Bonnie M. Vest PhD
Bonnie M. Vest
PhD
Research Associate Professor
Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
Specialty/Research Focus
Health Services Research; Implementation Science; Medical Anthropology; Military & Veterans Health/Healthcare; Program Evaluation; Qualitative Methods; Substance Use
Professional Summary:
I am a medical anthropologist, with expertise in qualitative and mixed methods approaches and in applying qualitative and implementation science methods in health services research, serving in this role on several translational implementation projects in healthcare and community settings.
Specifically, I have extensive experience conducting qualitative and mixed-methods research with military populations across multiple projects, primarily focusing on mental health, substance use, identity, and healthcare preferences. Examples include: examining how identity negotiations impact National Guard soldiers’ experiences in the post-9/11 era; how substance use risk and motivations change over the course of military service; how identity relates to student veterans’ health and engagement; and how primary care providers outside the VA system address the needs of their veteran patients.
I have also been engaged in multiple mixed-methods and qualitative primary care and public health-based projects with a broad range of populations, including low-income minority and underserved patients, those living with chronic disease, individuals who use substances, and healthcare providers.
The common thread throughout my work is a focus on understanding the complexity and context that impact health-related behaviors and healthcare to incorporate insights based on individuals' lived experiences (both patients and providers) into recommendations to improve health and healthcare.
Education and Training:
- PhD, Cultural Anthropology, University at Buffalo (2012)
- MA, Cultural Anthropology, University at Buffalo (2006)
- BA, Anthropology, Miami University (2001)
Employment:
- Associate Director for the Dissemination & Implementation Science Core, Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University at Buffalo (2025-present)
- Instructor, School of Nursing, University at Buffalo
- Research Associate, Center for Integrated Healthcare, VA WNY Healthcare System
- Research Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, University at Buffalo
Awards and Honors:
- IMSH 2026 1st place Abstract (2025)
UB 2020 Strategic Strengths:
- Health and Wellness Across the Lifespan
Grants and Sponsored Research:
- January 2025–December 2031
CTSA UM1 State University of New York at Buffalo
NIH
Role: Other - January 2025–December 2029
Implementation of a Community Feedback System, Comprehensive Needs Assessment, and Evaluation of Opioid Settlement Fund Usage in Erie County, NY
Erie County Department of Health
Role: Co-Investigator - September 2025–February 2027
HEALTHeOUTCOMES Evaluation
HEALTHeLINK
Role: Co-Investigator - October 2023–October 2024
Creative Arts and Healing Among Veterans: Impacts of Community-based Photography Workshops on Veterans’ Well-Being and Quality of Life
Civic Engagement Research Fund
Role: Principal Investigator - October 2022–September 2024
Peer support workers to improve access to substance use treatment and recovery services
SAMHSA
Role: Co-Investigator - June 2013–July 2024
Substance Use in Reservists: Social and Environmental Influences
National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health
Role: Co-Investigator - October 2020–September 2023
The Erie County NY Comprehensive Quick Response Program (QRP) to Overdose
Bureau of Justice Assistance
Role: Co-Investigator - May 2021–October 2022
Developing a Meaningful Sense of Belonging Among Veterans
National Endowment for the Humanities
Role: Co-Investigator - April 2017–September 2022
VA PRIME Precision Medicine in Mental Health Care
VA HSR&D
Role: Contributor
Journal Articles:
- Lillvis D, Harmon B, Osei H, Vest BM, Clemency B, Chadha K, Harmon C, Yu J, Homish GG, Simon T, Lerner EB. (2025) Challenges to Caring for Injured Children with Special Health Care Needs in Emergency Settings. Hospital Pediatrics (Dec)
- Thomas M, Vest BM, Arena S, Painter OB, Chambers MK, Kirk H, Clemency BM, Lynch JJ. (2025) Evaluating community-based harm reduction vending machine utilization in New York State. Journal of Addiction Medicine (Dec) doi:DOI: 10.1097/ADM.0000000000001626
- Rogers AH, Pester BD, Fligelman SJ, Pielech M, Groenewald CB, Ketterl TG, Vest BM, Palermo TM. (2025) Pain Management and Opioid Use among Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer: A Qualitative Study of Pediatric Oncology Providers. Pediatric Blood & Cancer (Dec)
- Vest BM, Chambers MK, Thomas M, Arena S, Dickinson M, Lynch JJ, Clemency BM. (2025) Implementing Harm Reduction Vending Machines to Reduce Opioid Overdose Risk: Description of a Centralized Implementation Model, Pros, Cons and Lessons Learned. Journal of Public Health Management and Practice (Nov) doi:DOI: 10.1097/PHH.0000000000002312
- Vest BM, Peterman SD, Bannon B, Neofotistos VP. (2025) Creative arts and healing among veterans: impacts of community-based photography workshops on veterans' well-being and quality of life. Arts & health (Nov)1-17.
