Dr. Scott F. Stoltenberg directed the Behavior Genetics Lab (BGL) and is an Associate Professor in the Psychology Department at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Research in the BGL sought to characterize the role of genetic variation on individual differences in health-risk behaviors. We focused 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 used a candidate gene association study approach with non-clinical populations (i.e. college students) as study participants.

We also used 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.