As a national expert on bullying and childhood causes of aggression and abuse, you might think longtime Bridgewater State University Professor Dr. Elizabeth Englander doesn’t have any professional firsts remaining. Think again.
Gov. Charlie Baker recently tapped Englander to serve on the Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee – her first time being part of a gubernatorial-appointed body. Her term runs through March 2020.
The committee distributes federal grant money that supports a variety of initiatives related to the juvenile justice system. It also advises the governor and state lawmakers on policies and assists public safety officials with developing a statewide plan related to child well-being and preventing delinquency.
“I think it’s logical to have someone who understands the psychological and behavioral underpinnings of these kinds of problems,” said Englander, a psychology professor who founded BSU’s Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center. “My goal is more just to help out wherever my expertise is relevant.”
The center, known as MARC for short, offers bullying and cyberbullying prevention research and resources. It works annually with hundreds of schools.
Englander is one of many Bridgewater State faculty members whose academic pursuits have tangible effects on Massachusetts and beyond.
“I think it’s just a recognition of the fact we have faculty who have expertise that are really relevant and are applicable outside the university setting,” she said of her appointment.