Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research
@cornellbctr.bsky.social
The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research at Cornell speeds the connections between research, policy, and practice to solve human problems. A proud part of Cornell Human Ecology.
For more than 50 years, the Residential Child Care Project has helped strengthen residential care for vulnerable youth. Its approach is used in 17 countries, improving safety and outcomes around the world; it was featured in a new piece from Psychology Today. www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evid...
What We Know About Residential Care for Vulnerable Youth
Residential care facilities provide the structured, intensive care required for young people who have experienced trauma and cannot remain safely in a home environment.
www.psychologytoday.com
November 19, 2025 at 3:46 PM
For more than 50 years, the Residential Child Care Project has helped strengthen residential care for vulnerable youth. Its approach is used in 17 countries, improving safety and outcomes around the world; it was featured in a new piece from Psychology Today. www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evid...
The question isn't just, are you exercising and eating well? But also, what air are you breathing as you age? There is new evidence that links air pollution to dementia risk on our Evidence-Based Living blog on @psychologytoday.com.
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evid...
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evid...
New Evidence Links Pollution to Dementia Risk
The question isn't just, Are you exercising and eating well? But also, what air are you breathing as you age?
www.psychologytoday.com
October 28, 2025 at 7:40 PM
The question isn't just, are you exercising and eating well? But also, what air are you breathing as you age? There is new evidence that links air pollution to dementia risk on our Evidence-Based Living blog on @psychologytoday.com.
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evid...
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evid...
We've been reflecting on our history - the people and programs making the BCTR into what it is today.
We're leveraging over 50 years of our past to shape our future, with an eye toward research that provides a positive impact for our communities.
We're leveraging over 50 years of our past to shape our future, with an eye toward research that provides a positive impact for our communities.
October 28, 2025 at 5:54 PM
We've been reflecting on our history - the people and programs making the BCTR into what it is today.
We're leveraging over 50 years of our past to shape our future, with an eye toward research that provides a positive impact for our communities.
We're leveraging over 50 years of our past to shape our future, with an eye toward research that provides a positive impact for our communities.
Reposted by Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research
Our managing director, Kim Kopko, touched on why The Contribution Project, led by @purposecommons.bsky.social resonates with youth on CNN.
-human element and sense of connections
-youth want to engage and contribute and do good in the world
See the conversation:
video.snapstream.net/Play/6iMi4Rp...
-human element and sense of connections
-youth want to engage and contribute and do good in the world
See the conversation:
video.snapstream.net/Play/6iMi4Rp...
CNN Newsroom - Kimberly Kopko
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video.snapstream.net
October 27, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Our managing director, Kim Kopko, touched on why The Contribution Project, led by @purposecommons.bsky.social resonates with youth on CNN.
-human element and sense of connections
-youth want to engage and contribute and do good in the world
See the conversation:
video.snapstream.net/Play/6iMi4Rp...
-human element and sense of connections
-youth want to engage and contribute and do good in the world
See the conversation:
video.snapstream.net/Play/6iMi4Rp...
Reposted by Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research
Our Anthony Burrow was on @cnn.com Saturday to talk about how purpose can be a catalyst for happiness. The Contribution Project is as an example of young people craving an opportunity to make a difference and how that benefits their mental health and well-being.
Watch: www.cnn.com/2025/10/25/h...
Watch: www.cnn.com/2025/10/25/h...
Finding happiness through purpose: Cornell study shows it’s not about the money | CNN
Dr. Anthony Burrow, Associate Professor of Psychology at Cornell University, joins Smerconish to discuss new research on the link between purpose and happiness.
www.cnn.com
October 26, 2025 at 2:30 AM
Our Anthony Burrow was on @cnn.com Saturday to talk about how purpose can be a catalyst for happiness. The Contribution Project is as an example of young people craving an opportunity to make a difference and how that benefits their mental health and well-being.
Watch: www.cnn.com/2025/10/25/h...
Watch: www.cnn.com/2025/10/25/h...
