The research in the Chester laboratory combines behavioral, biochemical, and pharmacological approaches to identify genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors that contribute to alcohol drinking and the development of alcoholism.  One area of research is focused on the genetic relationship between susceptibility to stress and anxiety and propensity toward alcohol consumption in a genetic mouse model.  Other areas of study include the role of age, sex, stress hormones, and various neurotransmitter systems in influencing alcohol- and anxiety-related traits.  Behavioral procedures used in the laboratory include place conditioning, fear conditioning, acoustic startle, and alcohol consumption to model emotional, cognitive, and motivational behaviors in mouse models.