Rawlings Cornell Presidential Research Scholars

Hunter R. Rawlings III Cornell Presidential Research Scholars

The Hunter R. Rawlings III Cornell Presidential Research Scholars is one of three student recognition and reward programs that make up The Cornell Commitment. Together, The Cornell Commitment empowers students to impact the world.

The Hunter R. Rawlings III Cornell Presidential Research Scholars (RCPRS) program supports a select group of highly motivated undergraduate students, from all colleges and schools at Cornell, as well as many disciplines, by promoting and providing resources for sustained engagement in research and scholarly study in close relationship with faculty and other mentors. RCPRS offers membership to 45 entering freshmen who demonstrate superior academic potential and intellectual curiosity in high school. Scholars collaborate with faculty mentors of their choosing in designing and carrying out an individualized program of research.

The Cornell Presidential Research Scholars program was created in 1996. It was later re-named in honor of President Hunter R. Rawlings III, under whose leadership the RCPRS program was founded. Rawlings was committed to increasing significant interactions between undergraduate students and faculty members.

“We make our world significant by the courage of our questions and by the depth of our answers.” ~Carl Sagan

Research Support Account (RSA)

Scholars admitted as freshmen have access to up to $8,000 to support research and related activities while they are full-time undergraduates at Cornell. Rising juniors admitted to RCPRS have access to $5,000. The RSA can be used to provide a living expense grant for at least one summer of research, attend at least one conference, and purchase necessary supplies.

Scholarship Awards

Rawlings Scholars with demonstrated financial need will receive up to a $4,000/year scholarship which increases total grant aid and reduces self-help aid such as loans or work.

RCPRS Colloquium

First year scholars participate in the RCPRS Colloquium, which includes a program orientation as well as meetings with fellow students, faculty members, and college-specific coordinators. This semester-long series in the fall creates a sense of cohesion and belonging, introduces the students to many Cornell resources, and helps them find a faculty mentor.

Faculty Connections

Faculty mentors are crucial to the success of the RCPRS program. Scholars consistently engage in research starting in their second semester and work closely with faculty and other mentors, supporting on-going faculty research or an independent, faculty-endorsed project.

Summer Research Experiences

Students can develop summer internships to explore their research interests, funded by their Research Support Account. Each scholar is expected to participate in at least one full-time, program-approved summer research experience.

CCO Empowerment Funds

Students have access to additional funding to off-set costs associated with participation in an activity that may be outside their specific program expectation but aligns with The Cornell Commitment’s values of service, leadership, and research.

The Cornell Commitment Showcase

This annual event brings together freshmen from the research, service, and leadership programs that make up The Cornell Commitment to learn from upperclass students who have engaged in program-supported summer experiences at Cornell and around the world.

Senior Expo

All RCPRS seniors present their research during this capstone event held annually in April.

Graduation Reception

RCPRS celebrates and honors its seniors at a reception with their families and faculty mentors held on the Friday of Graduation weekend in May.

Student Advisory Board (SAB)

RCPRS students can apply to be members of the SAB, which advises staff on areas of interest for students and organizes social and other activities to foster interactions across the membership. SAB members also serve as ambassadors of the program.

Connect with a Community of Researchers

Relationships that Research Scholars develop with one another and with alumni add richness to the RCPRS experience. Social media, networking, visits from alumni, and special events promote connections between scholars and alumni.

Scholars are expected to:

Participate in research each semester starting in spring of freshman year.
Maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
Engage in research full-time for at least one summer (more if they choose to and have funds available). This can be at Cornell or elsewhere, with endorsement from the student’s Cornell faculty mentor.
Present their research in the spring at the RCPRS Senior Expo.
Submit verification of research (for wages or credit) each semester.
Submit an annual review at the end of the academic year.

We also ask faculty members to evaluate scholars annually.

Learning Outcomes

Think crtitically through their involvement in the research process.
Communicate effectively their objectives, methods, purpose, and outcomes to a diverse audience
Engage in the process of inquiry and discovery, working independently as well as collaboratively to generate new knowledge.

They will have the skills and opportunities to:

Write a research abstract
Present posters
Prepare oral presentations
Present their research experiences to fellow scholars
Prepare research and scholarly manuscripts, ideally for publication

Regardless of their field of study, RCPRS students are leaders in the perennial quest for knowledge and discovery central to the University’s mission. Through the courage of their questions and the depth of their answers, they find value in their education and, ultimately, meaning in their lives.

Rowan L.

Starting out as someone who had no idea how to even start applying to labs, the Rawlings program helped me immensely in navigating Cornell research.

Andrea K.

There’s a growing gap between scientists and the public. Research only becomes powerful when people can actually use it.

Rose X.

The program has helped me connect with faculty, learn how to find research opportunities, and navigate different situations that come up in the research process.

Cornell Office of Undergraduate Admissions