Reposted by Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research
Purpose as a path to happiness? Anthony Burrow told Dana Milbank from @washingtonpost.com that it can be. Of note, how The Contribution Project, launched at Cornell and now run by @purposecommons.bsky.social higlights positive effects contributors feel after making contributions. wapo.st/4nlKw7c
Column | A 6-year research project found a surprisingly simple route to happiness
How can we stay happy in an age gone mad, when it feels as though all is unstable? A study out of Cornell suggests a practical way to keep ourselves on a meaningful path — a happiness hack for our cha...
wapo.st
October 24, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Purpose as a path to happiness? Anthony Burrow told Dana Milbank from @washingtonpost.com that it can be. Of note, how The Contribution Project, launched at Cornell and now run by @purposecommons.bsky.social higlights positive effects contributors feel after making contributions. wapo.st/4nlKw7c
We were proud to hold a Head Start & Early Education Summit at @cornelltech.bsky.social on Sept. 6. It was an important conversation on early childhood education programs and a nod to the legacy of our center's namesake, Urie Bronfenbrenner, who was instrumental in creating the Head Start program.
September 19, 2025 at 9:35 PM
We were proud to hold a Head Start & Early Education Summit at @cornelltech.bsky.social on Sept. 6. It was an important conversation on early childhood education programs and a nod to the legacy of our center's namesake, Urie Bronfenbrenner, who was instrumental in creating the Head Start program.
Here is a fantastic opportunity for a postdoc!
🚨We're looking for a Postdoctoral Associate!
Have a passion about understanding how young people develop a sense of purpose and identity? This could be the role for you!
Collaborate with an incredible PSiX research team at Cornell Human Ecology in Ithaca, NY. academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30463
Have a passion about understanding how young people develop a sense of purpose and identity? This could be the role for you!
Collaborate with an incredible PSiX research team at Cornell Human Ecology in Ithaca, NY. academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30463
Cornell University, Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research
Job #AJO30463, WDR-000 Postdoctoral Associate, PSiX, Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, US
academicjobsonline.org
August 28, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Here is a fantastic opportunity for a postdoc!
We're so happy for Kim as she takes on this new role!
Please give a warm welcome to Kim Kopko as she joins PSiX as our new managing director! Kim will be responsible for our day-to-day operations but will also shape our vision and strategy as we grow.
Read more about Kim and welcome her to PSiX: psix.bctr.cornell.edu/blog/psix-hi...
Read more about Kim and welcome her to PSiX: psix.bctr.cornell.edu/blog/psix-hi...
PSiX hires its first managing director - meet Kim Kopko — PSiX
She brings her expertise in parenting and youth development to PSiX.
psix.bctr.cornell.edu
August 25, 2025 at 7:33 PM
We're so happy for Kim as she takes on this new role!
Big news! @cornellpsix.bsky.social received a $3m grant from the John Templeton Foundation to futher research on purpose, including the first-of-its-kind National Youth Purpose Survey. It survey will measure how youth across the country think and feel about purpose.
news.cornell.edu/stories/2025...
news.cornell.edu/stories/2025...
Grant will fund first-of-its-kind National Youth Purpose Survey | Cornell Chronicle
The Purpose Science and Innovation Exchange, an initiative in the College of Human Ecology that launched in April to study the burgeoning field of purpose, has received a $3 million grant from the Joh...
news.cornell.edu
August 21, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Big news! @cornellpsix.bsky.social received a $3m grant from the John Templeton Foundation to futher research on purpose, including the first-of-its-kind National Youth Purpose Survey. It survey will measure how youth across the country think and feel about purpose.
news.cornell.edu/stories/2025...
news.cornell.edu/stories/2025...
A big thank you to Provost Kavita Bala and Cornell Human Ecology Dean Rachel Dunifon for coming to our retreat yesterday and speaking with those working in our various projects. We appreciate you taking the time to answer our questions, and we truly value the insight you shared with us!
August 1, 2025 at 3:24 PM
A big thank you to Provost Kavita Bala and Cornell Human Ecology Dean Rachel Dunifon for coming to our retreat yesterday and speaking with those working in our various projects. We appreciate you taking the time to answer our questions, and we truly value the insight you shared with us!
Imagine having a program where you, as a teen, can explore possible career paths and experience what it's like to live on a college campus. New York State 4-H gives teens from across the state that opportunity every year!
news.cornell.edu/stories/2025...
news.cornell.edu/stories/2025...
