Swati Sureka '15Major: Biological Sciences and Chemistry & Chemical BiologyHometown: Jacksonville, FL Why did you choose Cornell?I visited and loved the campus, but what really pushed me to choose Cornell was the breadth and flexibility that the school, particularly the College of Arts & Sciences, offered. I really felt like I could study anything I wanted here and accommodate a lot of…
In our last post of the year, junior Zoee shares her excitement for a summer internship in healthcare consulting, not necessarily a position of her utmost expertise but one Arts and Sciences' holistic education helped her attain. By Zoee D'Costa '19, Biology & Society major, Psychology minorThis summer I will be working in Chicago interning for a consulting company focusing on healthcare…
Jessica Barragan '15Major: Government & SociologyHometown: Deep River, CTWhy did you choose Cornell?From the moment I stepped onto campus for the first time as an admitted high school senior, I knew that I could call Cornell my new home. While visiting during Cornell Days, it was immediately clear to me that Cornell was an academically rigorous, heavily research-oriented, and diverse…
Dagmawi WoubshetAssociate Professor, Department of EnglishEthiopia, 1989: the Communist regime was beginning to crumble; schools were shut down. That proved the last straw for the parents of Dagmawi Woubshet, who deeply valued education.Woubshet arrived in the United States at age 13, knowing very little English. He credits Cornell alum Toni Morrison, along with other African-American authors,…
In our last post of the month, sophomore Shoshana takes us for a stroll across Europe, where she spent the summer studying Psychoanalysis and Art, and traveling.By Shoshana Swell '20, Performing & Media Arts and Psychology double major This summer, I travelled to Prague, Czech Republic to take a class about Psychoanalysis and Art (not to become a prima-ballerina). Halfway through my trip, I…
Happy almost Thanksgiving! In the spirit of the holiday, sophomore Julia Curley discusses why she is so grateful for the spirit of interconnectedness that links Cornell with the greater community in Ithaca, NY. By: Julia Curley '19 Cornell spirit extends beyond our campus. It reaches wider than the homecoming football game; it touches more than students, staff, faculty, and alumni. Our spirit…
It's finally spring here in Ithaca and that means that admitted students are coming from far and wide to visit Cornell's campus for Cornell Days! Some of the most popular events during Cornell Days are the info sessions, which are hosted by Advising Deans and Ambassadors for the College of Arts & Sciences. Sophomore Sydney Mann explains how her experience sitting in on Advising Dean Ray Kim's…
Patrick Molligo '15 Majors: German Studies & EconomicsHometown: Manhasset, NYWhy did you choose Cornell?I wanted a school where I wouldn't feel pressured to fit a mold. The motto "any person, any study" doesn't feel tired, even after four years here. Like most students, I didn't have a very clear plan when beginning my freshman year. I found it comforting that Cornell, and the College of Arts…
By: Julia Montejo '17 Every October, during the first weekend of the month, the Great Downtown Ithaca Apple Harvest Festival takes over Ithaca Commons. For the past three years, this has been one of my favorite times of the year! Colloquially known as Apple Fest, this event brings together students from the city’s three colleges (Cornell University, Ithaca College and Tompkins Cortland Community…
Kemar Prussien '15Major: PsychologyHometown: Philadelphia, PAWhy did you choose Cornell?I never really put much thought into where I was going to go to college for most of my high school career. However, I underwent two incredible experiences the summer before my senior year that put me on a path. First, I volunteered at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp--a pediatric summer camp for children with…
Despite pandemic challenges, the College of Arts & Sciences expanded its faculty with 17 new hires this year, bringing exciting new ideas into wide-ranging fields, including moral psychology, Indigenous studies, cosmology, genetics and African American literature.
