g., PI on CTSAs and KL2 Career Training Awards). His current work examines objective alcohol monitoring technologies, short-term abstinence interventions, and biomarker-linked health outcomes, bridging basic behavioral science with clinically meaningful endpoints.
Beyond his own research program, Dr. Dougherty has held senior research leadership roles in academic medical centers, where he built research infrastructure, led mentorship initiatives, and supported faculty in securing federal funding. His work is driven by a commitment to advancing translational science and expanding the impact of human behavioral research on public health.
Current Grant Funding
"Phosphatidylethanol and Other Ethanol Consumption Markers” (R01-AA-022361).
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (09/15/24 to 08/31/28, $3,458,486).
Ohio University - Athens, Ohio (1992)
Postdoctoral Fellowship
University of Texas Medical School in Houston - Human Psychopharmacology (June 1992 - May 1995)
Background & Research Interests
Dr. Dougherty is Professor and Senior Associate Dean for Research Strategy at the University of North Texas and an internationally recognized translational scientist with more than 30 years of continuous NIH-funded research experience. His work focuses on alcohol and substance use disorders, integrating laboratory science, clinical trials, behavioral pharmacology, and biomarker development to better understand drinking behavior and improve intervention strategies. His experience includes large-scale clinical and translational infrastructure awards from NIH (e.g., PI on CTSAs and KL2 Career Training Awards). His current work examines objective alcohol monitoring technologies, short-term abstinence interventions, and biomarker-linked health outcomes, bridging basic behavioral science with clinically meaningful endpoints.
Beyond his own research program, Dr. Dougherty has held senior research leadership roles in academic medical centers, where he built research infrastructure, led mentorship initiatives, and supported faculty in securing federal funding. His work is driven by a commitment to advancing translational science and expanding the impact of human behavioral research on public health.
Current Grant Funding
"Phosphatidylethanol and Other Ethanol Consumption Markers” (R01-AA-022361).
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (09/15/24 to 08/31/28, $3,458,486).