The Behavioral Alcohol and Related Studies Laboratory (BARS Lab) is directed by Dr. Cathy Lau-Barraco and is located in the Department of Psychology at Old Dominion University, I serve as a research assistant to this research lab.

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Broadly, our research focuses on the determinants and consequences of alcohol and other substance use among emerging adults.  Emerging adults are at elevated risk for heavy drinking and experiencing negative consequences from use. Thus, our research focuses on understanding and identifying psycho-social-cognitive factors that place someone at heightened risk for experiencing drinking-related harms and finding ways to decrease their risk. Our research includes ecological momentary assessment of alcohol and other health behaviors (physical activity, dietary habits); brief behavioral alcohol interventions; studies identifying mechanisms contributing to problematic substance use; and laboratory studies of alcohol use.

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In this lab I have gain experience with managing data using programs such as SPSS and excel, participant recruitment, participant screening, book keeping, conducted literature searches for R01 grant application, survey development, participated in biweekly lab meetings, training other undergraduate students, and so much more. I am also a co-author , on a posted that has been accepted to be presented at the Society for Prevention Research (SPR) May 28, 2017 with Brynn E. Sheehan,Ph.D and Cathy Lau-Barraco, Ph.D.