Folarin Olanrewaju
BSN
About
Cohort Year: 2023
Faculty Advisor: Rohan Jeremiah, PhD, MPH
Email: folanr2@uic.edu
Folarin Olanrewaju is an emerging scholar dedicated to improving treatment approaches for alcohol use disorder (AUD) through a harm reduction framework. His current research focus includes investigating the potential of GLP-1 receptor agonists in reducing alcohol consumption, aiming to expand pharmacological options for individuals who may not benefit from traditional abstinence-based treatments. His ongoing works include a concept analysis of harm reduction in AUD treatment and a systematic review on the effectiveness of motivational interviewing in reducing alcohol use.
Folarin is a fellow of the UIC Pipeline for Inclusive Faculty Program, where he supports mentoring and community-building to diversify the academic workforce. In addition to his primary research focus, he volunteers as a research assistant on a study examining the impact of behavioral interventions on alcohol consumption and neural pathways among young adults. He also mentors in a program for underrepresented students pursuing careers in healthcare.
Through a combination of research, mentorship, and advocacy, he aims to contribute to policy reforms that expand access to evidence-based AUD treatment and integrate behavioral health into primary care systems. His long-term goal is to use scholarship as a tool to reduce disparities in addiction care and promote systemic change.
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Notable Honors
2023, Fellow, Pipeline for Inclusive Faculty Program, University of Illinois Chicago
2023, Summa Cum Laude, UIC College of Nursing
2019, Presidential Scholar Award, Malcolm X College
2019, Dean’s List, Malcolm X College
2017, President’s Scholar Award, Oakton Community College