Future Faculty and Academic Careers

Information Session: Rita Levi Montalcini Scholarship from the Dompé Foundation
2025-12-01 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Established in 2020, the Dompé Foundation is committed to supporting the university education of talented young individuals in STEM fields, ultimately contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge and the exploration of new research areas, particularly in the life sciences. More specifically, it aims at breaking down financial barriers to higher education for aspiring scientists and researchers who possess talent and determination, but lack the necessary economic resources to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies in STEM disciplines.
On Monday, December 1, staff from Weill Cornell Medicine and the Cornell Graduate School in Ithaca will be hosting an information session with the Dompé Foundation about the Rita Levi Montalcini scholarship program, which financially supports students of all nationalities already admitted to a master’s, Ph.D. or post-doctoral program in neuroscience and/or neurobiology at a US university.
Since 2021, the Rita Levi Montalcini Scholarship – named for the1986 Nobel laureate who co-discovered nerve growth factor – has supported over 50 scholars enrolled at U.S. universities with 2-3 years of supplemental funding. The application deadline is January 31, 2026 and this info session will include information from the foundation staff as well as a panel of scientists who have been supported by this scholarship.
Please complete the Zoom registration link in order to attend this information session. Among other materials, applicants will be asked to submit a Europass format curriculum vitae, short abstract on their current research, and two-page statement of motivation.
For full information on scholarship application requirements, please contact: segreteria@fondazionedompe.org and/or see https://www.dompefoundation.org/scholarships/usa/

Fall 2025 Mentoring within the Academy Keynote
2025-11-18 12:00 - 13:30 | G10 Biotechnology Building, 526 Campus Road, Ithaca, NY, 14853, United States
Fall 2025 MAC Public Keynote
Dr. Sweeney Windchief
Speaker: Sweeney Windchief (Assiniboine), Professor of Adult and Higher Education, Montana State University
“Re-Interpreting Our Roles: Mentorship and Cultural Integrity in the Academy”
(speaker meet & greet to follow)
In person | Zoom (for those not based in Ithaca)
Register

Interviewing and Negotiating for Academic Positions
2025-11-17 12:00 - 13:30 | Zoom
An important part of the academic job search is interviewing and then negotiating the offer. Come learn about the art of interviewing for faculty positions from your laptop or mobile device. The format will be interactive presentation followed by question and answer period.
Presenters: Yael Levitte, Associate Vice Provost for Faculty Development and Diversity, and Christine Holmes, Director of Postdoctoral Studies
Register online
Co-sponsored by the Office of Postdoctoral Studies and the Future Faculty and Academic Careers program, as part of the Graduate School’s Academic Job Search Series.
Accommodations: We strive to make our events accessible to all Cornell community members. Individuals who have accessibility accommodations to request should contact futurefaculty@cornell.edu. We ask that requests be made at least one week in advance to help ensure they can be met.

Perfecting Your Research Pitch
2025-11-13 10:00 - 11:00 | 101 Kennedy Hall, 215 Garden Ave, Ithaca, 14850, United States
This in-person interactive workshop will provide strategies on how to succinctly sum up your research for multiple audiences. Prepare for conferences, interviews, and competitions such as the Three Minute Thesis.
Session presenter is Susi Varvayanis, Executive Director of Careers Beyond Academia in the Graduate School Office of Career and Professional Development.
Register to attend.

Should I Do a Postdoc?
2025-11-12 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Are you a graduate student wondering if you might want to seek a postdoctoral position on the way to the next stage of your career? Come hear an interactive presentation and engage in discussion about your questions. Topics discussed will include: reasons to do a postdoctoral position, types of postdocs, and how to apply and get funded.
Register to attend.
Co-sponsored by the Graduate School Office of Career and Professional Development and the Office of Postdoctoral Studies as part of the Academic Job Search Series and aimed at current Ph.D. students.
Presenters: Christine Holmes, Director of Postdoctoral Studies and Colleen McLinn, Associate Dean for Professional Development

Ivy+ Open Access Professional Development Series

This program is part of the Ivy+ Graduate Student Professional Development Series, created and cross-promoted by deans and directors at Berkeley, Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, MIT, Penn, Princeton, Stanford, UChicago, and Yale to help meet the professional development needs of Ph.D. and master’s students.

