Adekemi Suleiman

Graduate Research Assistant

The DMHAS Center for Prevention Evaluation and Statistics at UConn Health (CPES)

Grad Year – 2025

She currently works at the DMHAS Center for Prevention Evaluation and Statistics (CPES) at UConn Health, where she supports the evaluation of substance use prevention initiatives in Connecticut. She applies her expertise in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research to collect and analyze statewide data on substance use and mental health.

Her research focuses on mental health and substance use, particularly among adolescents. She is especially interested in understanding the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on youth behavioral health. The challenges she seeks to address include the rising rates of substance use and mental health issues among adolescents, which have been intensified by factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This work is significant because early intervention can profoundly influence the trajectory of young people’s lives, fostering healthier communities and reducing long-term healthcare costs.

Her research has provided important insights into the correlation between ACEs, mental health, and substance use among adolescents in Connecticut. Her findings underscore the need for tailored prevention strategies that respond to the unique challenges faced by at-risk youth. This work not only contributes to the academic conversation but also informs community-based programs that aim to build resilience and provide meaningful support for families.