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On a brisk Thursday morning, 65 first-year students sat in rapt attention in NS 1600 Introduction to Public Health as Jennie Joseph challenged conventional thinking with a powerful concept: materno-toxic zones. She described these as environments so harmful to pregnant or new mothers that they threaten the safety of the mother and/or her children.

“Think about a problem that you or your loved ones had with the health system and why,” urged Joseph, founder and

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research has launched BCTR Scholars, a new program that introduces Cornell Human Ecology students to translational research and connects them with communities so they can apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to improve the lives of others.

Translational research brings together researchers, practitioners, policymakers and community members to create better research and implement findings through policies and programs.

During the one-year BCTR Scholars program, students learn the basics

Researchers in Cornell Human Ecology (CHE) have designed a robot that can help traumatized children living in residential treatment facilities communicate with their caregivers. 

e-MoBo, a plastic sphere that sits on three legs, has gentle flashing lights, tactile spots and a fiber optic spray that wags like a dog’s tail. The robot comes with soft cubes inscribed with emotions and plastic figures to support storytelling.

The multidisciplinary team brings together expertise in robotics, developmental psychology

Welcome baskets filled with products crafted by Finger Lakes artisans. Luxurious bathrooms with vanities of natural wood and stone that reflect Ithaca’s beauty. Watercolor renderings of McGraw Tower and other campus landmarks. These are among the concepts that student teams presented to the industry panel for their “Reimagine the Statler Hotel Guest Room” project. 

DEA 1110 Making a Difference by Design is a required course for Design and Environmental Analysis (DEA) majors and a popular

What is your purpose? It’s a question that you may have asked yourself before, perhaps using it as a compass for your life’s direction. Anthony Burrow, professor of psychology and director of the Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research (BCTR), studies purpose, a central, self-organizing life aim which influences one’s goals, behaviors, and sense of meaning. Studies show that purpose can positively impact one’s health, wellbeing and personal development. 

People have theorized about purpose since

During her undergraduate career, Jordan Tralins majored in Human Biology, Health, and Society with minors in Human Development and Health Equity. As a pre-medical student, Jordan honed her interests in well-being, neurodevelopment, and public health. Approaching human health from an interdisciplinary perspective has been a landmark of her Human Ecology education.

Over her college career, Jordan was an avid leader on campus. Most notably, she was the Vice President and Secretary of Best Buddies -