NEW HAVEN (December 6, 2012) – Dr. Marc Brackett, Research Scientist in Yale’s Department of Psychology and Deputy Director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, has been appointed to the newly launched Research Advisory Board of the Born This Way Foundation, co-founded by pop megastar and activist Lady Gaga.
Brackett is one of seven scholars named to the board, which is chaired by Dr. Susan M. Swearer of the University of Nebraska—Lincoln. Members will meet quarterly to ensure that the Foundation’s youth empowerment, anti-bullying, and tolerance programs are guided and backed by rigorous theory and research. Born This Way Foundation Co-Founder and President Cynthia Germanotta calls the advisory board members “some of the brightest minds in education and adolescent research.” She believes their input will allow the Foundation to “reach even more youth and provide them with the tools necessary to be the brave person they were each born to be.”
Brackett has gained recognition for his efforts to cultivate emotional intelligence and prevent bullying in schools through RULER, an approach to teaching emotional intelligence skills, which he co-created. Brackett’s research and intervention efforts over the last decade align with the mission of the Born This Way Foundation — to create “a safe community that helps connect young people with the skills and opportunities they need to build a kinder, braver world.”
Of his recent appointment, Brackett said, “I’m delighted to work with the Born This Way Foundation on applying evidence-based best practices to prevent bullying and promote well being, kindness, and bravery in our nation and beyond. That Lady Gaga and her mother are bringing attention to this critical and noble effort is inspiring.”
About The Born This Way Foundation
The Born This Way Foundation was formed by Lady Gaga and her mother, Cynthia Germanotta, in 2011 “to foster a more accepting society, where differences are embraced and individuality is celebrated.” The Foundation is built on the pillars of safety, skills, and opportunity for youth and involves this constituent largely through its robust social media presence. A major initiative, Born Brave Nation, mobilizes youth-led groups of supporters to create positive change in their local communities. The Foundation has a Youth Advisory Board comprised of 17-23-year-olds, in addition to its Research Advisory Board.
About The Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence
The Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, founded by Yale President-elect Peter Salovey, is home to the original scientific theory of emotional intelligence. Its researchers continue to conduct studies on the emotional skills that comprise emotional intelligence and the relationship of these skills to important life outcomes. RULER is an outgrowth of emotional intelligence theory and gives educators, students, and parents emotion skills training to improve relationships, physical and psychological health, and academic and professional effectiveness. Thousands of schools nationwide and across the world use RULER.
Press Contact
Miriam Schroers: 203-747-0945 | miriam.schroers@yale.edu