Info Session on Engineering Faculty Roles at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
2025-10-22 10:00 - 12:00 | 499 Tang Hall, Hollister Drive, Ithaca, NY, 14853, United States
The College of Engineering (CoE) at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore is offering an on-site faculty recruitment presentation at Cornell University on October 22 & 23, 2025, as part of global faculty recruitment outreach initiatives in the U.S. This initiative reflects a commitment to partnering with the world’s most prestigious universities in Chemistry and Engineering sciences, including Cornell University, to create exceptional career pathways for top-tier academic talent, including postdoctoral researchers and graduating PhD students.
Event Details and Registration
The session will include a recruitment presentation by CoE faculty representatives, followed by informal interviews/networking with interested candidates:

Program
Date
Time
Venue

Recruitment Presentation
(Day 1, AM)
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Tang Hall Room 499,
Cornell University

1-on-1 Interview/Networking
(Day 1, PM)
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Tang Hall Room 205,
Cornell University

1-on1 Interview
(Day 2, AM)
Thursday, October 23, 2025
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Tang Hall Room 499,
Cornell University

Registration Link: https://forms.office.com/r/Y9UGTBRneB
Registration Deadline: October 21, 2025

Interested participants are reminded to send a copy of their CV to CoE-FacultyRecruit@ntu.edu.sg (cc: Dean, College of Engineering at D-CoE@ntu.edu.sg) after they have registered for the event.

This opportunity is ideal for:

Graduating PhD students in the Engineering and Chemistry departments
Current postdoctoral researchers across Chemistry and all Engineering disciplines
Any researchers actively exploring academic career opportunities

Why This Opportunity Matters
The global academic landscape is rapidly evolving, with Asia emerging as a dynamic hub for cutting-edge research and innovation. As you consider your next career steps, this presents a unique opportunity to:

Launch their academic career at one of the world’s largest and most prestigious Engineering colleges.
Join a vibrant research ecosystem in Singapore, which is consistently ranked among the top global innovation hubs.
Establish themselves as a pioneering researcher in one of Asia’s fastest-growing and most advanced economies.

What We Offer
NTU Singapore’s College of Engineering currently has over 50 faculty positions available across five Engineering schools, namely:

School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (CCEB)
School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)
School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE)
School of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE)
School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE)

Teaching at Teaching-Intensive Institutions
2025-10-17 12:00 - 14:30 | Zoom
The University of Massachusetts Amherst and partners are excited to present a virtual Teaching at Teaching Intensive Institutions conference on October 17, 2025. The day features two panels: the first features senior faculty and administrators talking about what defines a teaching intensive and what makes it special, while the second features early-career faculty who will share their experiences getting and starting their careers!

Intro to Teaching Intensive Institutions
Friday, October 17th – 12:00-1:15pm ET, online (sessions are not recorded)
Think all faculty careers are the same? Think again! Do you wonder what an average day looks like at an institution that values teaching more than research? In this panel, senior faculty and administrators representing community colleges, state universities, and liberal arts colleges will talk about how their institutions differ (students, mission, size, etc.), the work they do, and how this motivates their career choices in this space.
Teaching Intensive Institutions: Tips for the Early Years
Friday, October 17th – 1:30-2:30pm ET, online (sessions are not recorded)
After many years at a research-intensive institution, becoming a faculty member at an institution that values teaching over research can take some adjusting! In this session, community college and state university faculty will reflect on their job searches, transitioning to the teaching intensive environment, and tips that helped them survive and thrive in their first year.
How to Register
All graduate students, postdocs, and recent graduate school alumni – from any college or university – are invited to attend this free conference! When you register at the link below, you can sign up to attend either panel or join us for both!
If you are currently affiliated with UMass, please register here!
If you are not affiliated with UMass, please register here!

Approaches to Designing Your Academic Job Talk
2025-10-15 12:00 - 13:15, 2025-07-24 12:00 - 13:15 | Zoom
Start planning what types of job talks to be ready for after the written application material and Zoom/preliminary interview stage. These might include chalk talks, one hour research seminars with an emphasis on future plans, or other formats such as a disciplinary research presentation that also speaks to your teaching, mentoring, and/or advising philosophy.
Presenters: Colleen McLinn, Associate Dean for Professional Development, Cornell Graduate School; and Christine Holmes, Director of Postdoctoral Studies
Register to attend.
Co-sponsored by the Graduate School Office of Career and Professional Development and the Office of Postdoctoral Studies as part of the Academic Job Search Series.

