Dustin Albert

Dustin Albert is an Associate Professor and Chair of Psychology at Bryn Mawr College, with affiliations in the Department of Psychology and Child and Family Studies. He holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from Temple University (2011), an M.A. from Wake Forest University (2006), and a B.A. from the University of Oklahoma (1998). His research focuses on the social and biological influences on self-regulation in adolescents, particularly risk-taking and antisocial behavior. Methodologies include neuroimaging, genetic epidemiology, and experimental social psychology, aiming to inform interventions for substance abuse and behavioral issues. Postdoctoral training was conducted at Duke University’s Center for Child and Family Policy and the University of North Carolina’s Center for Developmental Science.

Albert’s work emphasizes translating findings into practical prevention strategies. His research highlights how peer influence, neurobiological factors, and socioeconomic conditions shape adolescent decision-making. He has contributed to understanding the neural mechanisms underlying stress vulnerability and reward systems in adolescents. His studies often bridge developmental neuroscience with behavioral interventions, such as analyzing teen driving risks and genetic predictors of program efficacy.

Key areas of exploration include the interplay between genetic predispositions and environmental stressors, the role of peer dynamics in risk-taking, and the neurobiological correlates of self-regulation deficits. His findings underscore the importance of tailored interventions for at-risk youth, leveraging insights from both psychological and neuroscientific perspectives.