Last updated on: 10/12/2010 | Author: ProCon.org

Sandra A. Brown, PhD Biography

Title:
Professor of Psychology at University of California at San Diego
Position:
Con to the question "Should the Drinking Age Be Lowered from 21 to a Younger Age?"
Reasoning:

“One of the most successful interventions has been the adoption of age 21 as the legal drinking age… The National Highway Traffic Administration estimates that a legal drinking age of 21 has prevented greater than 21,000 deaths since 1976. Furthermore, zero-tolerance laws, which make it illegal for drivers less than 21 years of age to drive after any drinking, have been associated with approximately 20% decreases in alcohol-related crashes and DWIs.

Cowritten with J. Schulenberg, et al,”A Developmental Perspective on Alcohol and Youths 16 to 20 Years of Age,” Pediatrics, Apr. 12, 2008
Theoretical Expertise Ranking:
Experts
Individuals with MDs, PhDs, JDs, or equivalent advanced degrees in fields relevant to the minimum legal drinking age. Also top-level government officials (such as foreign leaders, US presidents, Founding Fathers, Supreme Court Justices, members of legislative bodies, cabinet members, military leaders, etc.) with positions relevant to the minimum legal drinking age.
Involvement and Affiliations:
  • Professor, Psychology, University of California at San Diego, 1996-present
  • Professor, Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, 1994-present
  • Chief of the Psychology Service, VA Health Services, San Diego, CA, 1994-present
  • Adjunct Professor, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, 1985-present
  • Board of Directors, American Psychological Association Council of Representatives, 2004-2006
  • Chair, Joint Doctoral Training Program Steering Committee, 2003-2006
  • Board of Directors, Research Society on Alcoholism, 2002-2005
  • Member, National Advisory Council, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 2002-2004
  • Member and Chair, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Initial Review Group, 1991-1996
  • Associate Professor, Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, 1990-1994
  • Clinical Research Psychologist, Psychology Service, VA Medical Center, San Diego, CA, 1992-1993
  • Director, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Clinical Team, VA Medical Center, San Diego, CA, 1991-1993
  • Director of Psychological Services, Alcohol Treatment Program, VA Medical Center, San Diego, CA, 1984-1993
  • Assistant Professor, Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, 1984-1990
  • Acting Assistant Chief, Psychology Service, VA Medical Center, San Diego, CA, 1987-1988
Education:
  • PhD, Psychology, Wayne State University, 1981
  • MA, Psychology, Wayne State University, 1978
  • BA, Math and Psychology, Hope College, 1975
Other:
  • Fellow, Division 12, American Psychological Association, 1993-present
  • Fellow, Division 12, American Psychological Association, 1992-present
  • Winner, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism MERIT Award, 2000-2009
  • Recipient, Top Producers of Scholarly Publications in Clinical Psychology PhD Programs Award, 2007
  • Recipient, Chancellor’s Associates Research Award, University of California at San Diego, 2006
  • President, Division 50, American Psychological Association, 1998-1999
  • Recipient, Division 50 Scientific Contribution Award, American Psychological Association, 1997
  • Board of Directors, Division 50, American Psychological Association, 1994-1996
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, 1982-1984
  • Recipient, Graduate Faculty Research Award, Northern Illinois University, 1983
  • Recipient, Graduate/Professional Scholarship, Wayne State University, 1976-1979
  • Wayne State University Graduate Fellowship, 1975-1979
  • Phi Beta Kappa, 1975
  • Recipient, Presidential Scholarship, Hope College, 1971-1975
Quoted in:
Pro & Con Quotes: Should the Drinking Age Be Lowered from 21 to a Younger Age?