What Works: Creating Engaging Learning Experiences
2025-10-01 13:00 - 16:00 | G10 Biotechnology Building, 526 Campus Road, Ithaca, NY, 14853, United States
Join the Center for Teaching Innovation for an afternoon of inspiration and connection at “What Works: Creating Engaging Learning Experiences.”
This showcase of teaching innovation will feature faculty presentations and poster sessions demonstrating successful strategies for engaged learning. We’ll also celebrate and recognize faculty whose use of Canvas has positively impacted the student learning experience, as part of our Canvas Course Spotlight program.
Whether you’re looking to spark new ideas, connect with colleagues, or celebrate teaching innovation, join us for a rich opportunity to engage with colleagues in the Cornell teaching community.
Audience
This event welcomes all Cornell faculty, teaching staff, and postdocs interested in learning from the real-world teaching successes of their colleagues.
Event Details
When: October 1, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Come for one session, or stay for the afternoon!
Where: Biotechnology Building G10
Register for What Works: Creating Engaging Learning Experiences. Registration is recommended but not required.
See session descriptions and posters

Info Session on Faculty Roles at Plaksha University
2025-09-19 15:00 - 16:00 | 350 Computing and Information Science Building, 127 Hoy Road, Ithaca, NY, 14853, United States
Introduction to Plaksha University: Re-imagining Higher Education in Technology
A seminar about Academic and Research Opportunities

Friday, September 19, 2025 from 3:00-4:00 pm
CIS 350 (Mishra Conference Room)
If interested in attending, please register here.
Plaksha University extends a warm invitation to talented PhD scholars and postdoctoral fellows who are deeply committed to pioneering interdisciplinary research and impactful teaching. Join us for an engaging information session where you can explore opportunities, both as visiting and full-time faculty, to become part of our vibrant academic community. During the event, you will have the chance to connect with Prof. Rudra Pratap (Founding Vice Chancellor), a Cornell Engineering PhD alum.
At Plaksha, we are committed to fostering a culture of innovation and impact. We are actively seeking researchers across various interdisciplinary domains, including but not limited to computer science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, quantum computing, applied mathematics, statistics, operations research, robotics, cyber-physical systems, bio-engineering, economics, and computational social sciences.
Discover more about Plaksha’s mission, vision, and aspirations at our faculty recruitment presentation and networking session. Whether you’re a seasoned academic or emerging researcher, join us to learn how you can contribute to our dynamic community and shape the future of innovation.
About Plaksha University:
A greenfield technology university representing the bold aspirations of 21st century India, Plaksha has its mission anchored around three pillars: reimagining technology education, research to impact grand challenges, and catalyzing an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Plaksha is supported by 100+ philanthropists, eminent business leaders, tech entrepreneurs and has an eminent international Academic Advisory Board.
Under the leadership of its Founding Chancellor, Prof. Shankar Sastry (Former Dean of Engineering, UC Berkeley) and Founding Vice Chancellor, Prof. Rudra Pratap (Former Deputy Director, IISc Bangalore), Plaksha is developing a transformational model of engineering education and research that integrates technology, design, entrepreneurship, and social sciences. Located in Mohali, India, Plaksha is pioneering cutting-edge interdisciplinary engineering programs in AI, data science, bio-systems, robotics, cyber-physical systems, and other advanced areas.

Dean’s Welcome for New Graduate and Professional Students
2025-08-21 09:00 - 10:00 | Bailey Hall, 230 Garden Ave, Ithaca, NY, 14853, United States
Welcome, new graduate and professional students! You’re invited to the Dean’s Welcome on Thursday, August 21, at 9 a.m. in Bailey Hall. The formal program features the Cornell president, the Graduate School dean and vice provost for graduate education, and a panel of esteemed faculty and students.

Ph.D. Career Stories: The Good, The Messy, and The Pivot
2025-08-05 16:30 - 17:30 | Online
Curious about how a social science Ph.D. can open doors to meaningful careers beyond the tenure track? Join us for Ph.D. Career Stories: The Good, the Messy, and the Pivot—a virtual conversation series spotlighting Cornell alumni who have translated their doctoral training into impactful roles inside and outside academia.
In this session, you’ll hear from three professionals working across urban policy, service design, AI ethics, visual anthropology, and community-based research. Whether they’re leading research at nonprofits, producing documentary films, teaching at universities, or advising on emerging technologies, each guest brings a unique perspective on building a career that blends human-centered values with impact-driven work.
What to expect:

Honest, informal conversation—no slides or scripts
Balancing university teaching with consulting or freelance work
Practical insight into navigating uncertainty, finding direction, and translating academic training into impact

If you’re actively exploring life beyond the academy or curious about hybrid paths that combine teaching, research, and creative work, this event will offer clarity, connection, and inspiration.
Register to attend.