Read about new faculty for 2021-22
This week, senior Solveig writes about her excitement over being able to produce a physical proof of her two years worth of biochemistry research – an honors thesis.By Solveig van der Vegt '18, Biological Sciences major, Mathematics minor One of the greatest opportunities available to students at Cornell is to do research under a faculty supervisor. For the past two years, I have worked in the…
In the last post of the year, junior Meredith guides us through how she came to decide to study abroad in London next semester. Thank you all for following our blog this year, and happy holidays!By Meredith Chagares '19, History major, Business and Law & Society double minor Next semester, I will be studying abroad in London through the Hansard Scholars Program. This program consists of two…
This week, sophomore Yousef Anwer describes how his interdisciplinary experience at Cornell has been utterly magical... By: Yousef Anwer '19, Economics major, Law and Society minor Growing up I had Harry Potter fever. I still low-key blame J. K. Rowling for ruining fantasy books for me, because nothing I’ve read since has ever been able to match up to the wild imagination that was allowed to run…
This week, junior Solveig Van der Vegt writes about her experience conducting undergraduate research as a member of the Fromme Lab. Through the Office of Undergraduate Biology, Solveig and many other Cornell students are able to earn academic credit while also working on their own independent projects. By: Solveig Van der Vegt '18 BIOG4990 is the class students take to get credit for working in a…
As the semester heats up (figuratively and literally - it's 65 degrees here in Ithaca!), we've asked Ambassadors to take a break from classwork and share their experiences with "Work and Community Service" on campus during the month of March. Senior Sarah Marie Bruno starts us off with a post about her experience as a Student Assistant in Hans Bethe House. Enjoy! By: Sarah Marie Bruno '16For the…
By: Sarah Marie Bruno '16 Cornell is a big school. When I arrived on campus as a freshman, I had no idea how I would possibly decide where to eat dinner, let alone what to study. Over time, though, I've found my niche here, and this big school has started to feel like a much smaller community.There are many places to find this small community. You can find it in your dorm hall, your freshman…
Anthony Halmon '17Major: Africana StudiesHometown: Chicago How did you decide on your major? Have your plans changed since you started Cornell?It was an interesting journey deciding on my major. Coming into Cornell, I just knew I had to be an engineer because I heard that they made a lot of money, and that it would provide me with the resources to take care of my mother and family. However, I…
by Ari Bernstein '15 During my first few weeks on campus as a freshman in the fall semester of 2012, I was both amazed and overwhelmed by the abundance of extra-curricular opportunities that Cornell provides its students. I attended Club Fest, in hopes of discovering a few clubs that resonated with my interests, yet walked away with more than twenty. As a pre-med student interested in the…
The Value of a Liberal Arts Education To address the greatest challenges in our world today, we must acquire skills that belie singular modes of understanding. As this era is defined by rapid social, technological and economic changes, the liberal arts model of education and inquiry is perhaps more relevant today than ever before. It is the best long-term training for innovation, entrepreneurship…
Rose Hanson '15Major: HistoryHometown: Anchorage, AKWhy did you choose Cornell?I chose Cornell because it gave me a chance to gain an amazing well-rounded education in an environment where people really love to learn. Coming from a high school where everyone knew everyone else, I wanted a school that was large enough that I could create my own community instead of have one chosen for me, and…
This week, Ambassador Meredith explains why the Carol Tatkon Center is such a useful resource for students at Cornell.By Meredith Chagares ’19, History majorOne of my favorite resources on campus is the Carol Tatkon Center located in Balch Hall on North Campus. “The Tat,” as it is nicknamed, offers free support services and resources for first-year students and is conveniently located on most…
Claire Stack '15Major: College Scholar (specializing in Theater and Psychology)Hometown: Rochester, NYWhy did you choose Cornell?I’m from upstate New York, so Cornell was always on my radar. I visited Cornell the summer before my senior year. It was August, one of two beautiful months in Ithaca, so the campus was in full bloom. I loved the academic freedom possible in Arts and Sciences, which was…
Welcome back! This month, we have two themes – "Work and Community Service" and "Winter Adventures." Ambassadors will be sharing with us what they did over the winter break and also about jobs or volunteer positions on campus that they love. Junior Nitya starts the month off by telling us about her warm winter break shadowing in Kerala, India.By Nitya Deshmukh '19, Biology and Society majorWhen…
This week, junior Jady looks back at her time at Cornell thus far, and shares how she was able to make the vast campus her own through classes, clubs, and friends. By Jady Wei '19, Economics and Government double major, Law & Society minorI can still remember walking into my very first class at Cornell as a freshman. It was at 9:05 a.m. on a Tuesday, all the way at the Statler Hotel, which…
In this last "Cornell Love" post, junior Jendayi describes two of her favorite places on Cornell's campus - one of which is quite literally off the beaten path! By: Jendayi Brooks-Flemister '18 It's important to take tests and write papers, but it's also important to have time to unwind. One of the most amazing things about Ithaca and Cornell really is how naturally beautiful they are. We’re in…
Melissa Askew/Unsplash
Wheat, a sanctioned Russian export
In commentary in the Wall Street Journal, Nicolas Mulder, assistant professor of government, sets in historical context the recent western sanctions against Russia, which, he writes, have been “sweeping and unrelenting since the country began waging war against Ukraine two months ago.”
