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.

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.

If you have any questions about our research or if you are interested in joining our lab, please click on the “Training” tab or contact Dr. Lau-Barraco at cbarraco@odu.edu.  Also, please feel free to browse through the rest of our website to learn more about our team and research.

Thank you for visiting!

Note: Dr. Lau-Barraco will be accepting students for our Clinical Psychology doctoral program to begin in academic year 2023-2024.