Sena Aydin Bergfalk, Ph.D. is a cultural anthropologist who works at the intersection of design research, strategy, and facilitation. She shapes service design projects across B2B and B2C ecosystems using a critical ethnographic lens to uncover assumptions and design services that connect business goals with human experiences. Sena earned a Ph.D. in Anthropology from Cornell in 2023 and is currently the Lead Service Designer at Sngular.

Marisa Turesky, Ph.D is a community-based researcher and educator focused on equity in urban policy. She is Director of Research at Mockingbird Analytics, a Visiting Professor at UC Berkeley, and serves on the Board of Drag Performers United. Her work integrates trauma-informed and participatory action research to explore how identity shapes access to space and services. She holds a Ph.D. in Urban Planning & Development from the University of Southern California and a M.R.P. from Cornell University.

Mariangela Mihai, Ph.D. is a political and visual anthropologist whose work bridges generative AI, collaborative documentary, and social justice. She is an Assistant Professor at Western Washington University, a Red Teamer on Meta’s Generative AI Trust Team, and co-founder of the Ethnocine Film Collective, where she produces feminist films and impact campaigns. Her research and teaching focus on refugee rights, queer activism, Indigenous resistance, and ethical media practices across global contexts.

Ph.D. Career Stories: The Good, The Messy, and The Pivot
2025-07-30 16:30 - 17:30 | Online
Join us for Ph.D. Career Stories: The Good, the Messy, and the Pivot—a virtual conversation series featuring Cornell alumni who hold doctoral degrees and have built dynamic careers beyond academia.
In this session, you’ll hear from Yingyu Liu, Ph.D. (Scientific Editor, Cell Press) and Wing (Yingyi) Zhong, Ph.D. (Clinical Dietitian, Mass General Hospital), two Ph.D.-trained professionals who have translated their academic training into impactful careers in science publishing and clinical nutrition.
They’ll reflect on how they navigated their transitions, applied their research skills in new contexts, and built meaningful work at the intersection of science, communication, and patient care.
What to expect:

Candid, informal conversation—no slides, just real stories
Insight into non-academic career paths in STEM and health
Q&A and reflections on navigating career transitions as international students

Whether you’re actively exploring careers beyond academia or simply curious about what’s possible, this session offers a unique opportunity to hear from those who’ve charted new paths—with all the complexity, creativity, and learning that comes with it.
Register to attend.

As a clinical pediatric dietitian at Mass General Hospital, Wing (Yingyi) Zhong specializes in medical nutrition therapy for children with epilepsy, with a focus on the ketogenic diet and the low glycemic index treatment (LGIT). She works closely with patients, families, and multidisciplinary teams to provide compassionate, evidence-based care that supports seizure management and overall well-being. Wing earned her Ph.D. in Nutrition Sciences from Cornell in 2022.

Yingyu Liu joined Cell Press in 2021, now working as an editor for the journal Cell Host & Microbe and supporting researchers across various journals. She received her doctoral degree from Cornell University in 2020, studying the relationship between plants and pathogens. Yingyu is passionate about scientific communication, collaborative problem-solving, and supporting diverse voices in STEM.

Ph.D. Career Stories: The Good, The Messy, and The Pivot
2025-07-22 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Join us for Ph.D. Career Stories: The Good, the Messy, and the Pivot—a virtual conversation series featuring Cornell alumni who hold doctoral degrees and have built dynamic careers beyond academia.
In this session, you’ll hear from Susan Korbel, Ph.D. (Owner, Core Research Inc.) and Michael Vernick, Ph.D. (Customer Solutions Architect, Vonage), two seasoned professionals whose paths span social science research, strategic consulting, product development, and tech innovation.
With decades of experience across sectors, Susan and Michael will reflect on how their graduate training shaped their work, how they’ve navigated career shifts, and what they’ve learned along the way.
What to expect:

Informal, real talk—no slides, just stories
Candid insights from two Ph.D.-trained professionals
Q&A and advice for students exploring diverse pathways

Whether you’re actively exploring careers beyond academia or simply curious about what’s possible, this session offers a unique opportunity to hear from those who’ve charted new paths—with all the complexity, creativity, and learning that comes with it.
Register to attend.

Since receiving her Ph.D. in Public Administration from University of Michigan and her bachelor’s from Cornell, Dr. Korbel has been conducting market research and consulting with hundreds of public and private organizations. After many years working in broadcast and public media, Susan Korbel founded Core Research in 1989 when she had her first child. Core Research conducts consumer, voter, and business-to-business research. Dr. Korbel has been behind the scenes helping some of the premiere South Texas businesses and charitable organizations chart successful courses with strategic and tactical planning.

