Katherine M.

Katherine M.

Tell us about your favorite place to study.

My favorite place to study varies depending on the mood, time, and season. During prelim season, I typically go to Olin Library for a focused study session. I am also often in the Physical Sciences Building (PSB) throughout the day because it has a great atmosphere and I can feel a bit more relaxed while still being productive. I also love to "library hop" on the weekends and find new study spots. I still don't think I have discovered every study location on campus.

Campus Clubs/Activities you're involved in?

Cornell Center for Precision Nutrition Undergraduate Research Assistant (Mehta Research Group), CALS Student Ambassador, Cornell Outdoor Odyssey Guide, The Steminist Movement Social Chair, Weill Ithaca Network, ESPN+ Cornell Student Production Crew, Cornell Rowing Club, Cornell Run Club, and Cornell Ski Club

Tell us about your favorite spot on campus or in Ithaca.

I love discovering new runs throughout the Ithaca region. Some of my favorite runs from Cornell Run Club are Horse Farms, Monkey Run, andBeebe Lake. I also love grabbing lunch at Stocking Hall's Dairy Bar with my Food Science friends.

What is your favorite thing about Cornell?

My favorite thing about Cornell is the people and the welcoming campus design. I was nervous about coming to college my freshman year, but North Campus made that transition incredibly special. Its vibrant atmosphere brings together students from diverse backgrounds who are all navigating the same new chapter of life. I was surrounded by friends who were all going through this transition, which made Cornell immediately feel like home.

What are your go-to campus resources? How did you discover them?

The Learning Strategies Center (LSC) has been an incredible resource, especially for my math and chemistry coursework. I found these resources through my professors and now regularly attend LSC review sessions with my friends. It isn't just helpful academically, but is a great way to build a community in my challenging classes.

Why is the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences a great fit for you?

CALS is a great fit for me because it is a Land-Grant College of New York State that is committed to serving communities through research, education, and outreach. As someone from New York, I truly appreciate the school's emphasis on giving back to the community. CALS allows me to connect science to real-world impact, whether it's through nutritional research, public health initiatives, or community engagement.

What is your academic passion?

I am passionate about the gut microbiome and learning about how our diet shapes holistic health. I love studying how nutrients impact us on a molecular level and the long term health outcomes associated with these interactions. I am especially intrigued by the connection between nutritional sciences and preventative healthcare.

What are your go-to campus resources? How did you discover them?

The Learning Strategies Center (LSC) has been an incredible resource, especially for my math and chemistry coursework. I found these resources through my professors and now regularly attend LSC review sessions with my friends. It isn't just helpful academically, but is a great way to build a community in my challenging classes!

What is one piece of advice or something you wish you had known when you were applying?

I would have told myself when I was applying that it's ok to change your trajectory. I came into Cornell as a food science major and realized that I was more interested in human health and the biological side of nutrition. Transitioning to nutritional sciences felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be. Cornell gives me the flexibility and support to grow and evolve as a student.

I love rowing on Cayuga Lake and watching the sunsets. I find it incredibly grounding to be on the water at golden hour and it is one of the moments where I feel most grateful to be at Cornell. 
 

Why is the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences a great fit for you?

CALS is a great fit for me because it is a Land-Grant College of New York State that is committed to serving communities through research, education, and outreach. As someone from New York, I truly appreciate the school's emphasis on giving back to the community. CALS allows me to connect science to real-world impact, whether it's through nutritional research, public health initiatives, or community engagement.

What is your academic passion?

I am passionate about the gut microbiome and learning about how our diet shapes holistic health. I love studying how nutrients impact us on a molecular level and the long term health outcomes associated with these interactions. I am especially intrigued by the connection between nutritional sciences and preventative healthcare.

What are your go-to campus resources? How did you discover them?

The Learning Strategies Center (LSC) has been an incredible resource, especially for my math and chemistry coursework. I found these resources through my professors and now regularly attend LSC review sessions with my friends. It isn't just helpful academically, but is a great way to build a community in my challenging classes!

What is one piece of advice or something you wish you had known when you were applying?

I would have told myself when I was applying that it's ok to change your trajectory. I came into Cornell as a food science major and realized that I was more interested in human health and the biological side of nutrition. Transitioning to nutritional sciences felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be. Cornell gives me the flexibility and support to grow and evolve as a student.

How did you find your friends and community at Cornell?

I found friends through shared experiences and by putting myself outside of my comfort zone. As a first-year student, I challenged myself to be more extroverted and made some of my closest friends during orientation week on North Campus. Since then, I have continued building friendships through my close-knit major, club involvement, and sports.

When you were applying, why did you choose Cornell?

I chose Cornell because it felt like home. I used to joke with my family that every time I visited the school, it rained. But even in the rain, the atmosphere just felt right. The people were welcoming, and I was drawn to the balance between academic rigor and social life. I applied Early Decision because I knew that Cornell was the right fit for me both academically and personally.

Where is your go-to place to eat on campus, and what is your favorite thing to order?

Risley is my favorite dining hall because it is a dedicated allergen-friendly facility. Risley always has delicious grain bowls that are easy to get for lunch in between classes. As someone with allergies, I truly appreciate how attentive and accommodating Cornell Dining is because they make navigating meals stress-free. I feel like the dining halls do a great job of providing both safe and nutritious options for students.

Tell us about your favorite Cornell memory?

I have so many amazing Cornell memories! The ones that always stand out to me are the homecoming fireworks and laser show. I cry every time. Everytime I go to the show, I look around campus surrounded by friends and realize how far I've come and how fortunate I am to be at Cornell.

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