Graduate School

BRB Trivia
2025-12-02 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-09 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-01-27 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-02-03 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Big Red Barn, 135 Presidents Way, Ithaca, NY, 14853, United States
Trivia is back weekly on Tuesdays 7 PM to 9 PM at the Big Red Barn. Come with a team or show up on your own and see our trivia host, Jacob, to be matched with an existing team. All are welcome!

Guided Nature Walk
2025-12-05 15:30 - 16:30 | Big Red Barn, 135 Presidents Way, Ithaca, NY, 14853, United States
Take a guided nature walk on campus with Nature Rx and BRB Wellness to inspire awe! Our first walk of the series will be Friday, September 12th. We will Meet at the Patio at 3:30PM and depart at 3:45PM. Walks will continue biweekly and will feature special guests as guides, so keep an eye out for our series! The series will continue through rain, snow, or shine.

T.G.I.F.
2025-12-05 16:30 - 19:00, 2025-12-12 16:30 - 19:00 | Big Red Barn, 135 Presidents Way, Ithaca, NY, 14853, United States
Our weekly Tell Grads Its Friday will continue over the summer at our typical time. T.G.I.F. is catered to the graduate and professional student body. These students can bring guests, up to one per person. The age requirement for Cornell Affiliated non graduate students is 23 years or older.

Weekly Language Circle
2025-12-08 17:00 - 18:00 | Big Red Barn, 135 Presidents Way, Ithaca, NY, 14853, United States
Join us every Monday to learn a new language, brush up on an old one, or get more fluent through conversations with fellow graduate students who study these languages or are native speakers.
This fall, languages include Italian, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Mandarin, Arabic, Russian, Norwegian, and French. Facilitators will be present for all!

If you are interested in facilitating Spanish, Korean, or any other non-English language, please email Hetvi [hsd37@cornell.edu]

Bayer B4U 2026 Mentorship Program Information Session
2025-12-11 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-01-21 15:00 - 16:00 | Webinar
Join an information session to learn about the Bayer Crop Science 2026 University Mentoring Program (B4U).
Building relationships, networks, and a commitment to soft skill development are essential to success as scientists and leaders working in industry – join for a year long mentoring program with established Bayer scientists.
Program Highlights:

MENTORING: 1-on-1, based on technical fit and soft skill development needs
DEVELOPMENT: Bayer-hosted workshops and seminars
NETWORKING: Within Bayer & across 30+ North American Universities
ADVANCEMENT: Career advancement advice
AWARENESS: Build business acumen and develop relationships with industry partner

Who should apply?
Curious scientists and engineers in early career stages (with emphasis on grad students and postdoctoral researchers).
In fields related to plant breeding, plant biology, gene editing, crop physiology, chemistry, environmental science, engineering, computer science, & data science/engineering and more
Applications window: Dec 1, 2025-Feb 22, 2026
Apply Here: https://forms.office.com/e/hw5rcXTqcZ
Mentee selection emails will be sent by March 20th, 2026
Information session dates

December 11, 2025 @ 1pm CST
January 21, 2026 @ 2pm CST
February 9, 2026 @ 1pm CST

Teams Meeting ID:
Meeting ID: 328 713 474 563 8
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Email: bayer.univ.mentoring@bayer.com

Ph.D. Hooding Reception
2025-12-21 11:30 - 12:30 | Carrier Ballroom, Statler Hotel, 130 Statler Drive, Ithaca, NY, 14853, United States
The Graduate School will hold a private hooding reception for Ph.D. candidates at the Statler Carrier Ballroom immediately following the December 21 Recognition Ceremony. Candidates are invited to attend this ceremonial hooding, in which a faculty member places the hood over the shoulders of the graduate to signify their success in completing their Ph.D. program. A professional photographer will capture photos of the ceremonial hooding.
Ph.D. candidates who register to attend the University December Recognition Ceremony will be sent an invitation to this special event and will need to enter a separate RSVP to attend.
At 12 noon, Dean Lewis will perform the hooding of our new graduates. Alternatively, graduates may invite their advisors or committee members to attend and perform the hooding.
Ph.D. candidates should wear their appropriate cap, gown, and hood. Faculty members may wear their regalia, but it is not required.
A brunch buffet will be served. Graduates are welcome to bring up to six guests to this reception.
In the days following the event, the Graduate School will email a link to the photographs to all individuals who RSVP’d to this special event.
Please contact the Graduate School with any questions about this event: gradschool@cornell.edu.

