Graduate Students T - V

Nicholas Thomas-Lewis

Medical Anthroplogy

nicholastl@berkeley.edu

I am dedicated to exploring the intersections of youth, addiction, and societal healing through a holistic lens. My academic journey has equipped me with a strong foundation in cognitive science, psychology, and neuroscience, alongside a deep understanding of the cultural, socio-historical, and embodied aspects of addiction. My research at the University of Pennsylvania and Oxford has focused on the neuromedicalization of addiction and adolescence, examining how these phenomena are constructed and perceived in the US. By integrating ethnographic fieldwork and community-based participatory methods, I aim to amplify the voices and experiences of young people in recovery, particularly in the context of public health and policy. My goal is to bridge the gap between academic research and practical interventions, developing compassionate and contextually flexible care models that address the unique needs of adolescents navigating addiction in both urban and rural environments. At UCSF and Berkeley, I plan to further investigate the impact of culturally embedded narratives and structural systems on the agency and self-perception of young individuals, ultimately contributing to more equitable and effective health policies and community interventions.