Katherine M.

Katherine M.

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.

What inspires you?

Mentorship and humanity inspire me. I learned through Cornell Outdoor Odyssey and my academic experiences how powerful it is to invest in others' growth. Helping others thrive also allows you to grow yourself. I am truly inspired by how people at Cornell lead with empathy and use their knowledge to serve their community.

What is your favorite class so far and why?

I loved FDSC 1101, which is the ice cream class. I took the course my freshman year and got to make a new ice cream flavor that my group called “Lemon Brick Road". The people from my ice cream group are some of my best friends to this day. The class was such a uniquely Cornell experience that blended food science, creativity, and collaboration.

Tell us about an off-campus program you've participated in.

Serving as an Outdoor Odyssey guide has been one of my most impactful experiential learning opportunities. I guided a trip across New York State and gained leadership skills, fostered community, and connected deeply to Cornell's Land-Grant mission. I found that these experiences strengthened my confidence, adaptability, and appreciation for experiential education.

What makes the Cornell experience unique?

I think that Cornell is especially unique because of how it combines world class academics with the outdoors. You can spend the morning in the chemistry lab and the afternoon hiking around Beebe lake. The balance between intellectual challenge and natural beauty is truly valuable to me.

What are your plans after graduation? 

I hope to pursue a career in healthcare or nutrition. I intend on earning my MD, RD, or both and work at the intersection of preventative medicine and community health.

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.

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. 
 

Tell us about an off-campus program you've participated in.

Serving as an Outdoor Odyssey guide has been one of my most impactful experiential learning opportunities. I guided a trip across New York State and gained leadership skills, fostered community, and connected deeply to Cornell's Land-Grant mission. I found that these experiences strengthened my confidence, adaptability, and appreciation for experiential education.

What makes the Cornell experience unique?

I think that Cornell is especially unique because of how it combines world class academics with the outdoors. You can spend the morning in the chemistry lab and the afternoon hiking around Beebe lake. The balance between intellectual challenge and natural beauty is truly valuable to me.

What are your plans after graduation? 

I hope to pursue a career in healthcare or nutrition. I intend on earning my MD, RD, or both and work at the intersection of preventative medicine and community health.

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.

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.

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