As they prepared for Commencement, some of our graduating seniors took a moment before leaving campus to share their favorite memories, what surprised them, and what they’ll be doing next. To read more of their responses, check out the Cornell Human Ecology Instagram. 

What was your favorite class? 

Lola Berger, Human Biology, Health and Society

My favorite class was NS 3410: Human Anatomy and Physiology. There is such a breadth of information that you learn in anatomy that I feel like I didn’t get to touch on in any other class. It really provides such a comprehensive view of the human body, and as a pre-med student I really value and appreciate that knowledge. The class itself is also incredibly interesting and engaging, and the TAs who help run the class are the absolute best! I loved it so much that I decided to become a TA myself.

Jack Neiberg, Design and Environmental Analysis

Business Design (AEM 4375) with Denise Ramzy is my favorite class I have taken at Cornell. It was through this class I began my work with Finger Lakes ReUse, and Denise taught me so much about how design thinking can be a tool to support people fighting the good fight. This mode of engaged learning taught me so much and solidified in my mind that I want to have a career supporting nonprofits and governments with my design thinking skills.

Caitlin Rogoff, Human Development

My favorite class was HD 3320: Gender and Psychopathology with Professor Korfine. Not only did Professor Korfine's warmth and engaging lecturing style make the class truly enjoyable, but the course content resonated strongly with my career aspirations in psychopathology.

What has been your most meaningful faculty interaction?

Sarah Rudolph-Naiberg, Nutritional Sciences

From my first days as a PRYDE scholar learning about translational research, to implementing a Youth Contribution Project in New York State 4-H this semester with the junior and senior Cornell PRYDE cohorts, Kristen Elmore has consistently been someone I’ve looked up to and considered a mentor. I have learned so much from her about community-engaged research and program implementation, as well as how to foster an inclusive environment.

McKenzie Murray, Human Development

My research advisor and mentor Professor Adam Hoffman has worked with me on my research project since my sophomore year. He took me on in his lab and as an advisee without hesitation and has been a great help with understanding the research process, analyzing data, and helping me get into grad school.

Leah Rosenkranz, Fashion Design and Management

My most meaningful faculty interactions have been with professors Kozen and Phoenix in Human Centered Design. Professor Kozen has supported my academics in terms of helping me figure out my schedule for being a transfer, studying a language, and studying abroad. Professor Phoenix has been a great mentor through the Fashion Scholarship Fund and has introduced me to many professionals and alumni of the program.

What surprised you most about Human Ecology? 

Jack Neiberg, Design and Environmental Analysis

The college feels very small and personal within such a large university. Everyone also feels focused on applying what they learn to helping the world.

Leah Rosenkranz, Fashion Design and Management

I was most surprised by the liberal arts education I received in Human Ecology. I took classes within the school and also in different colleges to pursue personal interests.

Rahul Verma, Global and Public Health Sciences

The interdisciplinary nature of study – as an aspiring pre-med student, taking classes in public policy, sociology, nutrition, and health equity has broadened my understanding of topics related to healthcare delivery.

Did you have any sort of “aha moment” over the past four years?

McKenzie Murray, Human Development

I was actually taking a yoga class my first year and we had a substitute teacher because the instructor was on maternity leave. The sub was a part-time yoga teacher and a full-time academic counselor, and I started talking to her about her job. I was so interested in her work with students – even more than my pre-med track – that I decided to switch majors and pivot to the education field.

Jack Neiberg, Design and Environmental Analysis

A significant moment for me was in my first fall semester when I realized that I can do whatever I want here. I am here to find my passions and pursue them, and I don’t have to fit into anyone else’s interests and can pave my own way. Following my passions is what has allowed me to end up in so many projects I am excited about.

Nancy Wang, Fiber Science

I have come to realize that my identity isn't solely shaped by labels or achievements; the little moments define me too. My freshman writing seminar talked about the complex nature of human identity, but it took me my whole college career to truly understand it and apply it personally. This revelation liberated me from the anxiety and obligation of chasing after accomplishments, allowing me to do what I enjoy, irrespective of their contributions to my desired professional persona.

What will you be doing next?

Lola Berger, Human Biology, Health and Society

I will be a clinical research assistant at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City, and from there I plan to matriculate into medical school!

McKenzie Murray, Human Development

I am going to seminary to study theology and social justice and to become a pastor. I want to work with youth and young adults on building their sense of passion, purpose, identity, and sense of belonging and mattering through faith and community.

Jack Neiberg, Design and Environmental Analysis

I will do strategy work to help nonprofits. I don’t know exactly how yet, but I know that I will figure something out. I also will continue making music and keep working on my band’s first album.

Leah Rosenkranz, Fashion Design and Management

I hope to work in the industry for a few years in various roles to find one that I enjoy the best. I would eventually like to work for a smaller company or startup and help them grow.

Sarah Rudolph-Naiberg, Nutritional Sciences

I’m super excited to be moving to Baltimore this summer to begin a combined master of public health/dietetic internship at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health!

Caitlin Rogoff, Human Development

In the fall, I'll be attending Columbia University, pursuing a two-year, full-time master’s degree in social work. My focus will be on advanced clinical practice, with the goal of becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in working with children and adolescents.

Rahul Verma, Global and Public Health Sciences

After graduation, I will be working in clinical research for a year as I prepare to apply to medical school.

Nancy Wang, Fiber Science

I am pursuing a master’s in engineering degree in materials science and engineering. Eventually, I hope to be in the technology management space with a global influence.