The University of Alabama at Birmingham's Center for Addiction and Pain Prevention and Intervention (CAPPI) announces a leadership transition as Karen Cropsey, PsyD, Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, Kathy Ireland Endowed Chair for Psychiatric Research, and Vice Chair for Clinical Research, departs UAB to pursue a new opportunity at Oklahoma University Medical Center.
Karen Cropsey, PsyD
Cropsey, who has served as CAPPI Director, has been instrumental in advancing the center's mission to improve the prevention, treatment, and understanding of addiction and pain through innovative research, education, and community engagement. Her leadership helped strengthen CAPPI's multidisciplinary approach and foster collaboration among researchers, clinicians, educators, and community partners working to address some of the nation's most pressing public health challenges.
As UAB conducts a national search for CAPPI's next permanent director, Jennifer DeBerry, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, David Hill Chestnut Endowed Professor, and Vice Chair Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, and former Associate Director for CAPPI, has been appointed Interim Director, effective July 1, 2026.
Jennifer DeBerry, Ph.D.
DeBerry is a respected researcher and leader whose work focuses on pain mechanisms, chronic pain conditions, and the biological factors that contribute to pain experiences. As Interim Director, she will oversee the center's strategic priorities, support ongoing research and educational initiatives, and continue fostering partnerships that advance CAPPI's mission.
"I am honored to serve as Interim Director during this transition," DeBerry said. "CAPPI has built a strong foundation of innovation and collaboration, and I look forward to working with our faculty, staff, trainees, and community partners as we continue advancing research, education, and interventions that improve the lives of individuals affected by addiction and pain."
The center remains committed to its mission during the leadership transition and will continue supporting interdisciplinary research, training the next generation of scientists and clinicians, and developing evidence-based solutions to address addiction and pain-related challenges.
UAB will provide updates regarding the director search as they become available.
For more information about the Center for Addiction and Pain Prevention and Intervention, visit the CAPPI website.