We asked our College of Human Ecology students how they are spending their summers, and they shared their exciting upcoming plans. Some are engaged in community service, internships, externships, part-time/full-time work, research, or their own business. All while also fitting in time to relax this summer!

Here's more of what they shared.

Gabrielle F. | Nutritional Sciences

This summer, I will be volunteering for the nutritional department at a local Cornell Cooperative Extension and continuing research with Dr. Robert Sternberg, a professor in Human Development. Additionally, I am working remotely for a dietitian overseeing her social media platforms. I am excited to use my interest in nutrition to help my local community and connect with a more global community as well.

Karen M. | Design + Environmental Analysis

I will be working as a Program Assistant for Cornell's Precollege program for high school students. I will be helping a graduate intern plan, coordinate, and oversee events for high schoolers to participate in. I hope to make these students feel welcome and that they have a safe, educational, and fun experience. I'm excited to collaborate with graduate students and to explore parts of Cornell and Ithaca that I didn't get to explore during the academic year.

Noah B. | Human Development

I will be a High Road Fellow, interning at a regional Law Center. My research will focus on the costs and benefits that the Law Center has brought to municipalities through the enforcement of property laws designed to help restore partially foreclosed homes, bring safety to those communities, and improve nearby property values.

Grace M. | Global and Public Health Sciences

I will be living abroad for two months this summer, conducting research focused on health equity and policy. We have not identified a specific research topic yet, but it may be along the lines of gender, social inclusion and youth engagement, or climate change as it relates to our partner organization. I will work with one other Cornell student and a local graduate student to produce a cohesive research paper/project for publication.

Rebecca W. | Fashion Design & Management

I have always been an entrepreneur, like my mother and grandmother before me, and I am starting a fashion line for adults with sensory issues this summer.
As a senior in high school, I did a study and created a fashion line for kids with sensory issues. In my junior year in college, I started my honors thesis study focusing on adults with sensory issues. I received so many responses so quickly that I decided that now was the time to start a fashion line. I've been talking with manufacturers and am about to launch a Kickstarter for the line. It's happening!

Ishan S. | Human Biology, Health, and Society

During June, I am preparing for the MCAT exam and will also shadow a psychiatrist. After having taken Human Development courses, and previously working with this psychiatrist, I have found that it is one of my favorite specialties.

Later this summer, I will begin volunteering at a local AIDS Program. I connected with this organization out of a desire and passion for public health, especially in drug addiction-related contexts. These are issues that are very prevalent and serious across many communities in our country, and I wanted to volunteer and actually play a role in helping people with their health. After this summer, I plan to continue working with the AIDS Program in their Syringe Exchange Program to help needle-users use safe and sterile needles unable to harm them or transmit across people.

Emmy H. | Fiber science

I will spend the summer as a Global Apparel Materials intern at Nike. I will be working on the Kids' Apparel team, which develops trims, textiles, and prints, and I am excited to continue learning about textiles in a more hands-on environment. I hope to apply some of my knowledge from previous coursework, such as FSAD 4360: Fiber Chemistry and FSAD 3200: Global Textile and Apparel Sustainability, which have taught me so much about sustainable materials. I look forward to this summer experience and am grateful for this opportunity before starting my career in the textile industry.

Claire N. | Human Biology, Health, and Society

I will be working full time as an Ophthalmic Technician to complete preliminary testing and assist in ocular surgeries. I will also volunteer remotely with a crisis/support line for elderly people experiencing loneliness, depression, or suicidal ideation. In my role, I will provide callers with emotional support and link them with helpful resources.