Research Statement

Substance use disorders are now the third most common psychiatric diagnosis, trailing only mood and anxiety disorders in prevalence in the general population. In addition, heavy alcohol use contributes to a host of high-risk behaviors with their own associated costs. Traffic fatalities are the leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults (WHO, 2007) and roughly 41% of these fatalities are alcohol-related (NHTSA, 2006). Alcohol use also contributes both to risk for sexually transmitted diseases and sexual assault (Abbey et al., 2001; SAMHSA, 2007) and there is evidence that alcohol use may contribute to greater persistence in gambling behavior (Kyngdon & Dickerson, 1999).  Efforts to reduce these risks require a better understanding of the conditions under which and the mechanisms through which alcohol contributes to impaired decision making and risk taking.

The focus of my program of research is on factors that contribute to the development of alcohol related problems in adolescents and young adults. Specifically the goals of my research are 1) to improve our understanding of factors that lead to the development of alcohol related problems; and 2) to develop effective programs for reducing alcohol-related harm in adolescents and young adults.

Current Studies

• Alcohol Effects on Cognition and Behavior.
• The UT Experience!
• Extending BASICS.
• Exploring Food Addiction.

Prior Research

• Psychosocial Influences on Alcohol Use and Abuse in Adolescents and Young Adults.
• Subjective Response and Acute Tolerance to Alcohol.

Participate in a BARCA study

• Cognitive Effects of Alcohol on Decision-Making.

Join the research team

• Research Topics in Addictive Behaviors (PGS 399/499).
• Work-study positions.