Info Session for Graduate Resident Fellow 2026-27 Positions
2026-01-15 19:00 - 20:00 | Hans Bethe House Seminar Room (240), 314 West Ave, Ithaca, NY, 14853
The West Campus House System is currently accepting applications from full-time registered graduate and professional students interested in becoming a Graduate Resident Fellow for the 2026-2027 academic year and will be hosting two information sessions in advance of the deadline for those interested in learning more.
A Graduate Resident Fellow lives in a West Campus House and assists in creating a positive, vibrant and academically engaging residential community; serves as mentor and role model to undergraduate residents; and acts in a leadership role for academic enrichment by promoting a variety of programs and activities.
Applications are currently being accepted for:
Graduate Resident Fellow 2026-27
Applications Due:
Monday, February 2, 2026 (by 11:59 pm ET).
To learn more and apply go to:
https://wchs.undergrad.cornell.edu/get-involved/students
Eligibility Requirements:

Must be a full-time registered graduate or professional student at Cornell University and must have completed at least 1 year of graduate or undergraduate study at Cornell.

Employment Expectations:

Live in assigned West Campus House and dine regularly in the house.
Term of appointment and housing begins on August 1, 2026.
Job Description for GRF

Remuneration:

One-bedroom furnished apartment within a West Campus House and supplied with a House Meal Plan.
Over the course of the 12 month appointment, GRFs receive a stipend on a semi-monthly basis. 1st Year GRF stipend is $2,420

For key dates, info sessions, and application details, please visit our website.
Information Sessions
• Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. – GRF Info Session – Hans Bethe House Seminar Room (240)
• Monday, January 26, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. – GRF Info Session – William Keeton House Seminar Room (141)

OISE Hot Chocolate Bar Drop-In Hours
2026-01-20 16:00 - 17:30 | 102 Mann Library, 237 Mann Drive, Ithaca, NY, 14853, United States
Join the Graduate School Office of Inclusion and Student Engagement for a cozy hot chocolate bar as we kick off the spring semester!
Catch up with friends, or make new connections with other graduate students, postdocs, faculty, and staff over a delicious cup of hot cocoa!
Date: January 20, 2026
Time: 4-5:30 pm
Location: Mann Library 102

Virtual Info Session about Humanities Scholars Program 2026-27 Postdoctoral Associate Positions
2026-01-22 16:30 - 17:30 | Zoom
The Humanities Scholars Program, an undergraduate research initiative in the College of Arts & Sciences, invites applications from Cornell PhD candidates and recent Cornell PhDs for one-year postdoctoral associate positions beginning August 1, 2026. HSP Postdocs teach, mentor, and run workshops for advanced undergraduates in the Humanities Scholars Program. Each position offers a salary of $67,000/year and a $2,000 research fund for the year. Two Postdoctoral Associates will be appointed.
Join faculty director, Verity Platt, for a virtual information session about these two position openings and get your questions answered.
Applications are due February 3, 2026. See the call for applications on HSP’s website.
This virtual info session will take place over Zoom. Registration is required.
Please email any questions to hum-scholars-program@cornell.edu

T.G.I.F.
2026-01-23 16:30 - 19:00, 2026-01-30 16:30 - 19:00 | Big Red Barn, 135 Presidents Way, Ithaca, NY, 14853, United States
Tell Grad’s It’s Friday is a Graduate and Professional Student-focused weekly event. Graduate students, Post Docs, Faculty, Staff, and PhDs are welcome to attend with one guest each; all guests must be 23+. Undergraduate students are not allowed to attend.

Language Circle
2026-01-26 17:00 - 18:00, 2026-02-02 17:00 - 18:00 | Big Red Barn, 135 Presidents Way, Ithaca, NY, 14853, United States
Join us every Monday to learn a new language, brush up on an old one, or get more fluent through conversations with fellow graduate students who study these languages or are native speakers.
This spring, languages include Italian, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Mandarin, Arabic, Russian, Norwegian, and French. Facilitators will be present for all!

