We are excited to welcome 242 new undergraduate students this fall. Coming from California to New Jersey, Pennsylvania to Arizona, Michigan to New York, they bring with them passions for health, human development, design, fashion and more. They're all united by a desire to make a positive impact on people and communities. 

We caught up with a few of these students, who are already diving into classes, exploring Ithaca and finding their place at CHE: the home of the human experience. 

Posted on
09/29/2025
Author
Galib Braschler + Marisa LaFalce
Tags
Student Life
Anaiyah Jones portrait

Anaiyah Jones '29

Major:

Design + Environmental Analysis

Why did you choose CHE?

I chose CHE because of Design + Environmental Analysis. The multidisciplinary and human-centered approach made the major a perfect fit for me as I pursue design with the larger goal of making a difference in underserved communities.

Favorite Cornell Dairy Bar flavor:

Bavarian Raspberry Fudge 

I’m a:

Night owl 

Last book read:

"Allegedly," by Tiffany D. Jackson

Ryan Kim '29

Major:

Human Development

What do you hope to do here?

Pursue a career in the business space and make lasting friendships.

Favorite Cornell Dairy Bar flavor:

Collegetown Cookie Dough 

I’m a:

Night owl 

Last show binged:

"The Summer I Turned Pretty"

Ryan Kim portrait
AJ Olsen portrait

AJ Olsen '29

Major:

Global and Public Health Sciences

Why did you choose CHE?

I chose CHE because of all the different learning opportunities in the GPHS major. The mission and work being done by CHE is interesting to me. As a student who is not 100% sure of what I want to do in the future, I really liked how CHE allows me to explore a wide variety of topics within my field of interest.

Favorite Cornell Dairy Bar flavor:

Caramel Three Chimes

I’m an:

Early bird

Last book read:

"Everything Is Tuberculosis," by John Green

I am hoping to find a community of engaged and passionate people here at Cornell, and work with them to better our would and improve our future, together. 

Cassia Race portrait
Cassia Race '29
Human Biology, Health and Society

Drew Friedman '29

Major:

Human Development

What are you hoping to do here?

I hope to get involved in research within CHE, specifically at Dr. Burrow's Purpose Lab, which seeks to gain a deeper understanding of how a sense of purpose can affect all aspects of an individual's life including their physical health and longevity. The work this lab does is at the intersection of physical and mental health, an interest that pushed me to apply to CHE. I am also excited to be a member of the Cornell Ski Team! 

Favorite Cornell Dairy Bar flavor?

Caramel Three Chimes

I’m a:

Night owl 

Last show binged:

"Suits"

Drew Friedman
Demareese Guerrero portrait

Damareese Guerrero '29

Major:

Human Biology, Health and Society

Why did you choose CHE?

I don't just want to only focus on the science aspect of medicine but more on the environment itself. As someone who wants to become successful in the medical field, I need to understand that there are multidisciplinary effects that impact health. CHE offers a variety of classes to help broaden my understanding of what "health" is and how it is affected by our government policies, culture norms and behaviors, and also the business aspect of the medical industry. 

Favorite Cornell Dairy Bar flavor:

Triple Play Chocolate 

I’m a:

Night owl

Last show binged:

"The Resident"

Madeline Capriotti '29

Major:

Fiber Science

Why did you choose CHE?

I chose CHE because of its focus on the human experience! Personally, I live through fabric: its structure, the garments it can become, and its meaning and importance to myself and the rest of society. At CHE I can explore this passion to improve the everyday lives of others, and I think that's a very special chance to have.

Favorite Cornell Dairy Bar flavor:

Bavarian Raspberry Fudge 

I’m an:

Early bird

Last show binged:

"The Summer I Turned Pretty"

Madeline Capriotti
young person gestures while surrounded by children on a playground

Do you see yourself at CHE?

From fashion to health, our applied curriculum focuses on understanding — and improving — the human experience.

close up of metal sculpture with geometric shapes