LABORATORY

The biobehavioral research facilities at USC-HEAL are designed for conducting human laboratory studies of substance use and other related health behaviors. Located in the Clinical Sciences Center (CSC) at the USC Health Sciences Campus, the facilities include four observation suites. Each suite contains an observation room equipped with chair, desk, computer (for participants to complete computerized cognitive tasks), and ventilation systems to clear smoke. In addition, suites contain large one-way mirrors and intercoms to allow visibility and communication from adjoining research control areas. Adjacent to USC-HEAL are biospecimen facilities that are equipped for the handling, storage, and analysis of biological samples (e.g., saliva, urine, and plasma).

FIELD RESEARCH

The facilities that support USC-HEAL’s field research are located on the third floor of the USC Soto Street Building right outside the USC Health Sciences Campus just east of downtown Los Angeles and within a 5 minute walk to the HEAL biobehavioral facilities. This space is the home of faculty offices for HEAL Principal Investigators, office space for field-research staff, and a workroom for survey preparation, development, and data storage.