Biological substrates of impulsivity and aggression; neurophysiological (EEG, ERPs) and neuropsychological correlates of substance use disorders, antisocial behavior and impulse control disorders; assessment and treatment of aggressive behavior.

Heart Rate Variability and Impulse Control During Alcohol Dependence Treatment (funded by NIAAA). This study is designed to examine whether a direct association exists between impulse control and heart rate variability in alcohol dependent individuals. In collaboration with Ronda Dearing, PhD., Gerard Connors, PhD., and Gregory Homish, PhD.

Etiology of Suicidal Behavior During Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood (funded by CDC): Identifying variables that decrease risk for suicide attempts in young people ages 12 to 25. (Award made to Kenneth Conner, PsyD, MPH, University of Rochester; subaward to Rebecca Houston, PhD.)

Study of Health and Adult Relationship Experiences (funded by NIAAA). Examination of personality, health behaviors (such as smoking and drinking), attention and memory skills, and intimacy and conflict in relationships (in collaboration with Kenneth E. Leonard, PhD, Maria Testa, PhD and Brian M. Quigley, PhD).

Attempted Suicide and Alcohol Dependence (funded by NIAAA): Examination of reactive aggression and social isolation in suicide attempts in treated alcoholics. (Award made to Kenneth Conner, PsyD, MPH, University of Rochester, subaward to Rebecca Houston, PhD.)

Impulse Control as a Mechanism of Change in the Treatment of Alcohol Dependence (funded by NIAAA). Multi-modal assessment of impulse control as a mechanism of change before, during, and after cognitive behavioral treatment for alcohol dependence (in collaboration with Co-investigators Ronda L. Dearing, PhD, Gerard J. Connors, PhD, and Gregory G. Homish, PhD.)

Neurophysiological and Behavioral Characteristics of Heavy Drinkers & Aggressive Drivers (funded by UB Interdisciplinary Research Development Fund). Examination of the potentially interactive effects of aggressive driving and heavy drinking history on neurophysiological (event-related brain potentials; ERPs) and behavioral measures during a driving simulation task. (Award made to Changxu Wu, PhD, UB Industrial and Systems Engineering, subaccount to Rebecca Houston).

Transitional Mechanisms in the Relapse Process: A Pilot Study (funded by RIA Research Development Program). This pilot study is investigating the role of implicit responses (behavioral and neurophysiological) to alcohol cues as they relate to relapse.