If you are interested in facilitating Spanish, Korean, or any other non-English language, please email bigredbarn@cornell.edu

Info Session for Graduate Resident Fellow 2026-27 Positions
2026-01-26 19:00 - 20:00 | William Keeton House Seminar Room (141), 4 Forest Park Lane, Ithaca, NY, 14853

Building Mentorship Skills for Academic Careers
2026-01-27 15:00 - 16:30 | Mann Library, 237 Mann Drive, Ithaca, NY, 14853, United States
Pre-registration is required.
In this series of interactive workshops designed for current Cornell graduate students and postdocs and open to those in all fields, you will develop essential research mentoring skills, particularly in disciplines where research is conducted collaboratively and in teams. Learn best practices for mentoring research students and technicians and develop planning and communication skills needed to guide individual mentees and research teams.
All sessions will be practical in nature and feature short pre-readings or videos, case study discussions, and activities to help identify your strengths and desired areas for improvement. Receive a certificate of completion for successfully participating in at least 4 of 5 sessions (dates: 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 3/3, and 3/17). Interested participants should apply by January 23 with the expectation of attending all workshops and actively participating in small and large group discussions.
Sessions are on Tuesdays between 3:00-4:30 pm ET. See full schedule and topics
Questions?

Contact Dr. Colleen McLinn, futurefaculty@cornell.edu or 607-255-2030

Building Mentorship Skills for Academic Careers is sponsored by the Graduate School’s Future Faculty and Academic Careers program, part of the Office of Career and Professional Development.

Knitting at the Barn
2026-01-27 17:30 - 19:00, 2026-02-03 17:30 - 19:00 | Big Red Barn, 135 Presidents Way, Ithaca, NY, 14853, United States
Do you love fiber crafts or want to learn? Come to the Barn on Tuesday evenings from 5:30 – 7 p.m.! This event is for both those interested in learning fiber arts and those who want to make steady progress on an existing project. Materials and guidance will be provided if needed.
This event usually occurs at 1-2 tables in the main space or greenhouse area of the Barn; email brb.art.fellow@gmail.com if you would like to be added to the group chat or request accessibility accommodations.

OISE Bingo at the Barn
2026-01-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Big Red Barn, 135 Presidents Way, Ithaca, NY, 14853, United States
Join the Graduate School Office of Inclusion and Student Engagement and co-host the Black Graduate & Professional Student Association (BGPSA) on January 28th from 6-8pm for an exciting evening of Bingo! Test your luck at the Big Red Barn for a chance to win prizes! Event is open to everyone.

2026 Vision Board Workshop
2026-01-29 16:30 - 18:00 | Big Red Barn, 135 Presidents Way, Ithaca, NY, 14853, United States
Join us for an evening of creativity and goal setting! Design your own vision board to inspire your dreams and aspirations for the future. We’ll provide magazines, printed images, craft supplies, snacks, and good vibes—just bring your goals! No artistic skills needed—just come as you are!

Career Discovery Series: Public Sector Careers: Government, Policy, and International Affairs Panel
2026-02-02 10:30 - 12:00 | Zoom
This small group discussion will offer insight into career paths Ph.D.s and research masters’ students pursue beyond academia, including how alumni have translated their academic training into impactful roles. Bring questions, explore industries, and learn from real experiences in an open and supportive format.
Register for Public Sector Careers: Government, Policy, and International Affairs Panel
Government, Policy, and International Affairs Panelist Bios
Abby R. Goldman, Ph.D. ’18, is a research staff member at the Institute for Defense Analyses Science and Technology Policy Institute, where she conducts research on science and technology policy in support of U.S. federal decision-making. Her work spans emerging technologies, global competitiveness, STEM education, and workforce issues, and she also mentors early-career science policy fellows. She earned a doctorate in materials science from Cornell University.

Vernon C. Mitchell, Jr., Ph.D. ’14, is the director of the Civil Rights Enforcement Agency for the City of St. Louis and formerly served as the city’s chief equity and inclusion officer. He brings a background in American history and African American studies to address systemic challenges facing marginalized communities. He earned a doctorate in history from Cornell University.

Kiley Foster, Ph.D. ’20, is a government affairs professional and analyst with the city of San José’s Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services department, supporting community-focused projects citywide. She previously worked with Utah’s Refugee Services Office and a tech education nonprofit after earning a doctorate in Near Eastern studies from Cornell University.