Michael Vernick is a seasoned product strategist, inventor, and solutions architect with over 30 years of experience spanning startups, enterprise tech, and research labs. He specializes in building scalable systems for real-time communication, live video, and streaming technologies, and currently works as a Customer Solutions Architect at Vonage. Michael earned his doctorate in Computer Science from Stony Brook and his bachelor’s and M.Eng. from Cornell and holds 9 U.S. patents.

Ph.D. Career Stories: The Good, The Messy, and The Pivot
2025-07-16 16:00 - 17:00 | Online
Join us for Ph.D. Career Stories: The Good, the Messy, and the Pivot—a virtual conversation series featuring guests who hold doctoral degrees and have pursued diverse careers beyond academia.
In this session, you’ll hear from Dr. Yvonne Masters, Ph.D. (Food Science, Cornell), a food safety & quality leader with nearly two decades of global CPG experience and technical expertise in compliance, auditing, and supplier risk mitigation. Dr. Jenny Valentine, Ph.D. (Chemistry, Yale) is a Senior Principal Scientist at Regeneron, where she leads bioanalytical strategy for oncology programs using both traditional and emerging drug modalities.
What to expect:

Candid, informal conversation—no slides, just real stories
Insights on working in industry, biotech, and food safety
Q&A and advice from experienced Ph.D. professionals

Whether you’re actively exploring careers beyond academia or simply curious about what’s possible, this session offers a unique opportunity to hear from those who’ve charted new paths—with all the complexity, creativity, and learning that comes with it.
Register to attend.

Dr. Yvonne Masters, Director of Food Safety and Quality Policy at John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc., brings nearly two decades of leadership in food safety across the nut, dairy, and snack food sectors. A Cornell alumna, she has also served as a Senior Microbiologist and Quality Leader, earning recognition through the 2022 IAFP Harold Barnum Industry Award and her company’s 2024 Vision Award. Her academic foundation from the University of Illinois and Cornell continues to inform her impactful work in advancing industry standards.

Dr. Jenny Valentine currently works in the Bioanalytical Sciences Department at Regeneron. In her role, she leads bioanalytical strategy for multiple programs in oncology that utilize both traditional and emerging drug modalities. She has eight years of experience in large molecule bioanalysis, with previous roles focusing on immunogenicity assay development, validation, and sample testing. Jenny earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry from Yale University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Cornell University in the Matthew DeLisa Laboratory from 2012–2015. She is an active participant in several AAPS working groups.

Developing a Narrative For Your Teaching Statement
2025-07-16 12:00 - 13:30 | Zoom
Explore essential elements of a teaching statement for an academic job application. Come prepared to brainstorm key ideas of your statement. Leave with peer feedback on a first draft of your teaching statement, or ideas on how you might revise an existing draft to ensure it accurately reflects your approach to creating inclusive classrooms.
Presenters: Derina Samuel, Associate Director for Graduate Student Development, Center for Teaching Innovation; Colleen McLinn, Associate Dean for Professional Development, Cornell Graduate School; and Christine Holmes, Director of Postdoctoral Studies
Register to attend.
Co-sponsored by the Graduate School Office of Career and Professional Development and the Center for Teaching Innovation as part of the Graduate School’s Academic Job Search Series.

Alumni Conversation about the Academic Writing Process
2025-07-15 15:30 - 16:30 | 172 Goldwin Smith Hall, 232 Feeney Way, Ithaca, NY, 14850, United States
The College of Arts and Sciences is hosting alumna Dr. Alison Miller on Tuesday, July 15. Dr. Miller authored the book Finish Your Dissertation: Once and for All! and co-founded a virtual co-working community for graduate students and other academic professionals called The Academic Writers’ Space. She is focused on helping people shift from hustle and overwhelm to Relaxed Productivity, a way of working that honors productivity, purpose, and well-being. Her approach is rooted in both science and lived experience. She holds a BA from Cornell and a PhD in Clinical Psychology from University of Illinois Chicago, and has 25 years of entrepreneurial leadership, including founding and leading The Dissertation Coach, which helped over 15,000 people earn their doctoral degrees before she sold the company after 24 years of impact.
In addition to presenting to undergraduate Nexus Scholars in their professional development class, the Graduate School and Arts and Sciences Career Development are delighted to offer 1:1 meetings and an Academic Writing Process small group conversation hosted by Dr. Miller in the afternoon. Individual meetings are available for both undergraduates and graduate students, while the Academic Writing Process event is open to students, postdocs, and interested faculty/staff. If you are interested in either of these opportunities, please sign up via this SignUpGenius link as soon as possible.
Please send any questions about Dr. Miller’s events for graduate students on July 15 to Dr. Colleen McLinn (cmm252) or Jess Shapiro (js3845).
See also:
More resources for Graduate Student Writing Support

