Each summer, Cornell Human Ecology students have the chance to learn outside the classroom and gain real-world experience through internships, research with faculty and other opportunities.

We asked six undergrads to share their summer 2024 experiences in their own words, from interning at a design firm in London to engaging with the local community at farmers markets across upstate New York to working with teenagers in Harlem on nutrition education. 

What did you do this summer? 

Julia Zhang ’26, Design and Environmental Analysis 

In my internship at the real estate design firm YOO, I assisted members of the design team with material acquisition, scheduled hospitality and branded residential projects around the world, met with designers and suppliers, and attended events. 

Lilly Smith ’26, Global and Public Health Sciences 

I worked with the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) through the CCE Summer Internship Program, supporting local agriculture and nutrition security for people receiving food assistance by providing coupons to redeem for produce at local farmers markets. I also provided education at markets across the upstate region, including markets in Broome, Cayuga, Tompkins, Yates and Tioga counties. 

Jessica Han ’26, Human Biology, Health and Society 

I interned for CHE in New York City, where I worked primarily on delivering the Youth Engagement and Action in Health Program at the Boys and Girls Club of Harlem, teaching lessons on nutrition and civics to increase youth engagement in food justice. 

Ethan Drake ’25, Fiber Science 

I worked as a knitting mechanic intern at Buck Mason in Pennsylvania, where I set up and maintained circular knitting machines. The brand focuses on vintage Americana and intentionally uses machines dating back to the 1970s. 

Tobie Bertisch ’25, Human Development 

I worked with CCE Monroe Country in Rochester, New York, helping a group of 12 local teenagers step into the workforce through skill development and financial literacy. As part of the program, I led a cooking course once a week called Barrier Veggies that aims to teach kids about kitchen safety skills, healthy eating and introducing new vegetables. 

Jenna Cho ’26, Global and Public Health Sciences 

This summer, I was a psychology intern at The Center for Discovery in Harris, New York. Under the guidance of Dr. Nancy Wells and Dr. Timothy Mateer (Cornell University) and Dr. Johanna Lantz and Ryan Lay (The Center for Discovery), I collected data to research the influence of nature exposure on the psychological well-being of youth with profound autism. 

What surprised you about your summer experience?

Han: There was no end to exploring New York City! I was able to tour sites such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Statue of Liberty and Times Square with my fellow interns, which also allowed us to bond outside of our working hours. It was so fun to hang out with friends at the beaches in Long Island, try Crumbl for the first time, and hop through the many cuisines available mere subway stops apart.

Zhang: YOO was co-founded by Philippe Starck, the designer who has influenced me since childhood. I like his style, and this summer I got to see how a concept is carried into reality. It was mind-shattering to watch him provide feedback on projects. He offered me so much insight into how the industry works. Plus, I got to familiarize myself with the coolest and most whimsical furniture and materials.

Bertisch: As part of the teen program, we visited the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence. During the day we did a cool experiment of identifying our needs and recognized that people tend to have the same needs all over the world. It was eye-opening to use the mindset of “What does this person need right now?” to resolve conflict instead of only focusing on yourself.

Smith: Before this internship, I was unconsciously undermining the public health impact that farmers markets have on communities. In particular, the internal economics of markets was an aspect I never had exposure to as a consumer. This summer, I was exposed to how farmers markets enrich the economy of their communities, promoting centralized circulation of goods and capital. In turn, this ensures community needs are at the forefront during fund allocation. 

Cho: As I was able to observe students and also see the behind-the-scenes work, I quickly realized there was a much larger team than the direct caregivers who worked together to improve the overall well-being of the students. With behavior specialists/analysts, speech therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, registered behavioral technicians, nurses, educational staff, residential staff, and so many more individuals, a large interdisciplinary team was needed to provide a holistic approach to care.  

What’s one lesson — personal or professional — you’re taking away from your experience?

Han: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It seems obvious, but in the past, there were many times when I hesitated in asking for help. As I was surrounded by a comfortable and encouraging environment this summer, I gradually learned that there is no harm in asking for advice. 

Zhang: While in London, I attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, where I took a six-week acting course. I also woke up at 3 a.m. to queue up for a grounds ticket at Wimbledon and cheered for England in the EuroCup final with other fervent soccer fans. Through all these experiences, I learned that endeavors outside of work give me a clearer mind and make me a better designer.

Drake: I never stopped learning. It was incredible to work for an American manufacturing company, especially after seeing production in India and Sri Lanka in the FSAD 4021 course. The hands-on work gave me a true understanding of circular knitting at production scale. I am so grateful to have learned from people who have been in the industry for half a century. 

Smith: The most impactful learning moments I helped facilitate were when I had one-on-one conversations with consumers about nutrition education. Whether it was helping an elderly man see how market produce can fit into his rich Polish heritage, while simultaneously promoting health, or helping a young child sound out the names of her favorite vegetables, I learned that positive human interaction is an incredibly powerful catalyst for change.

How do you anticipate applying your newfound knowledge to your studies in CHE this fall?

Han: The CHE in NYC summer internship was a great opportunity to gain invaluable professional exposure, while also granting the opportunity to explore the city. Going back to campus, I am ready to take better advantage of the many resources available to me, such as advisors, office hours, classmates and friends.

Cho: This summer I learned that to have a powerful impact on a community, listening to and observing the population is very important. The environment often has a stronger influence and can be more impactful than attempting to change communities’ beliefs, values, and routines directly. I anticipate applying this knowledge while continuing this project with Dr. Nancy Wells and to my community psychology class (HD 2400) in CHE. 

Smith: I have learned a lot about the importance of relationship-building while interacting with vendors, lessons that are applicable to my current campus work in community organizing and my future work in public health. Farmers markets are socially driven and maintained. They foster a variety of social dynamics, functioning as their own ecosystems.

Bertisch: Now that I’m back at Cornell, I’m able to fully appreciate how wonderful this program was. I can compare my summer experience to those of my peers and am able to fully appreciate how lucky I was to work so closely with the community, form meaningful connections, make a direct impact and spend so much time outside.