Cristina Fernandez-Baca, Ph.D. ’18, is a foreign affairs officer at the U.S. Department of State and a former AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow. She previously worked as a research molecular biologist at the USDA Agricultural Research Service, where she studied plant-soil microbiome interactions, arsenic uptake in rice, and greenhouse gas emissions. Her background spans environmental engineering, molecular biology, and science policy, with experience in federal research, community-based environmental programs, and mentoring students. She earned a doctorate in civil and environmental engineering from Cornell University.

The 2026 Pathways to Success: Career Discovery Series is a professional development opportunity focused on providing graduate and professional degree students and postdoctoral scholars with valuable career exploration and professional development learning and skill development opportunities. Participants may register for an individual session or all sessions offered within the week.

Career Discovery Series: From Research to Real-World Impact: Science Careers in Industry Panel
2026-02-02 14:30 - 16:00 | Zoom
This small group discussion will offer insight into career paths Ph.D.s and research masters’ students pursue beyond academia, including how alumni have translated their academic training into impactful roles. Bring questions, explore industries, and learn from real experiences in an open and supportive format.
Register for From Research to Real-World Impact: Science Careers in Industry Panel
Science Careers in Industry Panelist Bios
Christopher Wolyniak, Ph.D. ’06, leads the analytical chemistry R&D team for germ protection at Reckitt, supporting brands including Lysol, Finish, Harpic, and Dettol across teams in New Jersey and India. His team focuses on measurement techniques to understand product efficacy, stability, and quality, and they previously worked in pharmaceutical and personal care R&D. He earned a doctorate in analytical chemistry from Cornell University.

Stephanie Ropiak, Ph.D. ’18, is senior director of product research at Dairy Management Inc., supporting dairy foods innovation on behalf of U.S. dairy farmers. She previously worked in R&D at PepsiCo and Kraft Heinz and earned her doctorate in food science from Cornell University.

Michael Santiago, Ph.D. ’16, is the founder of FloraPulse, a company that developed sensor technology to directly measure tree water status for agricultural production. His work helps growers optimize irrigation for yield, quality, and water savings. He holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering from Cornell University.

Deanna Caputo, Ph.D. ’04, is chief scientist for insider threat research and solutions at MITRE and a principal behavioral psychologist specializing in judgment and decision making, human behavior, and cybersecurity. Her team uses behavioral science methodologies and analytics to reduce insider risk by analyzing how human behavior appears in cyber and noncyber data and by developing data-driven approaches to influence employee attitudes and behaviors. She is the author of “Insider Threats: Leveraging the Benefits of Behavioral Science Research” (2021) and holds a doctorate in social psychology from Cornell University.
The 2026 Pathways to Success: Career Discovery Series is a professional development opportunity focused on providing graduate and professional degree students and postdoctoral scholars with valuable career exploration and professional development learning and skill development opportunities. Participants may register for an individual session or all sessions offered within the week.

Career Discovery Series: Education, Teaching and Academic-Adjacent Careers Panel
2026-02-02 17:00 - 18:30 | Zoom
This small group discussion will offer insight into career paths Ph.D.s and research masters’ students pursue beyond academia, including how alumni have translated their academic training into impactful roles. Bring questions, explore industries, and learn from real experiences in an open and supportive format.
Register for Education, Teaching, and Academic-Adjacent Careers Panel
Education, Teaching and Academic-Adjacent Careers Panelist Bios
Jessica Metzler, Ph.D. ’11, is director of online learning at Providence College, where she leads online and hybrid program development and digital learning strategy. She previously worked at Minerva Project and Brown University’s Sheridan Center and holds a doctorate in English from Cornell University.

Zachary Grobe, Ph.D. ’22, is assistant head of the English department at the Loomis Chaffee School, where he teaches junior and senior English and supports the Writing Initiatives Program. He earned his doctorate in English from Cornell University.

Francesca Bruno, Ph.D. ’19, is the Philadelphia impact director at 12+, where she leads college and career readiness programming for low-income and first-generation-to-college students. She has over 10 years of experience teaching, advising, and mentoring students across nonprofit, K–12, and higher education settings, including at the University of Pennsylvania, Cornell, and Penn State. She earned her doctorate in philosophy from Cornell University.

The 2026 Pathways to Success: Career Discovery Series is a professional development opportunity focused on providing graduate and professional degree students and postdoctoral scholars with valuable career exploration and professional development learning and skill development opportunities. Participants may register for an individual session or all sessions offered within the week.