4-H teens come to Cornell to explore potential career paths | Cornell Chronicle
Cornell hosted more than 180 middle and high school students from across New York state for the annual 4-H Career Explorations Conference, held June 25-27.
news.cornell.edu
July 8, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Imagine having a program where you, as a teen, can explore possible career paths and experience what it's like to live on a college campus. New York State 4-H gives teens from across the state that opportunity every year!
news.cornell.edu/stories/2025...
news.cornell.edu/stories/2025...
The newest BCTR fellows truly embody our mission and are embedded in translational research. Congratulations to Renata Leitão, our newest Evalyn Edwards Milman Fellow, and Corinna Loeckenhoff, our newest Rebecca Q. and James C. Morgan Engaged Faculty Fellow.
bctr.cornell.edu/leitao-loeck...
bctr.cornell.edu/leitao-loeck...
Leitão, Loeckenhoff receive BCTR fellowships - Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research
Two Human Ecology faculty members have recently been awarded fellowships from the Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research (BCTR). Corinna Loeckenhoff, the Janet and Gordon Lankton Professor o...
bctr.cornell.edu
July 2, 2025 at 2:40 PM
The newest BCTR fellows truly embody our mission and are embedded in translational research. Congratulations to Renata Leitão, our newest Evalyn Edwards Milman Fellow, and Corinna Loeckenhoff, our newest Rebecca Q. and James C. Morgan Engaged Faculty Fellow.
bctr.cornell.edu/leitao-loeck...
bctr.cornell.edu/leitao-loeck...
Jenny Weil Malatras '02 returns home as the new director of Cornell University Cooperative Extension - New York City, leading our extension efforts in the city that center on nutrition, family and youth development, urban agriculture, and science/STEM education. bctr.cornell.edu/jenny-weil-m...
Jenny Weil Malatras ’02 returns to Cornell to lead NYC extension efforts - Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research
Jenny Weil Malatras ’02 fondly remembers a pivotal moment during her time as a Cornell student. She was studying in the Botanic Gardens with a friend when the conversation shifted […]
bctr.cornell.edu
June 30, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Jenny Weil Malatras '02 returns home as the new director of Cornell University Cooperative Extension - New York City, leading our extension efforts in the city that center on nutrition, family and youth development, urban agriculture, and science/STEM education. bctr.cornell.edu/jenny-weil-m...
Reposted by Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research
Cornell drives local economic growth in Ithaca and New York!
$23.2M raised in 2024 by Rev Startup Incubator, Praxis Center and Center for Life Science Ventures & $23M in research funding invested in our community.
See how we're boosting economies in Ithaca, NY and Tompkins County 📈 bit.ly/4mzigP5
$23.2M raised in 2024 by Rev Startup Incubator, Praxis Center and Center for Life Science Ventures & $23M in research funding invested in our community.
See how we're boosting economies in Ithaca, NY and Tompkins County 📈 bit.ly/4mzigP5
Snapshot shows Cornell’s impact on local economy | Cornell Chronicle
Cornell drives economic growth in Ithaca and region via student and visitor spending, increased entrepreneurship, taxes and fees, and contributions to local municipalities and nonprofits.
bit.ly
May 28, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Cornell drives local economic growth in Ithaca and New York!
$23.2M raised in 2024 by Rev Startup Incubator, Praxis Center and Center for Life Science Ventures & $23M in research funding invested in our community.
See how we're boosting economies in Ithaca, NY and Tompkins County 📈 bit.ly/4mzigP5
$23.2M raised in 2024 by Rev Startup Incubator, Praxis Center and Center for Life Science Ventures & $23M in research funding invested in our community.
See how we're boosting economies in Ithaca, NY and Tompkins County 📈 bit.ly/4mzigP5
While there is no data on whether family estrangements are becoming more common, the BCTR's Karl Pillemer tells the BBC he believes it is becoming more common, and that may not necessarily be a bad thing.
www.bbc.co.uk/future/artic...
www.bbc.co.uk/future/artic...
Should you ever cut ties with your parents?
Estrangement between parents and their children is surprisingly common – this is what research says about making such a difficult decision.
www.bbc.co.uk
May 27, 2025 at 8:55 PM
While there is no data on whether family estrangements are becoming more common, the BCTR's Karl Pillemer tells the BBC he believes it is becoming more common, and that may not necessarily be a bad thing.
www.bbc.co.uk/future/artic...
www.bbc.co.uk/future/artic...
