Dr. Bulls is a licensed clinical psychologist and an NIH-funded clinician investigator, including an NCI K08 award. Her current research focuses on mitigating the impact of opioid stigma on cancer patients with pain with an emphasis on health equity; early identification cancer patients at risk for pain and neuropathy; and novel behavioral interventions to better manage pain. Dr. Bulls also evaluates experimental models of pain sensitivity and modulation using actigraphy and quantitative sensory testing. Recent honors include an honorable mention for the NIH HEAL Director’s Trailblazer Award and acceptance to the SBM Monica Baskin Diversity Institute for Emerging Leaders.
- BS, University of Florida, 2010
- MA, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2015
- PhD, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2017
- Predoctoral Internship, James A. Haley VA, 2017
- Postdoctoral Fellowship (Behavioral Oncology), Moffitt Cancer Center, 2019
Education & Training
Bulls HW, Hamm M, Wasilko R, de Abril Cameron F, Belin S, Goodin BR, Liebschutz JM, Wozniak A, Sabik LM, Schenker Y, Merlin JS. "I refused to get addicted to opioids": Exploring attitudes about addiction in patients with advanced cancer pain and their support people. Journal of Pain. 2023, S1526-5900(23)00023-8.
Bulls HW, Hamm M, Wasilko R, de Abril Cameron F, Belin S, Goodin BR, Liebschutz JM, Wozniak A, Sabik L, Merlin JS, Schenker Y. Manifestations of opioid stigma in patients with advanced cancer: Perspectives from patients and their support providers. JCO Oncol Pract. 2022, 18(10):e1594-e1602.
Bulls HW, Chu E, Goodin BR, Liebschutz JM, Wozniak A, Schenker Y, Merlin JS. Framework for opioid stigma in cancer pain. Pain. 2022, 163(2):e182-e189.
Bulls HW, Bell LF, Orris SR, Goodin BR, Liebschutz JM, Wozniak A, Merlin JS, Schenker Y. Exemptions to state laws regulating opioid prescribing for patients with cancer-related pain: A summary. Cancer. 2021, 127(17):3137-3144.
- NIH/NCI Clinical Research Loan Repayment Program Award, 2018-2020
- Junior Scholar Award, Clinical/Translational Cancer Research, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, 2021
- Supporting Our Scientists Award, Pitt CTSI, 2022
- NIH HEAL Director's Trailblazer Award - Honorable Mention, 2023
