Dr. Helle’s research applies dissemination and implementation (D&I) science to understanding and improving the adoption and sustainment of evidence-based interventions for substance use. Most of Dr. Helle’s work involves close collaborations with stakeholders, or those helping to deliver prevention and treatment for substance use across the lifespan.

Her current primary project (NIAAA K08 Career Development Award) examines how college prevention experts select and adopt alcohol prevention strategies for their campuses, with the ultimate goal of developing a program to support and enhance their efforts and support providers in using evidence-based programs. Dr. Helle also conducts research in support of improving access and reducing barriers for addiction prevention, treatment, and information among at-risk groups (e.g., college students, individuals with co-occurring mental health concerns).

Dr. Helle also works with the University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC) Collaborative to Advance Health Services, serving as an Implementation Specialist and Evaluator for the Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) and Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) Network Coordinating Offices. Additionally, Dr. Helle is the Co-Director of the Missouri Center for Addiction Research and Engagement (MO-CARE).

In her free time, Dr. Helle enjoys spending time with her husband and sons, trying new coffee shops, home renovations, and exploring the many trails and parks in Columbia.

Dr. Helle is currently recruiting a postdoctoral fellow and is not currently recruiting graduate students or undergraduate research assistants.