- Vest BM, Wray LO, Hull LE, Lynch KG, Chapman SR, Thase ME, Ramsey C, Simonetti J, Oslin DW. (2025) The Perceived Value of Pharmacogenetic Testing in Depression Treatment: Mixed-Methods Results From the PRIME Care Study. Psychiatric services (Washington, D.C.) (Jun), 76(6): 589-597.
- Lillvis DF, Harmon B, Osei H, Vest BM, Clemency BM, Chadha K, Harmon CM, Yu J, Homish GG, Simon TD, Lerner EB. (2025) Interpersonal Factors in the Emergency Care of Injured Children and Youth With Special Health Care Needs. Academic pediatrics (Feb), 25(8): 102796.
- Hoopsick RA, Vest BM, Arif M, Homish DL, Homish GG. (2025) US Army Reserve and National Guard soldiers' motivations for joining the military and their effects on post-deployment mental health. Armed Forces & Society (Feb) doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/0095327X251317445
- Vest BM, Hoopsick RA, Homish DL, Homish GG. (2025) Negative non-deployment emotions, substance use, and marital satisfaction among never-deployed military couples. Military psychology : the official journal of the Division of Military Psychology, American Psychological Association (Jan)1-10.
- Brimmer M, Wahler A, Chambers M, Lynch J, Clemency B, Varughese R, Moore C, Vest B. (2024) Buprenorphine prescription and treatment initiation through preemptive outreach and telehealth consultation with emergency medicine providers. Journal of addictive diseases (Oct)1-7.
- Vest BM, Hoopsick RA, Homish DL, Kulak JA, Homish GG. (2024) Longitudinal effects of military separation and mental health symptomatology on substance use among a cohort of reservists. Journal of studies on alcohol and drugs (Feb).
- Hoopsick RA, Vest BM, Homish DL, Homish GG. (2024) United States Army Reserve/National Guard soldiers' healthcare experiences, attitudes, and preferences: Differences based on deployment status. Psychology, health & medicine (Jan)1-13.
- McCormick-Cisse MN, Homish DL, Vest BM, Hoopsick RA, Arif M, Homish GG. (2024) Military combat exposure and risk domains: assessing associations in current and former U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers. Journal of military social work and behavioral health services (Jan), 12(4): 330-339.
- Vest BM, Wray LO, Thase ME, Brady LA, Chapman SR, Oslin DW. (2023) Providers' Use of Pharmacogenetic Testing to Inform Antidepressant Prescribing: Results of Qualitative Interviews. Psychiatric services (Washington, D.C.) (Aug)0.
- Vest BM, Hoopsick RA, Homish DL, Homish GG. (2023) The Role of Military Identity in Substance Use and Mental Health Outcomes among U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers. Military psychology : the official journal of the Division of Military Psychology, American Psychological Association (Jan), 35(1): 85-93. doi:10.1080/08995605.2022.2082812
- Vest BM, Weiss-Laxer NS, Homish DL, Homish GG. (2022) Lifetime trauma exposure profiles and alcohol use over time among U.S. Reserve and National Guard soldiers. Journal of traumatic stress (Dec), 35(6): 1642-1655.
