Six CHE students named 2026 BCTR Scholars 

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research (BCTR) is pleased to welcome the third cohort of BCTR Scholars who will spend the next year learning the fundamentals of translational research and applying their knowledge to enhance the community. 

The BCTR Scholars program introduces undergraduates to translational research through specialized coursework during the spring 2026 semester, networking with faculty mentors, and a hands-on experience with local organizations over the summer. Students learn how translational research can inform programs, policies and practices that support communities.

“The BCTR Scholars program places students in a unique role as intermediaries connecting local community organizations to researchers at the BCTR,” said Kristen Elmore, associate director of the center. “Next year's cohort of scholars are up to the challenge, and it's been great to see so many talented students eager to join this program."

Each scholar is matched with a community partner where they will intern for eight weeks during the summer, giving them a front-row view of how community organizations apply evidence-based research to meet local needs. This year’s community partners are Civic Ensemble, Village at Ithaca and Cayuga Health Center for Health Equity Transformation.

Madeline Lee ’28, a 2025 scholar, spent her summer with Village at Ithaca, an organization that provides resources and services to help underserved students and families thrive in Tompkins County. 

“The BCTR Scholars experience was great because it really opened my eyes to different professional pathways that I can explore,” said Lee. Her summer experience shifted her career trajectory. “I’m leaning toward going into social work, which is exciting. Plus, I found a family and a home outside of Cornell with the Village at Ithaca.” 

This year’s BCTR Scholars and their community partners include:

Danielle Chen ’29 (Human Development) and Jinyu Xu ’28 (Human Development) will spend the summer with Village at Ithaca.

Ava Betnar ’29 (Human Development) and Sumaswara Chinthalapati ’27 (Human Biology, Health and Society) will work with Civic Ensemble, a theater company creating community-engaged programming that explores current social, political and cultural issues. 

Fabiola Philibert ’28 (Global and Public Health Science) and Enrico Hernandez ’28 (Global and Public Health Sciences) will work with the Cayuga Health Center for Health Equity Transformation, which partners with communities, academia and policymakers to improve health equity in the region.

"The BCTR Scholars are prime examples of how Cornell students are not just passive residents of Tompkins County but are genuinely dedicated to using translational research to make a difference here,” said Casey Adrian, the program’s coordinator. “I am confident that the incoming cohort of scholars will bring so much to their community partner organizations."

After their summer internships, the students will reflect on their experience during the fall 2026 semester to complete the program.