“In Warsaw last month, President Joe Biden declared that ‘these economic sanctions are a new kind…
This week, our secretary, Information Science major Meg Shigeta '17 , gives us a window into her summer experience as an intern in New York City. Enjoy! By: Meg Shigeta '17, Events Coordinator/Records KeeperThis summer I had the opportunity to work in the media industry as an intern for the Dentsu Aegis Network, specifically for the Carat New York office. One of my favorite aspects of the job was…
By: Braulio Castillo '18Coming from a Latino household on the West Coast, the move to Ithaca in upstate New York was definitely a big change for me. The transition was certainly challenging, but Cornell offers so many opportunities for students to remain in contact with their culture and feel right at home that I was quickly able to adjust.Two weekends ago, I was invited to a performance by a…
By: Maya Golliday '17 What’s good, prospective students and parents!? I am currently almost finished with my semester abroad in the beautiful “La Habana” and would love to tell you a little bit about my experience thus far. I guess I’ll hit the ground running and start with why I chose Cuba (and also how I’m able to study in Cuba given the history the US has had with Cuba and restrictions on…
Eliza Baird-Daniel '15Major: Biological SciencesHometown: Seattle, WAWhy did you choose Cornell?I wanted to explore a new part of the country and was specifically drawn to Cornell because of the strong research community, outdoorsy culture, and diversity of studies. When I came to visit, I was not only so impressed by the caliber of research but also that undergraduates were deeply involved in it…
For October, we ask our ambassadors how they spent this past summer. This week Shoshana takes us across the ocean to her experience at Eventerprise, a startup where she developed her design skills.By Shoshana Swell '20, Information Science and Performing and Media ArtsMy name is Shoshana Swell. I am a Junior in The College of Arts and Sciences, double majoring in Information Science and…
This week, senior Hadassa shares with us how she spent her summer interning at the U.S. Consulate General in Barcelona, an experience that complemented her studies in Government and International Relations. By Hadassa Jakher '18, Government and Spanish double major, International Relations and Law & Society double minor I had the incredible experience of spending my past summer interning with…
One word sums up this post and its author's message about Cornell's intellectually diverse community: passionate. In this last November post, junior Carlee Moses describes how the spirit of interdisciplinary inquiry first drew her to Cornell. Enjoy! By: Carlee Moses '18To me, the spirit of Cornell is defined by the diverse and varied passions of its students, faculty, and staff. When I first…
Being a student here definitely has its perks - one of the reasons that students choose to attend Cornell is the wealth of opportunities available to us during the school year, during school breaks, and even after we graduate! In our last April post here at the blog, junior Julia Montejo discusses the variety of ways in which she was able to give back to Cornell and the surrounding community…
Mingkun Ding '16Major: Math and Philosophy (Minor: Music)Hometown: ShanghaiHow did you decide on your major? Have your plans changed since you started Cornell?I came to Cornell as an anthropology major, but very soon changed to philosophy because of the introductory course I took. I decided on philosophy because of its logical approach to seemingly uncrackable problems. Philosophers are a group…
On Thursday, the Biden administration announced economic sanctions on Russia in retaliation for alleged election interference and cyberattacks.
Nicholas Mulder, assistant professor of history at Cornell University, studies the origin and effects of economic sanctions. His first book “The Economic Weapon: The Rise of Sanctions as a Tool of Modern War” is forthcoming with Yale…
By Anna Ravenelle '17 Columbus Day weekend at Cornell offers a much-needed break from schoolwork as students have both Monday and Tuesday off from classes. Some students take this time to catch up on schoolwork, others head home, and still more travel to new destinations for new experiences. Some might say that Cornell is in the middle of nowhere, but being only four hours from New York City and…
Ian Sigalow '16Ian Sigalow '16 is an ILR student minoring in the A&S Jewish Studies Program. How did you decide to minor in Jewish Studies? How did you get introduced to the program? Freshman year, I took Introduction to Judaism with Professor Lauren Monroe. She was incredibly engaging and the subject matter was presented in a way that really piqued my interest. Upon learning that she was…
Matthew Hudson '15Major: Asian Studies, Religious StudiesHometown: Whitinsville, MAWhy did you choose Cornell?Even as a wee guppy, I felt a gnawing curiosity to see the world beyond my small pond. My hometown had little demographic diversity and even less ideological creativity, so the thought of attending an global-minded school felt like a dream. I wanted to push boundaries and reshape myself…
For April, we focus on the theme of diversity. Ambassadors will share times at which they felt that diversity is important in Arts and Sciences, and what life at Cornell is like as a minority, whether that be in terms of race, sexual orientation, gender, disability, or perspective. This week, Sophomore Julian discusses how his academic and social experiences at Cornell have helped him process,…
Happy October! This month, we will be focusing on two themes, "Easing Back into Classes" and "Summer Adventures." In the first post of the semester, senior Solveig shares with us her experience interning in London this past summer. By: Solveig van der Vegt '18, Biological SciencesAbout halfway through the Spring 2017 semester, I was starting to panic a little because I had not yet found an…
As Bob Dylan reminded us, the times they are a-changing. According to a Cornell University poll, young adults are much more likely to report that they will be politically active over the next few years, compared with everyone over 25. As a result, the pollsters said, “The U.S. will have a significantly different political climate in the future.”This and related polls show that younger citizens…
This week, sophomore and new Ambassador Julia Curley discusses how a class she took outside of her major has allowed her to embrace the interdisciplinary nature of the College of Arts and Sciences, and has kindled interests in new fields - including undergraduate publishing! By: Julia Curley '19 For English and Art History double majors like me, the course roster offers a multitude of options…
A U.S. delegation arrived in Taiwan to show support for the nation as leaders are expected to meet with President Tsai Ing-wen this week. Concerns about the island have escalated since Russian President Vladimir Putin began his assault on Ukraine.
Allen Carlson, associate professor of government and an expert on China, says Taiwan was on edge even before the invasion: “Over the last several…
By: Eric Reinhard '18 Does the title confuse you? I don’t blame you if it does. Why would someone take a break from work only to work more? Well, I’m here to tell you that I do just that (I promise I’m not crazy).I work at the Residential and New Student Programs office, located in one of the freshman dormitories, Clara Dickson Hall. My official title is Student Administrative Assistant, which…