- Hoopsick RA, Vest BM, Homish DL, Homish GG. (2022) Differences in alcohol screening and alcohol problems among United States veterans based on military service history. Psychological services (Nov), 19(4): 710-718. doi:10.1037/ser0000584
- Vest BM, Goodell EMA, Homish DL, Homish GG. (2022) Effects of Social Network Characteristics on Mental Health Outcomes Among United States Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers. Community mental health journal (Oct), 58(7): 1268-1278. doi:10.1007/s10597-021-00935-1
- Vest BM, Quigley BM, Lillvis DF, Horrigan-Maurer C, Firth RS, Curtis AB, Lackner JM. (2022) Comparing Patient and Provider Experiences with Atrial Fibrillation to Highlight Gaps and Opportunities for Improving Care. Journal of general internal medicine (Sep), 37(12): 3105-3113. doi:10.1007/s11606-021-07303-5
- Berdine DE, Thomas MC, Kahn LS, Vest BM. (2022) Challenges and Lessons Learned in the Regional Implementation of MISSION-CJ in Drug Treatment Courts. Psychiatric services (Washington, D.C.) (Aug), 73(8): 950-953.
- Vest BM, Hoopsick RA, Fillo J, Homish DL, Homish GG. (2022) Problems With Sleep Are Common and Predict Increased Risk for Alcohol and Drug Use Among Reserve and National Guard Soldiers. Journal of studies on alcohol and drugs (Jul), 83(4): 537-545. doi:10.15288/jsad.2022.83.537
- Kahn LS, Wozniak ML, Doscher T, Moore C, Vest BM. (2022) Treatment Experiences Among People Who Use Opioids: A Social Ecological Approach. Qualitative health research (Jul), 32(8-9): 1386-1398.
- Vest BM, Kulak JA, Homish DL, Hoopsick RA, Homish GG. (2022) Mental and physical health factors related to dual use of veterans affairs and non-veterans affairs healthcare among U.S. reserve soldiers. Psychology, health & medicine (Jun), 27(5): 976-986. doi:10.1080/13548506.2020.1828945
- Vest BM, Brimmer MJ, Brady LA, Homish GG. (2022) "I just wanna be another person at school": Disclosing veteran identity on campus and effects on campus engagement. Journal of American college health : J of ACH (May)1-8. doi:10.1080/07448481.2022.2076106
- Kahn LS, Thomas M, Borro T, Berdine DE, Vest BM. (2022) Incorporating MISSION-CJ for Drug Court Participants with Co-Occurring Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation (Mar) doi:doi: 10.1080/10509674.2022.2045527
- Brady LA, Wozniak ML, Brimmer MJ, Terranova E, Moore C, Kahn L, Vest BM, Thomas M. (2022) Coping Strategies and Workplace Supports for Peers with Substance Use Disorders. Substance use & misuse (Jan), 57(12): 1772-1778.
- Kahn LS, Wozniak M, Vest BM, Moore C. (2022) "Narcan encounters:" overdose and naloxone rescue experiences among people who use opioids. Substance abuse (Jan), 43(1): 113-126.
