Dewey Cornell, a forensic clinical psychologist and professor at the University of Virginia’s Curry School of Education, has been named to the just-launched research advisory board of pop star Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation.

“Born This Way Foundation has the exceptionally ambitious goal of mounting a cultural movement to instill greater kindness and bravery in youth,” said Cornell, who is also associate director of Youth-Nex: The Center to Promote Effective Youth Development at U.Va., studying teen risk., “Our job on the research advisory board is to help her take advantage of relevant scientific methods and research. Lady Gaga’s efforts touch on many different areas, especially research on ways to reduce bullying and promote positive youth development.” 

On Oct. 26, the foundation announced the creation of the board, a group of scholars from diverse disciplinary backgrounds who will advise the foundation. Chaired by Susan M. Swearer of the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, the board’s goal will be to maximize the impact of foundation initiatives and apply relevant research findings to upcoming programs.

Lady Gaga’s mother, Cynthia Germanotta, who is the foundation’s president and co-founder, said the board is “made up of some of the brightest minds in education and adolescent research. With the help of these university-based experts, we will be able to reach even more youth and provide them with the tools necessary to be the brave person they were each born to be.”

The Born This Way Foundation was founded in 2011 to foster a more accepting society. It is dedicated to creating a safe community where individuality is celebrated by connecting youth with the skills, resources and opportunities they need to build a braver, kinder world. The foundation, a nonprofit charitable organization, will address issues like self-confidence, well-being, anti-bullying, mentoring and career development through research, education and advocacy.