We asked faculty members from the College of Human Ecology what they enjoy about working with undergraduate students from Cornell University's College of Human Ecology through teaching, research, and advising. Here’s a sampling of what they shared.

Anthony Burrow

Human Development/Psychology
There is a curiosity among CHE undergraduate students that is observable and distinctive. It has been my experience working with them in the classroom or in research settings that they have a certain readiness to see new connections between topics or ideas. I cannot think of a class I've taught that I did not also learn a great deal from students... making my time in CHE a genuinely rewarding experience.

I teach a course called Nearest Neighbor — a capstone translational research course for PRYDE scholars intended to have CHE seniors translate what they've learned during their time in the college for the betterment of the NYS 4-H program. This class could easily fail — each and every time out. It could be that the students are unreflective on their experiences thus far or that they cannot extract insights of their education in useable ways. These outcomes are possible — and yet have never happened. Each and every time I teach this class, the students end up creating, designing, measuring, or often implementing some new program or component with their community partners that improves 4-H. And I'm often left a little stunned — in the best way possible — at the actual difference they've made.

Rhonda Gilmore

Design + Environmental Analysis/Human Centered Design
Students that are welcomed to our college consistently care: they care about their own education, they demonstrate their care and concern for their peers, but most importantly, they show how much they care about having a positive impact in the world by working towards improving the human condition after they graduate.

Laura Bellows

Global and Public Health Sciences; Human Biology, Health, and Society; Nutritional Sciences/Division of Nutritional Sciences
What I love most about working with CHE students is their passion and eagerness to learn! I'm amazed at the experiences CHE students are actively engaged with. Their passion to promote health and well-being to a variety of audiences is contagious. I so enjoy engaging with students in the classroom, the lab, and the community to witness the connections being made between content knowledge and real-world applications. CHE students have so much to offer, and I can't wait to see the impact that they will have when they leave Cornell!

Fran Kozen

Fashion Design & Management; Fiber Science/Human Centered Design
I enjoy the creativity, enthusiasm, and energy demonstrated by students. Many pursue independent study and research in addition to structured classes, taking advantage of access to design studios, knitting equipment, and research labs. They put tremendous effort into student activities, designing and presenting fashion, connecting with the fashion industry, or entering industry-sponsored competitions. There is a thirst for knowledge on sustainability and interest in contributing to solutions to this global problem.

Corinna Loeckenhoff

Human Development/Psychology
I have long realized that perhaps my most decisive impact on this world may not come through the specific research projects that I oversee, but through the mentorship I provide to the rising stars that pass through the College of Human Ecology. Our undergraduates are thoughtful, engaged, and resilient. They are enthusiastic about learning and committed to making a positive contribution toward their communities. It is an incredibly rewarding experience to interact with them as an instructor, advisor, and research mentor, knowing that — in some small way — I can help them gather the knowledge and experience that will help them on their path toward future leadership.