- Griswold KS, Vest BM, Lynch-Jiles A, Sawch D, Kolesnikova K, Byimana L, Kefi P. (2021) "I just need to be with my family": resettlement experiences of asylum seeker and refugee survivors of torture. Globalization and health (Mar), 17(1): 27. doi:10.1186/s12992-021-00681-9
- Hoopsick RA, Homish DL, Vest BM, Bartone PT, Homish GG. (2021) Resilience to Hazardous Drinking Among Never-Deployed Male United States Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers. Alcoholism, clinical and experimental research (Mar), 45(3): 566-576. doi:10.1111/acer.14561
- Vest BM, Brady LA, Brimmer MJ, Homish GG. (2021) Variations in Risk and Motivations for Substance Use over the Course of Military Service. Substance use & misuse (Jan), 56(4): 559-566. doi:10.1080/10826084.2021.1887257
- Vest BM, Wray LO, Brady LA, Thase ME, Beehler GP, Chapman SR, Hull LE, Oslin DW. (2020) Primary care and mental health providers' perceptions of implementation of pharmacogenetics testing for depression prescribing. BMC psychiatry (Oct), 20(1): 518. doi:10.1186/s12888-020-02919-z
- Vest BM, Hoopsick RA, Homish DL, Homish GG. (2020) Lower levels of bodily pain increase risk for non-medical use of prescription drugs among current US reserve soldiers. Addictive behaviors (Sep), 108: 106443. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2020.106443
- Hoopsick RA, Vest BM, Homish DL, Homish GG. (2020) Problems with social acceptance and social victimization predict substance use among U.S. Reserve/Guard soldiers. Stress and health : journal of the International Society for the Investigation of Stress (Aug), 36(3): 311-321. doi:10.1002/smi.2934
- Vest BM, Hoopsick RA, Homish DL, Homish GG. (2020) Mental health and educational outcomes among current and former National Guard and Reserve soldiers. Journal of American college health : J of ACH (Jan), 68(2): 110-114. doi:10.1080/07448481.2018.1536056
- Vest BM, Kulak JA, Homish GG. (2019) Caring for veterans in US civilian primary care: qualitative interviews with primary care providers. Family practice (May), 36(3): 343-350. doi:10.1093/fampra/cmy078
- Kahn LS, Vest BM, Kulak JA ?, Berdine DE, Granfield R. (2019) Barriers and Facilitators to Recovery Capital among Justice-Involved Community Members. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation (Mar), 58(6): 544-565.
- LaValley SA, Vest BM, Hall V. (2019) Challenges to and Strategies for Formal Service Utilization among Caregivers in an Underserved Community. Journal of gerontological social work (Jan), 62(1): 108-122.
- Hoopsick RA, Homish DL, Vest BM, Homish GG. (2018) Alcohol Use Among Never-Deployed U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers: The Effects of Nondeployment Emotions and Sex. Alcoholism, clinical and experimental research (Dec), 42(12): 2413-2422. doi:10.1111/acer.13901
- Vest BM, Homish DL, Fillo J, Homish GG. (2018) Military status and alcohol problems: Former soldiers may be at greater risk. Addictive behaviors (Sep), 84: 139-143. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.04.011
- Vest BM, Kulak J, Hall VM, Homish GG. (2018) Addressing Patients' Veteran Status: Primary Care Providers. Family medicine (Jun), 50(6): 455-459. doi:10.22454/FamMed.2018.795504
- Vest BM, Homish DL, Hoopsick RA, Homish GG. (2018) What drives the relationship between combat and alcohol problems in soldiers? The roles of perception and marriage. Social psychiatry and psychiatric epidemiology (Apr), 53(4): 413-420. doi:10.1007/s00127-017-1477-7
- Vest BM, Heavey SC, Homish DL, Homish GG. (2018) Alcohol Misuse in Reserve Soldiers and their Partners: Cross-Spouse Effects of Deployment and Combat Exposure. Substance use & misuse (Apr), 53(5): 800-807. doi:10.1080/10826084.2017.1385632
- King PR, Beehler GP, Vest BM, Donnelly K, Wray LO. (2018) Qualitative exploration of traumatic brain injury-related beliefs among U.S. military veterans. Rehabilitation psychology (Feb), 63(1): 121-130.
