Vulnerable Children and Youth in Brazil

Silvia H. Koller is a professor of the Psychology Institute of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, where she directs the Center for Studies of At-Risk Children, Youth and Families (CEP-Rua). She holds a PhD in Education from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul and her research focuses on broad questions of development and social cognition, including risk and resilience among impoverished and homeless children and adolescents, children’s rights, violence, prejudice, and positive psychology. Dr. Koller has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and 40 chapters in edited volumes in national, regional, and international outlets on these topics. She also edited more than 10 books in Brazil. She leads an active research group that has conducted numerous empirical studies and developed and/or evaluated programs that focus on promoting social justice; preventing and treating emotional, sexual and physical abuse and outcomes; training teachers and professionals who work with at-risk populations, and fostering economic and international development. Dr. Koller has received funding from the Kellogg Foundation, World Childhood Foundation (WCF), World Bank, and Brazilian agencies. Through these activities, Dr. Koller has established a major network of contacts and research collaborations throughout the five continents.