Dr. Wasantha Jayawardene is an Assistant Professor at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he applies his medical and epidemiological background to public health research and education. He received his MD from People's Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, and his Master's and Doctoral degrees from Indiana University School of Public Health Bloomington. His research interests include opioids, alcohol, tobacco, and prescription drugs, as well as digital health and technology-based interventions, consumer preferences, behaviors, and attitudes. He has published over 150 peer-reviewed journal manuscripts and conference abstracts, conducted several large-scale surveys and program evaluations, and served as a Principal Investigator in several projects, including those funded by federal and state governments.