Dr. Brian J. Fairman is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. His research focuses on the epidemiology of substance use, particularly cannabis and tobacco co-use, with an emphasis on blunt smoking, initiation pathways, and health consequences. He has published extensively using national survey data (e.g., PATH, NSDUH) to examine longitudinal trends, risk factors, and disparities in substance use and mental health outcomes. His work also explores the intersection of state policies, neighborhood context, and health behaviors. Dr. Fairman has led and contributed to federally and institutionally funded studies, including projects on cigar product features, nicotine dependence, and telehealth access in behavioral health services.

Society of Epidemiologic Research (SER)
College on Problems of Drug Dependence (CPDD)

2024 - Present: Graduate Council, UAMS

2021 – Present: Ph.D. Committee, Department of Epidemiology, COPH, UAMS.

Dr. Brian J. Fairman teaches graduate-level epidemiology at the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He serves as the primary instructor for Epidemiology III, a core methods course in the MPH program that emphasizes causal inference, study design, and statistical modeling. His teaching approach emphasizes critical thinking, methodological rigor, and the application of epidemiologic principles to real-world public health problems.

Dr. Fairman is also actively engaged in student mentorship. He advises MPH students through their Applied Practice Experiences and Integrative Learning Experiences and serves on dissertation committees in the PhD program. His mentorship focuses on guiding students through data analysis, interpretation, and scientific writing, with a strong emphasis on substance use, health disparities, and chronic disease epidemiology.

Dr. Brian J. Fairman’s research focuses on substance use epidemiology, with particular emphasis on the co-use of cannabis and tobacco products. His work examines behavioral patterns, health consequences, and policy influences surrounding blunt smoking—a common method of cannabis use involving hollowed-out cigars. He leverages nationally representative longitudinal data, such as the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study and the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), to investigate how social, environmental, and regulatory factors shape substance use behaviors across the life course.

A key theme of Dr. Fairman’s research is the intersection of cannabis and tobacco use, including the role of flavored products, initiation pathways, and associations with nicotine dependence and mental health outcomes. He also studies disparities in access to behavioral health services, including telehealth, particularly in rural and underserved communities. His research aims to inform prevention strategies, policy development, and treatment approaches.

Dr. Fairman has served as Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator on federally and institutionally funded projects and regularly collaborates with multidisciplinary teams across public health, behavioral science, and health services research.