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Two Human Ecology graduate students spent this past summer in New York City as part of a summer fellowship through the Action Research Collaborative (ARC), learning how researchers and communities can work together to effect change. The fellowship offers a blend of academic mentorship from ARC-affiliated faculty and practical experience working with community partners on action research projects based in the city. This year’s fellows were Samantha De Leon Sautu, a Ph.D. candidate in human

When the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020, it brought many aspects of life to a standstill. For adolescents, this included attending school and the social interactions that happen there. But the process of growing up continued — including puberty.

This had Kathleen McCormick ’16, a doctoral candidate in psychology studying reproductive transitions, wondering about how adolescents were handling this coming-of-age process during the pandemic, specifically the link between puberty and depression for girls.

“The

On a recent afternoon, four women gathered in the Cornell Fashion + Textile Collection (CF+TC) in Cornell Human Ecology (CHE) to “mine” the collection. The collaborators were preparing an exhibit for the upcoming film screening of “Sunset Boulevard,” and selecting garments that embody main character Norma Desmond, an aging relic from the silent film industry who aspires to recapture her faded glory.

Molly Ryan, director of Cornell Cinema,  approached Catherine Kueffer Blumenkamp, associate director of

Internships combine community-engaged learning and professional development

With nearly half of all internships unpaid, many college students face financial barriers and unequal access to professional opportunities. The CHE in NYC summer internship is fully funded, helping close that gap. It places Cornell Human Ecology students with community organizations like the Boys and Girls Club of Harlem. 

Through these partnerships, students like Taylor Cole ’26 and Katrina Samuda ’26, gain meaningful work experience that benefits local

This fall, Kim Pietro joined the College of Human Ecology as assistant dean for alumni affairs and development. Her role will advance the College’s mission by overseeing fundraising initiatives and alumni relations.

“Cornell Human Ecology is an environment where innovative solutions to complex human challenges can flourish,” Pietro said. “I'm excited to work under Dean Rachel Dunifon's exceptional leadership in concert with our remarkable faculty and staff who are subject experts in their respective fields

Gwen Whiting ’98 has established a $1 million endowed scholarship that will provide full tuition to one undergraduate student in the College of Human Ecology each year. Her gift was matched by an additional $500,000 from the university as part of Cornell’s affordability challenge, which aims to make a Cornell education even more affordable for talented students from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Whiting is serving as the Human Ecology’s campaign co-chair for Cornell’s To Do the