Reposted by Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research
What we're reading this week:
A study of 17K Canadian teens shows feeling richer or poorer than peers shapes how much meaning teens feel in life—esp. for girls + gender-diverse youth in unequal schools.
It's not about $ — it's about belonging.
🧠 Thoughts?
doi.org/10.1016/j.ss...
#YouthMentalHealth
A study of 17K Canadian teens shows feeling richer or poorer than peers shapes how much meaning teens feel in life—esp. for girls + gender-diverse youth in unequal schools.
It's not about $ — it's about belonging.
🧠 Thoughts?
doi.org/10.1016/j.ss...
#YouthMentalHealth
doi.org
May 27, 2025 at 8:21 PM
What we're reading this week:
A study of 17K Canadian teens shows feeling richer or poorer than peers shapes how much meaning teens feel in life—esp. for girls + gender-diverse youth in unequal schools.
It's not about $ — it's about belonging.
🧠 Thoughts?
doi.org/10.1016/j.ss...
#YouthMentalHealth
A study of 17K Canadian teens shows feeling richer or poorer than peers shapes how much meaning teens feel in life—esp. for girls + gender-diverse youth in unequal schools.
It's not about $ — it's about belonging.
🧠 Thoughts?
doi.org/10.1016/j.ss...
#YouthMentalHealth
Reposted by Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research
What we’re reading this week at PSiX:
A recent study followed adults 50+ over 12 years and found that people who felt a strong sense of purpose tended to stay healthier over time.
📑 : doi.org/10.1177/0890...
❓ What gives you a sense of purpose these days—and how does it impact your well-being?
A recent study followed adults 50+ over 12 years and found that people who felt a strong sense of purpose tended to stay healthier over time.
📑 : doi.org/10.1177/0890...
❓ What gives you a sense of purpose these days—and how does it impact your well-being?
Linking sense of purpose and multiple markers of health in older adulthood: A bidirectional approach - Flavia S. Chereches, Gudrun R. Gudmundsdottir, Gabriel Olaru, 2025
Sense of purpose is a key construct explaining individual differences in health. However, much is still unclear about how sense of purpose and health affect eac...
doi.org
May 20, 2025 at 7:36 PM
What we’re reading this week at PSiX:
A recent study followed adults 50+ over 12 years and found that people who felt a strong sense of purpose tended to stay healthier over time.
📑 : doi.org/10.1177/0890...
❓ What gives you a sense of purpose these days—and how does it impact your well-being?
A recent study followed adults 50+ over 12 years and found that people who felt a strong sense of purpose tended to stay healthier over time.
📑 : doi.org/10.1177/0890...
❓ What gives you a sense of purpose these days—and how does it impact your well-being?
Thank you to the students who presented at our BCTR Poster Symposium on May 1. Students from across Cornell and other institutions are helping faculty with research that is making a difference, we're happy you took an opportunity to showcase your work.
bctr.cornell.edu/students-sho...
bctr.cornell.edu/students-sho...
Students show off research projects during annual poster symposium - Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research
A wide array of research projects was displayed at the annual Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research (BCTR) Poster Symposium on May 1 in the Physical Sciences Building. This year, the […]
bctr.cornell.edu
May 16, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Thank you to the students who presented at our BCTR Poster Symposium on May 1. Students from across Cornell and other institutions are helping faculty with research that is making a difference, we're happy you took an opportunity to showcase your work.
bctr.cornell.edu/students-sho...
bctr.cornell.edu/students-sho...
Congrats to Corinna Loeckenhoff on your 2025 Kendall S. Carpenter Memorial Advising Award! Loeckenhoff directs the gerontology minor in the BCTR, and is a co-investigator for the Translational Research Institute on Pain in Later Life.
news.cornell.edu/stories/2025...
news.cornell.edu/stories/2025...
