Leslie Adams

Leslie Adams is an Assistant Professor at Stanford University. She holds a PhD and MPH and brings expertise in bridging research and practice in digital health innovation. Leslie’s project addresses the elevated risk of suicide and substance use among youth, particularly in communities where early warning signs often go undetected. Her idea involves developing a smartphone-based tool that leverages GPS data and geospatial risk mapping to identify when youth are in environments associated with heightened suicide and substance use risks. The tool will deliver timely, personalized prompts and culturally responsive interventions, co-designed with young people themselves. This approach has the potential to support earlier detection, enhance outreach in real-world settings, and bridge gaps in care before crises escalate. If commercialized, the tool could be deployed in schools, community health programs, and crisis response systems to improve outcomes for youth at risk. As a member of the I4SUD 2025 cohort, Leslie is committed to creating innovative, technology-driven solutions that improve mental health and substance use care.