Meet the Class of 2030

Hezekiah Riazi ’30 wants to bring holistic healthcare to rural communities

Major: Human Biology, Health and Society
Favorite Cornell Dairy Bar flavor: Beebe Black Raspberry
I’m a: Night owl
Last show binged: Fullmetal Alchemist

Why did you choose CHE?

Growing up in Huntington, West Virginia, I learned firsthand how much accessible, quality healthcare matters. I saw firsthand the impact the opioid epidemic had on my community. West Virginia is ranked 49th and 50th for healthcare and public health and has the highest number of opioid-related deaths in the nation. I chose CHE because it studies the human experience at a holistic, societal level.

What do you hope to achieve?

I want to bridge medicine with real-world impact and give back to places like my home state. I want to participate in community health research and later attend medical school.

Beyond the classroom: 

I want to participate in outdoor activities like mountain biking.

Felisha Liang ’30 wants to explore the intersection of fashion and fibers

Major: Fiber Science
Favorite Cornell Dairy Bar flavor: Caramel Three Chimes
I'm a: Night owl
Last book read: A Brief History of Humankind

Why did you choose CHE?

I’ve always been passionate about both science and art. When I was younger, I thought they were separate pursuits and that I would be forced to choose between them. I draw, sew, design and make my own garments. In high school in Taiwan I became involved in STEM — researching materials, synthetic biology and engineering. When I discovered Cornell’s fiber science major, I knew it would allow me to pursue all my passions.

What do you hope to achieve?

I’m still figuring out what the intersection of aesthetics and science looks like, but I’m excited to explore it here! I’m also happy to be surrounded by people who care about fashion and design as deeply as I do.

Beyond the classroom: 

I want to design for the Cornell Fashion Collective and keep sewing (my favorite creative outlet)!
 

Lea Martini ’30 wants to take a human-centered approach to medicine

Major: Human Development
Favorite Cornell Dairy Bar flavor: Dragon Day Mint Cookies and Cream
I’m a:  Night owl
Last book read: The Odyssey

Why did you choose CHE?

Wherever I went, I knew I’d complete the pre-health requirements. What made CHE stand out was that I could also take a broad range of courses. This semester I’m taking Introduction to Human Development, which examines the human experience from conception to death. I love this social science approach. I think it will help me grow as both a person and a future doctor.

What do you hope to achieve?

I hope to expand my understanding of the human experience. I’m excited to work alongside students and faculty to improve human lives.

Beyond the classroom:

I earned a four-year Army ROTC scholarship, which has many commitments. I’ve also been a dancer for 15 years, so I want to join a dance club and a pre-health club. With so many clubs offered at Cornell, I’m also excited to try something new!
 

Camryn Kerr ’30 wants to design sustainable fashion for positive change

Major: Fashion Design
Favorite Cornell Dairy Bar flavor: Dragon Day Mint Cookies and Cream
I’m a: Night owl
Last show binged: Interview with the Vampire

Why did you choose CHE?

I have always been drawn to transforming overlooked materials, whether dyeing humble muslin and turning it into a glamorous dress, sewing COVID masks from bedsheets and clothing, or helping homeless women dress for success. These experiences have helped me come to view sustainable design as rooted in those it serves. CHE’s curriculum and faculty mentorship will allow me to deepen my knowledge and challenge me in new ways.

What do you hope to achieve?

Interdisciplinary collaboration. In my design classes, I look forward to working with fiber science majors. Learning alongside students who approach textiles from a scientific perspective will allow me to bring that knowledge back into my own designs. I am also drawn to coursework that pushes fashion beyond aesthetics. Classes like Ethical Design: Engine of Positive Change will help me think critically about issues including labor exploitation, unsafe working conditions and misleading sustainability claims.

Beyond the classroom:

I am the most excited about meeting people from different majors. Everyone has a passion here, and learning about their stories has been so eye-opening.
 

Sandra Clarke ’30 wants to build people’s self-confidence by improving their smiles

Major: Human Biology, Health and Society
Favorite Cornell Dairy Bar flavor: CocoNutty Professor
I’m an: Early bird
Last book read: The Water Dancer

Why did you choose CHE?

I wanted to complete pre-health requirements, but I also love sociology and understanding why individuals make the decisions they do in life. The HBHS major felt like the perfect fit because it combines my interests in both science and society. I also hope to explore the Translational Research minor and to get involved in the Ithaca community.

What do you hope to achieve?

Currently, I hope to become an orthodontist. I had braces twice, and I now receive compliments on my smile all the time. I have experienced how something as simple as a smile can shape your confidence, and I aspire to help others feel that same confidence.

Beyond the classroom: 

Joining clubs (ceramics, painting, pre-professional orgs, club basketball) and making memories.

Photography by Galib Braschler.