- Vest BM, Hoopsick RA, Homish DL, Daws RC, Homish GG. (2018) Childhood trauma, combat trauma, and substance use in National Guard and reserve soldiers. Substance abuse (Jan), 39(4): 452-460. doi:10.1080/08897077.2018.1443315
- Heavey SC, Chang YP, Vest BM, Collins RL, Wieczorek W, Homish GG. (2018) 'I have it just in case. The International journal on drug policy (Jan), 51: 27-35. doi:10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.09.015
- Hoopsick RA, Vest BM, Homish DL, Homish GG. (2018) Combat exposure, emotional and physical role limitations, and substance use among male United States Army Reserve and National Guard soldiers. Quality of life research : an international journal of quality of life aspects of treatment, care and rehabilitation (Jan), 27(1): 137-147. doi:10.1007/s11136-017-1706-2
- Devonish JA, Homish DL, Vest BM, Daws RC, Hoopsick RA, Homish GG. (2017) The impact of military service and traumatic brain injury on the substance use norms of Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers and their spouses. Addictive behaviors (Sep), 72: 51-56. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2017.03.012
- Vest BM, Heavey SC, Homish DL, Homish GG. (2017) Marital Satisfaction, Family Support, and Pre-Deployment Resiliency Factors Related to Mental Health Outcomes for Reserve and National Guard Soldiers. Military behavioral health (Jan), 5(4): 313-323. doi:10.1080/21635781.2017.1343694
- Hoopsick RA, Fillo J, Vest BM, Homish DL, Homish GG. (2017) Substance use and dependence among current reserve and former military members: Cross-sectional findings from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2010-2014. Journal of addictive diseases (Jan), 36(4): 243-251. doi:10.1080/10550887.2017.1366735
- Vest BM, Hall VM, Kahn LS, Heider AR, Maloney N, Singh R. (2017) Nurse perspectives on the implementation of routine telemonitoring for high-risk diabetes patients in a primary care setting. Primary health care research & development (Jan), 18(1): 3-13.
- Vest BM, Lynch A, McGuigan D, Servoss T, Zinnerstrom K, Symons AB. (2016) Using standardized patient encounters to teach longitudinal continuity of care in a family medicine clerkship. BMC medical education (Aug), 16(1): 208. doi:10.1186/s12909-016-0733-y
- Kahn LS, Vest BM, Madurai N, Singh R, York TR, Cipparone CW, Reilly S, Malik KS, Fox CH. (2015) Chronic kidney disease (CKD) treatment burden among low-income primary care patients. Chronic illness (Sep), 11(3): 171-83. doi:10.1177/1742395314559751
- Vest BM, York TR, Sand J, Fox CH, Kahn LS. (2015) Chronic Kidney Disease Guideline Implementation in Primary Care: A Qualitative Report from the TRANSLATE CKD Study. Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine : JABFM (Jan), 28(5): 624-31. doi:10.3122/jabfm.2015.05.150070
- Cadzow RB, Vest BM, Craig M, Rowe JS, Kahn LS. (2014) "Living well with diabetes": evaluation of a pilot program to promote diabetes prevention and self-management in a medically underserved community. Diabetes spectrum : a publication of the American Diabetes Association (Nov), 27(4): 246-55. doi:10.2337/diaspect.27.4.246
- Vest, BM. (2014) Finding Balance: Individuals, Agency and Dual Belonging in the US National Guard. Human Organization (Mar), 73(2): 106-113.
- Vest, BM. (2014) Reintegrating National Guard Soldiers After Deployment: Implications and Considerations. Military Behavioral Health (Mar), 2(2): 224-231.
- Fox CH, Vest BM, Kahn LS, Dickinson LM, Fang H, Pace W, Kimminau K, Vassalotti J, Loskutova N, Peterson K. (2013) Improving evidence-based primary care for chronic kidney disease: study protocol for a cluster randomized control trial for translating evidence into practice (TRANSLATE CKD). Implementation science : IS (Aug), 8: 88. doi:10.1186/1748-5908-8-88
- Vest BM, Kahn LS, Danzo A, Tumiel-Berhalter L, Schuster RC, Karl R, Taylor R, Glaser K, Danakas A, Fox CH. (2013) Diabetes self-management in a low-income population: impacts of social support and relationships with the health care system. Chronic illness (Jun), 9(2): 145-55. doi:10.1177/1742395313475674
- Kahn LS, Vest BM, Karl R, Tumiel-Berhalter L, Taylor R, Schuster RC, Glaser K, Danakas A, Fox CH. (2013) Living with diabetes on Buffalo, New York's culturally diverse West Side. Chronic illness (Mar), 9(1): 43-56. doi:10.1177/1742395312450895
- Vest, BM. (2013) Citizen, Soldier, or Citizen-Soldier? : Negotiating Identity in the US National Guard. Armed Forces & Society (Mar), 39(4): 602-627.
