Biography

Brandon Zamora earned his B.S. in Biomedical Sciences on the Neuroscience track from the University of Central Florida. He joined the Women’s Global Health Research Lab in 2024 and has contributed to research examining cannabis, hemp-derived THC products, alcohol, and other substance-use behaviors.

In the Women’s Global Health Research Lab, Brandon contributes to research examining cannabis and cannabinoid use, with particular emphasis on hemp-derived THC products and THC-infused beverages. His work has included state-level policy analysis, literature review, questionnaire and protocol development, preparation of IRB materials, and research examining consumption patterns, risk perceptions, and alcohol and cannabis use among young adults.

Beyond the Villalba Lab, Brandon has conducted research at Vanderbilt University and in several biomedical research laboratories at UCF and has gained clinical research exposure to psychedelic-assisted therapy trials. His long-term goal is to pursue physician-scientist training focused on neuroscience, psychiatry, and mental health research.

Poster and Presentations

Poster Presentations

Felipe Hidalgo, R., Zamora, B., Attonito, J., Liu, S., & Villalba, K. (2026). THC On a Glass: A Cross-Sectional Study of Consumption Patterns Across Sex Demographics. Sixth Annual Cannabis Clinical Outcomes Research Conference (CCORC), Orlando, FL.

Zamora, B., Sanchez, K., Attonito, J., & Villalba, K. (2026). Intoxicating but Legal? State-by-State Regulation of Hemp-Derived THC-Infused Drinks in the United States. UCF Student Scholar Symposium, Orlando, FL.

Villalba, K., Attonito, J., Liu, S., Mejia, M., Perez, R., Chakraborty, A., Santiago, A., Zamora, B., Charles, J., Martinez de Pinillos, P., & Navia Bueno, M. P. (2026). What Drives College Cannabis Use in Latin America? A Six-Country Study of ACEs, Alcohol, and Psychosocial Factors. 2026 NIDA International Forum, virtual.

Oral Presentations

Zamora, B. (2025). What if “Healthier” Is Actually a Lie? UCF Undergraduate 5-Minute Thesis Research Communication Competition, Orlando, FL.

Zamora, B. (2023). A Gaze Subevent Framework for Understanding Nursing Students’ Cognition During Simulation Training. The Leadership Alliance National Symposium, Hartford, CT.

Zamora, B. (2023). Caffeine and Executive Function. Southern Regional Honors Council Annual Conference, Charlotte, NC.

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