This Mentored Research Scientist Development Award from NIAAA provided five years of support to Dr. Jennifer Livingston for mentored training, advanced coursework and data collection in the field of adolescent substance use and sexual risk behavior. The first phase of the study involved running focus group sessions with female adolescents (14-17 years old) and, separately, with their mothers to gain a preliminary understanding of adolescent perceptions of risk and how these perceptions influence decision-making related to participation in risk behavior. The second phase of the study involved conducting a cognitively-based retrospective interview with 18-19 year old female adolescents regarding their high school experiences with alcohol, drugs, and sex. Dr. Livingston’s mentors on this project were Dr. Maria Testa, RIA, and Dr. Michael Windle, Emory University. Funded by a grant of $531,904 from NIAAA, 2005-2011.