- Buscaglia JLG, Brimmer MB, Vest BM, Kahn LS. (1900) Exploring Low-Threshold Buprenorphine Prescribing Practices: A Qualitative Study. Telemedicine & Telecare (Jan)
- Vest BM, Kulak JA, Hoopsick RA, Homish DL, Homish GG. (1900) Reserve and National Guard Soldiers’ use of VA Healthcare: The Role of Mental Health, Physical Health, and Healthcare Preferences. Psychology, Health and Medicine (Jan)
- Vest BM, McCormick-Cisse MG, Homish DL, Homish GG. (1900) Mixing Energy Drinks with Alcohol is Related to Alcohol Problems Over Time Among Reserve and National Guard Soldiers. Military Medicine (Jan)
Books and Book Chapters:
- Vest BM, Anderson Goodell EM, Hoopsick RA, Homish DL, Homish GG. (2023) A Conceptual Framework for Examining the Role of Identity in the Experiences of U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers. In: Contemporary Military Reserves: Between the Civilian and Military Worlds. Routledge Publishing, 19-38.
Professional Memberships:
- American Public Health Association
- College on Problems of Drug Dependence; Member
Presentations:
- "Collective Impact of Opioid Settlement Funds: Patient Voices for Healing and Recovery" North American Primary Care Research Group (NAPCRG) Annual Meeting (2025)
- "Creative Arts and Healing Among Veterans: Impacts of Community-based Photography Workshops on Veterans’ Well-Being and Quality of Life" American Public Health Association Annual Meeting and Expo (2025)
- "Negative non-deployment emotions may contribute to greater risk for sexual intimate partner violence among Reserve and National Guard soldiers" American Public Health Association Annual Meeting (2025)
- "Changes in Perceived Approval of Recreational Cannabis Use and Intentions to Use in a Sample of Reserve Soldiers and their Spouses" College on Problems of Drug Dependence (2025)
- "Relationships Between Alcohol Problems and Perceived Approval of Recreational Cannabis Use and Intentions to Use in Reserve Soldiers" Research Society on Alcohol (2025)
- "Cannabis Use Among a Statewide Sample of Young Adults: Is Student Status a Risk Factor?" Research Society on Marijuana 8th Annual Scientific Meeting. (2024)
- "Mixing Energy Drinks with Alcohol is Related to Alcohol Problems Over Time Among Reserve and National Guard Soldiers" Research Society on Alcohol 2024 Scientific Meeting (2024)
- "The Role of Military Identity in Non-Medical Prescription and Illicit Drug Use among Reserve and National Guard Soldiers" College on Problems of Drug Dependence Annual Meeting (2024)
Service Activities:
- College on Problems of Drug Dependence for 2026 conference. Reviewed and scored 44 abstracts; Abstract Reviewer (2025)
- For multiple journals in 2025, including: Substance Use and Addiction Journal Journal of General Internal Medicine Armed Forces & Society Journal of Interpersonal Violence Psychology of Addictive Behaviors European Addiction Research; Journal Article Peer Reviewer (2025)
- JSMBS Annual Research Day - A Celebration of Scholarship; Poster Judge (2022–present)
- Cleveland Hill Union Free School District, Board of Education; Board Trustee (2020–present)
- Community Veterans Engagement Board; Representative/Member (2019–present)
- Joining Forces- UB (through School of Social Work) Joining Forces–UB began in 2013 as a collaboration between the UB Schools of Social Work and Nursing to train nursing and social work students interested in working with veterans and military families. https://www.buffalo.edu/joiningforces-ub/about-us/overview.html; Co-Director (2018–present)
- Scientific Review Committee; Chair (2016–2025)