Palo Alto Addictions Research Center (PAARC)

Prior research from PAARC has used alcohol as the model substance. However, substance use in young adults and adolescence rapidly evolves and we aim to have a lab that is responsive to change.  As such, the lab name reflects our mission to better understanding addiction issues that are emergent and understudied. For example, recent completed projects include how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted substance use and health decision making in young adults, measurement issues in cannabis research (including co-use with alcohol), and how alcohol use impacts sexual decision making and capacity for consent.

Upcoming projects for the PAARC lab involve a combination of survey, field, and experimental studies. Examples include:

• An alcohol administration study examining dose-response relationships between blood-alcohol concentration (BAC), changes in cognition, and sexual decision making (in collaboration with Dr. Charlotte Beard).
• A field study conducted at a local music festival where researchers will gather event-level data on psychedelic use, alone and in conjunction with other substances.
• Community partnerships with local universities and high schools to refine alcohol and drug prevention programming.
• Utilization of archival databases to learn and apply multivariate and longitudinal quantitative methods to substance use questions

What does lab involvement entail? 

Students can get involved in multiple ways, ranging from developing and implementing their own studies to using archival data to develop poster presentations and assist in publications.  Lab expectations and obligations include: (A) attendance and participation in bi-monthly lab meetings and (B) working collaboratively with lab members on posters/papers to be disseminated at national conferences.  In addition, there are opportunities to collaborate on publications provided that students have interest and strong writing/statistical skills.

How do I find more out about the lab? 

The PAARC lab will hold two “open meetings” where prospective students can meet the lab members and learn more about our projects.  We are planning two open labs, both to be held in March 2023. Please contact Dr. Haas for details.

Students who wish to apply to PAARC should submit the following materials to Dr. Haas via email:

1. Cover letter detailing areas of research interests, prior research experience and career aspirations
2. Current CV
3. Copy of unofficial transcripts from PAU
4. A 1-2 page writing sample that reflects your scientific writing and interest in one of the areas studied in this lab.