Thanks for visiting Behavior Genetics Laboratory (BGL) web pages.
Dr. Scott F. Stoltenberg directs the BGL and is an Assistant Professor in the Psychology Department at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Research in the BGL seeks to characterize the role of genetic variation on individual differences in health-risk behaviors. We focus on genes that influence the function of neurotransmitter systems and on behavioral traits, such as impulsivity, that increase risk for behavioral problems. Studies in the BGL have examined phenotypes such as alcohol problems, substance use, eating problems, risky driving, decision-making and gambling. In general, we ue a candidate gene association study approach with non-clinical populations (i.e. college students) as study participants. We also use control system modeling to better understand how genetic variation at multiple system components affects neurotransmitter system function.
Our work crosses levels of analysis and spans several areas of psychology including, but not limited to, neuroscience, cognitive, personality and clinical to address important questions about genetic influences on behavior.
Undergraduate research assistants are involved in nearly every facet of the research. Initially RAs will collect behavioral data. As RAs gain more experience in the lab or if they have had previous genetics experience, they will extract DNA from cheek cells and help to genotype samples using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gel electrophoresis. Students will also have opportunities to analyze data, prepare posters and attending local, regional and national research conferences. Joining the team will require registering for 3 credits of Independent Study (PSYC 299) with Dr. Stoltenberg or involvement in the UCARE Program.
Dr. Scott F. Stoltenberg directs the BGL and is an Assistant Professor in the Psychology Department at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Dr. Stoltenberg's office is 221 Burnett Hall (402.472.7861). The genotyping lab is in Manter 15 and the behavioral lab is in Burnett 215.
Research in the BGL seeks to characterize the role of genetic variation on individual differences in health-risk behaviors. We focus on genes that influence the function of neurotransmitter systems and on behavioral traits, such as impulsivity, that increase risk for behavioral problems.
Studies in the BGL have examined phenotypes such as alcohol problems, substance use, eating problems, risky driving, decision-making and gambling. In general, we ue a candidate gene association study approach with non-clinical populations (i.e. college students) as study participants.
We also use control system modeling to better understand how genetic variation at multiple system components affects neurotransmitter system function. Our work crosses levels of analysis and spans several areas of psychology including, but not limited to, neuroscience, cognitive, personality and clinical to address important questions about genetic influences on behavior.
For information on the 61st Annual Nebraska Symposium on Motivation (April 25-26) click "Genes and the Motivation to Use Substances".
