About us

The Youth Substance Use and Risky Behavior Lab at the University of Southern Mississippi studies the behavior of adolescents and young adults, with a particular focus on what we call "risky behavior." Specifically, we examine predictors, correlates, and potential prevention and intervention strategies related to substance use, non-suicidal self-injury, unsafe sexual behaviors, aggression, and delinquency. Our primary goals are to 1) better understand why young people engage in risky behaviors and 2) help them make better choices. Out ultimate mission is to reduce the prevalence of risky behaviors so that young people can lead happier and healthier lives.
Barbara Gipson, , a student in Dr. Nora Charles' research lab, presenting her research
Former undergraduate student Barbara Gipson presenting her research at USM's 2017 Undergraduate Research Symposium. She examined how risky behaviors related to self-injury and suicidal ideation in at-risk youths.
Angel Yarbor presenting research done in Dr. Nora Charles' Youth Substance Use and Risky Behavior Lab
Former undergraduate student Angel Yarbor presenting her research on associations among PAI-A borderline personality traits, anxiety, and stress in at-risk youths at USM's 2017 Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Bailee Brewer, a student in Dr. Nora Charles' research lab, presenting her research
Former undergraduate student Bailee Brewer's award-winning poster from USM's 2017 Undergraduate Research Symposium! She tested how parenting behaviors relate to youth substance use. These data were part of her Honors thesis.
Dr. Nora Charles' undergraduate Honor student Bailee Brewer presenting research.
Former undergraduate Honors student Bailee Brewer presenting her thesis at the 2017 Southeastern Psychological Association annual meeting in Atlanta. Bailee found that negative parenting practices relate to risky behaviors among boys at the boot camp.
Members of Dr. Nora Charles' lab at the University of Southern Mississippi
Spring 2016 lab members
Members of Dr. Nora Charles' lab at the University of Southern Mississippi
2016-2017 lab members
Dr. Nora Charles and Paula Floyd presenting research
Dr. Charles and graduate student Paula Floyd at Paula's poster at the 2017 Southeastern Psychological Association meeting in Atlanta. Paula compared two measures of sensation seeking in relation to substance use and sexual risk-taking among at-risk youths.
Katelyn Daniels presenting research done in Dr. Nora Charles' Youth Substance Use and Risky Behavior Lab
Former undergraduate student Katelyn Daniels presenting research on risky behaviors among youths with high vs. low levels of aggression at the 2016 Southeastern Psychological Association meeting in New Orleans.
Members of Dr. Nora Charles' lab at the University of Southern Mississippi
Fall 2015 lab members