Carl L. Hart, PhD, is a neuroscientist and psychologist studying the behavioral and neuropharmacological effects of psychoactive drugs in humans. Specifically, he aims to understand the factors that mediate drug use behaviors to develop more effective treatments for substance-dependent individuals. Hart is the chair of the department of psychology at Columbia University and a Dirk Ziff professor of psychology and psychiatry. Hart is one of the first tenured African-American professors of science at an Ivy League institution of higher learning. Hart received his PhD in neuroscience from the University of Wyoming. He also serves as a research scientist on the Division on Substance Abuse at the New York State Psychiatric Institution which studies the behavioral and neuropharmological mechanisms of drug-related effects in humans. Hart is a member of the National Advisory Council of Drug Abuse and a board member of the Drug Policy Alliance. He has published a wide variety of scientific literature focusing on dependence, drug-taking behaviors, drug self-administration and the cognitive effects of drug use. Hart’s research focuses on cannabinoids, synthetic “designer” drugs, opioids and stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamines. He has testified before the U.S. Congress in state and federal courts serving as an expert witness on the effects of psychoactive drugs. Additionally, he serves on multiple national and international committees and boards, lecturing nationally and worldwide. In 2016, the City of Miami officially proclaimed February 1 as Dr. Carl Hart Day, in recognition of his achievements in psychology, psychiatry, neuroscience, and substance abuse. Hart was made a Div. 28 fellow for his outstanding contributions to psychopharmacology and substance use.
Last updated: May 2021Date created: 2017