He received his Ph.D. in Family Studies and Human Development from the University of Arizona and completed post-doctoral work at Penn State as part of both the Human Development and Family Studies and Biobehavioral Health departments. His research interests center on gene-environment interplay with a focus on gene-by-environment interactions using measured genes. Current research activities include examining how candidate genes modify adolescent substance use interventions, a study on the relation between candidate genes and female pubertal timing and risky sexual behavior, and a genetically informed sibling study designed to assess fathering effects on girls’ development.