Four faculty receive 2025 Carpenter Advising Awards | Cornell Chronicle
Nominations are solicited annually from all members of the academic community, the awards bestowed in recognition of the importance of undergraduate advising.
news.cornell.edu
May 15, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Congrats to Corinna Loeckenhoff on your 2025 Kendall S. Carpenter Memorial Advising Award! Loeckenhoff directs the gerontology minor in the BCTR, and is a co-investigator for the Translational Research Institute on Pain in Later Life.
news.cornell.edu/stories/2025...
news.cornell.edu/stories/2025...
Alexa Maille has deep roots in New York State 4-H and understands the needs of today's youth, so we're excited to have her as the next director of NYS 4-H!
bctr.cornell.edu/veteran-4-h-...
bctr.cornell.edu/veteran-4-h-...
Veteran 4-H leader Alexa Maille to guide NYS 4-H into the future - Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research
After a national search, Alexa Maille ’04 was appointed director of the New York State 4-H Youth Development Program. Maille has held key leadership roles with NYS 4-H, serving as […]
bctr.cornell.edu
May 14, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Alexa Maille has deep roots in New York State 4-H and understands the needs of today's youth, so we're excited to have her as the next director of NYS 4-H!
bctr.cornell.edu/veteran-4-h-...
bctr.cornell.edu/veteran-4-h-...
More than 25% of Americans have cut ties with a family member according to a 2020 study by the BCTR's Karl Pillemer. Estrangement can happen in any family, even the publicized situation with the royal family. But how do you try to end the rift between family members?
www.salon.com/2025/05/10/p...
www.salon.com/2025/05/10/p...
Prince Harry's estrangement isn't unique: Here's how to negotiate cutting family ties
Harry's emotional admission of estrangement reveals the challenge of fixing a common family conflict.
www.salon.com
May 12, 2025 at 3:49 PM
More than 25% of Americans have cut ties with a family member according to a 2020 study by the BCTR's Karl Pillemer. Estrangement can happen in any family, even the publicized situation with the royal family. But how do you try to end the rift between family members?
www.salon.com/2025/05/10/p...
www.salon.com/2025/05/10/p...
The number of children in New York State being homeschooled is increasing. Does that mean they're missing out on social interactions? Kim Kopko from The Parenting Project says more interactions don't necessarily mean better interactions. www.wbng.com/2025/05/06/h...
Homeschooling rates soar after COVID-19
"I feel like it's more concentrated on me and not 20 or 25 people, however many are in the class. It's more on me than anybody else."
www.wbng.com
May 7, 2025 at 3:30 PM
The number of children in New York State being homeschooled is increasing. Does that mean they're missing out on social interactions? Kim Kopko from The Parenting Project says more interactions don't necessarily mean better interactions. www.wbng.com/2025/05/06/h...
It started in 2019 w/ 50 students. It's now a nationwide project that has a global impact.
The Contribution Project, from the BCTR, @cornellpsix.bsky.social, and Purpose Commons, has given over $500K to more than 1,300 people to make contributions of all types. news.cornell.edu/stories/2025...
The Contribution Project, from the BCTR, @cornellpsix.bsky.social, and Purpose Commons, has given over $500K to more than 1,300 people to make contributions of all types. news.cornell.edu/stories/2025...
Finding purpose and beauty, Contribution Project expands its reach | Cornell Chronicle
The project - which has expanded to four SUNY schools and to younger kids nationally - has disbursed more than $500,000 to over 1,300 participants, bolstering young people's sense of agency, community...
news.cornell.edu
May 6, 2025 at 9:07 PM
It started in 2019 w/ 50 students. It's now a nationwide project that has a global impact.
The Contribution Project, from the BCTR, @cornellpsix.bsky.social, and Purpose Commons, has given over $500K to more than 1,300 people to make contributions of all types. news.cornell.edu/stories/2025...
The Contribution Project, from the BCTR, @cornellpsix.bsky.social, and Purpose Commons, has given over $500K to more than 1,300 people to make contributions of all types. news.cornell.edu/stories/2025...
Our undergraduate students are amazing. These students have been working on translational research with faculty and they got to present their work during the BTCR Poster Symposium. We had nearly 120 people stop by and see nearly 50 incredible research projects.
May 2, 2025 at 8:56 PM
Our undergraduate students are amazing. These students have been working on translational research with faculty and they got to present their work during the BTCR Poster Symposium. We had nearly 120 people stop by and see nearly 50 incredible research projects.