About Us

The Washington State University Laboratory for Innovations in Therapeutics’ (LIT) lead researcher, Crystal Lederhos Smith, PhD is an Assistant Professor at the Washington State University (WSU) Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine and in the WSU Prevention Science program. Dr. Smith’s research focuses on clinical trials and utilizes advanced biostatistics and multiple forms of qualitative research methods. Her research targets substance use disorder treatment optimization, therapeutic use of novel substances, and precision medicine interventions. She has been involved in over $20 million in grants and contracts, resulting in over 40 peer-reviewed publications and 3 book chapters.

The mission of the Laboratory for Innovations in Therapeutics (LIT) is to accelerate the development of innovative and effective interventions that enhance human health and wellbeing using scientifically rigorous approaches. We focus on:

• Promoting a multidisciplinary approach by creating connections across historically disparate areas of research and medicine to enhance scholarly activity and improve treatment.
• Personalized and precision medicine approaches that consider ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSIs).
• Treatments for substance use disorders and treatments using novel substances.

The Laboratory for Innovations in Therapeutics is part of the Department of Community and Behavioral Health (CBH), within Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine and is one of several units housed within the larger Program of Excellence in Addictions Research (PEAR). Dr. Sterling McPherson is currently the PEAR director.