Career Discovery Series: Using ImaginePhD to Explore Careers Beyond Academia for Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Ph.D.s Workshop
2026-02-03 12:30 - 14:00 | 172 Goldwin Smith Hall, 232 Feeney Way, Ithaca, NY, 14850, United States
Location: 172 Goldwin Smith Hall (in-person)
Register for Using ImaginePhD to Explore Careers Beyond Academia for Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Ph.D. Workshop
This interactive workshop introduces Ph.D. students in the arts, humanities, and social sciences to tools and strategies for exploring careers beyond tenure-track faculty positions. Participants will use ImaginePhD to reflect on their values, interests, and skills; identify potential career pathways; and learn how to translate academic experiences into language used in nonacademic job searches. The session emphasizes curiosity, reflection, and practical next steps.
The 2026 Pathways to Success: Career Discovery Series is a professional development opportunity focused on providing graduate and professional degree students and postdoctoral scholars with valuable career exploration and professional development learning and skill development opportunities. Participants may register for an individual session or all sessions offered within the week.

Career Discovery Series: Transformative Careers in Social and Environmental Policy Panel
2026-02-03 17:00 - 18:30 | Zoom
Register for Transformative Careers in Social and Environmental Policy Panel
This small group discussion will offer insight into career paths Ph.D.s and research masters’ students pursue beyond academia, including how alumni have translated their academic training into impactful roles. Bring questions, explore industries, and learn from real experiences in an open and supportive format.
Social and Environmental Policy Panelist Bios

Amelia Demery, Ph.D. ’23, is a program officer at Ocean Visions, where she leads and supports projects in ocean carbon dioxide removal, environmental justice, and coalition-building. She previously worked at the U.S. National Science Foundation coordinating interagency ocean science and policy initiatives. She earned her doctorate in ecology and evolutionary biology from Cornell University.

Colin Cepuran, Ph.D. ’20, is a senior researcher at Chapin Hall working on implementation and evaluation projects to support child welfare agencies using quantitative and geographic data. He holds a doctorate in government from Cornell University, with research focused on American politics and immigration policy.

Veronica O. Davis, M.R.P. ’03, is the U.S. vice president for planning, engagement, and urban design at AtkinsRéalis, bringing 25 years of experience in civil engineering and planning. Previously, she was the director for transportation and drainage operations for the city of Houston and co-founded Nspiregreen LLC. She also co-founded Black Women Bike (BWB) and represented Houston as vice president on the National Association of City Transportation Officials. She holds dual master’s degrees in engineering management and regional planning from Cornell University.

The 2026 Pathways to Success: Career Discovery Series is a professional development opportunity focused on providing graduate and professional degree students and postdoctoral scholars with valuable career exploration and professional development learning and skill development opportunities. Participants may register for an individual session or all sessions offered within the week.

Career Discovery Series: Science-Informed Business and Sustainability Careers Panel
2026-02-04 08:30 - 10:00 | Zoom
Register for Global Careers at the Intersection of Business, Sustainability, and Equity Panel
This small group discussion will offer insight into career paths Ph.D.s and research masters’ students pursue beyond academia, including how alumni have translated their academic training into impactful roles. Bring questions, explore industries, and learn from real experiences in an open and supportive format.
Science-Informed Business and Sustainability Careers Panelist Bios
Hema Surendranathan, Ph.D. ’21, is a sustainability and ESG professional from Malaysia with experience across TMT, energy, and transport sectors. She holds a degree from Bryn Mawr College and doctorate in English language and literature from Cornell University.

Rachel Chang, Ph.D. ’25, is a business development manager at Biocytogen, where she serves as a bridge between science and business by building partnerships to advance medicine and accelerate therapeutic development. She is passionate about communicating science, building relationships, and empowering others — values shaped through her academic and research journey at Cornell. She holds a doctorate in biomedical and biological sciences from Cornell University.

Khyati Rathore, M.R.P. ’19
Bio forthcoming.
Tristan Shepherd, Ph.D.
Bio forthcoming.
The 2026 Pathways to Success: Career Discovery Series is a professional development opportunity focused on providing graduate and professional degree students and postdoctoral scholars with valuable career exploration and professional development learning and skill development opportunities. Participants may register for an individual session or all sessions offered within the week.
