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The BRAVE lab conducts translational research designed to foster positive, accepting communities free from bullying and other negative behaviors. Studies conducted through the BRAVE lab focus on identifying and addressing the complex personal, social, and cultural factors underlying bullying behaviors, thereby advancing practical solutions to promote healthy relationships within families, schools, and communities.


Meet Our Researchers              Current Research              Past Research


Our Lab

While our lives as graduate students, faculty members, and researchers keep us very busy, we also like to explore fun things offered in Lincoln and beyond! The pictures included represent a snapshot of the fun things our research lab have done together. We also do an annual food study for fun, so we can try out food and beverages in the local area. An example food study is the Better Burger Study. To learn more about current members and alumnus of the BRAVE Lab, click here.

  • Picture of lab at coffeehouse
  • Lab Group Photo
  • Lab Group Photo on Roller Coaster
  • fifthmas
  • Lab Group Photo inside
  • Lab Group Photo at Phat Jack's BBQ
  • Lab Group Photo at Restaurant
  • Lab Group Photo holding award
  • Lab Group Photo in front of escape room sign
  • Lab Group Photo in bar.
  • Lab Group Photo in street.
  • Lab Group Photo at conference speaker podium
  • Lab group photo outside in fall.
  • Lab photo 2024, on stairs in Teachers
  • five girls smiling with green folders

Personal Empowerment

Embracing oneself serves as an important starting point for embracing others. The BRAVE Lab investigates the factors that impact self-esteem, self-efficacy and other facets critical to developing and maintaining a healthy sense of identity. It also explores ways of combating bullying, anxiety, depression and other barriers to personal acceptance.

Girl at sunset looking at ocean with open arms.

Cultural Empowerment

The BRAVE Lab considers how a variety of interrelated systems – from communities to schools to the media – establish cultural codes and environments that cultivate or impede attitudes of acceptance. The Lab also examines how these conventions and contexts shape the social experiences and personal perspectives of individuals.

Group of kids smiling at camera.

Social Empowerment

Interacting with family, friends, classmates, co-workers and other groups influences how people perceive themselves and the world around them. Accordingly, the BRAVE Lab researches and develops prevention and intervention approaches designed to cultivate understanding, acceptance, and an appreciation for individuality.

Group of people on green grass field enjoying sunshine.

Our Mission

The nonprofit BRAVE Lab supports translational research designed to foster positive, accepting communities free from bullying and other negative behaviors. Studies conducted through the Lab focus on identifying and addressing the complex personal, social and cultural factors underlying such behaviors, thereby advancing practical solutions to promote healthy relationships within families, schools and communities.

To support this mission, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the BRAVE Lab (d.b.a. Empowerment Initiative Fund).

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