Dr. Dipali Venkataraman Rinker is a Research Assistant Professor in the Prescription Drug Misuse Education and Research (PREMIER) Center in the College of Pharmacy and the HEALTH- RCMI Center for Addictions Research and Cancer Prevention at the University of Houston. She is a licensed professional counselor and behavioral scientist with expertise in substance use, mental health, and health disparities, with a particular focus on alcohol and opioid use, chronic pain, and HIV-related outcomes. Her research examines the psychological and non-medical drivers of substance use and treatment engagement, with an emphasis on underserved and high-risk populations, including people living with HIV. She has served as Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator on multiple federally and foundation-funded studies, including work supported by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities and the Texas Opioid Abatement Fund. Her work integrates behavioral theory, epidemiologic methods, and community-based approaches to address structural and individual-level barriers to care. Dr. Rinker is the recipient of the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award and has an extensive record of peer-reviewed publications and international presentations. She is actively involved in training, mentoring, and interdisciplinary collaboration to advance research and practice at the intersection of behavioral health and public health.