Untangling the Roots of Bullying

Bullying can transform even the best school into a forbidding environment for children who endure classmates’ taunting. The pain can last a lifetime, with hopelessness and powerlessness giving way to depression. Psychologist Jean M. Alberti, PhD ’70, EdM ’62, wants to break the cycle.

That’s why she gave the single largest gift ever made to the Graduate School of Education to establish the Jean M. Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention at UB. Led by Amanda Nickerson, The Alberti Center helps reduce bullying abuse in schools and in the community by contributing knowledge and providing evidence-based tools to effectively change the language, attitudes and behaviors of educators, parents, students and society.

Finding the Answers

Committed to untangling the roots of bullying, UB’s Alberti Center is a national resource on its prevention and that of other forms of school violence among children, as well as a source of research projects, publications and information that address these behaviors.

The renowned center was made possible through a blended gift that includes annual financial support as well as a deferred gift through Dr. Alberti's estate plan. Because of her support, the Alberti Center provides some of the latest research and advice on bullying.

Calling it a form of child abuse, Alberti Center researchers are dedicated to leading a national conversation about the problem to reduce bullying abuse in schools and in the community by contributing knowledge and providing evidence-based tools to effectively change the language, attitudes and behaviors of educators, parents, students and society.

Research that Registers

  • UB researchers taking new approach to reduce teen bullying
    11/5/19

    UB researchers will enlist peer leaders in the Williamsville high schools to develop more effective programs for adolescents.

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Alumni Leaving Legacies

David Hooper, Class of 2020, saw his legacy beginning with completing his degree from UB. For Jim Smist, BS ’80, it was to honor his late father, Felix Smist, BS ’65, and his legacy of hard work and determination. Watch their stories and learn how one man’s legacy can shape the lives of many others.