Writing a Research Statement for a Primarily Undergraduate Institution
2025-07-09 12:00 - 13:15 | Zoom
Through an interactive online discussion, guest presenter Dr. Jeffrey Werner (Professor of Chemistry at SUNY Cortland) will help job-seekers interested in faculty positions at four-year colleges and universities (e.g., primarily undergraduate institutions, or PUIs) outline a research statement that highlights plans to mentor undergraduate students in research.
Register to attend.
Sponsored by the Graduate School’s Office of Career and Professional Development as part of the Academic Job Search Series. We encourage you to learn more about the other support resources available to you through the Office of Postdoctoral Studies and Future Faculty and Academic Careers.
Accommodations: We strive to make our events accessible to all Cornell community members. Individuals who have accessibility accommodations to request should contact futurefaculty@cornell.edu. We ask that requests be made at least one week in advance to help ensure they can be met.

The Application Process for an Academic Job
2025-06-25 12:00 - 13:30 | Zoom
To kick off the 2025-2026 Academic Job Search Series for Cornell graduate students and postdocs, come learn about the process of searching for a U.S. faculty job from start to finish: when to apply for faculty and other academic positions, what documents are required (CV, cover letter, etc.), and how long the process takes. Bring your questions for an interactive online discussion.
Presented by Christine Holmes, Director of Postdoctoral Studies and Colleen McLinn, Associate Dean for Professional Development.
Register to attend and you will receive the Zoom meeting link via email.
Sponsored by the Graduate School’s Office of Career and Professional Development and Office of Postdoctoral Studies as part of the Academic Job Search Series. We encourage you to learn more about the support resources available to you through the Office of Postdoctoral Studies and Future Faculty and Academic Careers, including individual career advising, feedback on job application materials, and interview practice.
Accommodations: We strive to make our events accessible to all Cornell community members. Individuals who have accessibility accommodations to request should contact futurefaculty@cornell.edu. We ask that requests be made at least one week in advance to help ensure they can be met.

Future Professors Institute
2025-06-18 12:30 - 17:00 | Zoom
The Future Professors Institute engages graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in workshops, panel discussions, and talks focused on preparing them for faculty careers across institutional types.
The primary audiences for the institute are Cornell University graduate students and postdocs interested in faculty and academic career pathways who are committed to advancing access to higher education and supporting inclusive learning, mentoring, and research environments. Scholars external to Cornell who are affiliated with specific programs are eligible to register as well.
Additionally, we invite interested Cornell faculty and staff to register for the networking lunch and institute keynote talk by Dr. Wayne Scales on June 17.
There is no cost to attend; however, this is a space-limited event.

Day 2 Agenda:
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Time: 12:30 – 4:45pm ET
Location: Zoom
12:30-1:45pm ET
Panel Discussion: Exploring Your Institutional Fit

Exploring Careers at Community Colleges, Liberal Arts Colleges and Master’s Granting Institutions, and Public and Private Research Universities

~ Short Break ~
2:00pm – 3:15pm ET
Fireside Chat: Navigating a Rapidly Changing Academy as an Early Career Faculty Member

Panelists:

Dr. Avery August, Deputy Provost and Professor of Immunology, Cornell University
Dr. Sherilynn Black, Associate Vice Provost for Faculty Advancement and Assistant Professor of the Practice of Medical Education, Duke University
Dr. Dean Lacey, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs and Professor of Government, Dartmouth University

~ Short Break ~
3:30pm – 4:45pm ET
Concurrent Panels by Discipline: Establishing Your Scholarship and Research Agenda as a New Faculty Member

Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Panel
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Panel

Sponsorship
This is a collaborative initiative of the Cornell Graduate School Office of Inclusion and Student Engagement (OISE), the Office of Career and Professional Development Future Faculty and Academic Careers program, and the Office of Postdoctoral Studies,
Questions?
Institute Dates: Tuesday, June 17 (In-Person & Zoom); Wednesday, June 18 (Zoom)
Times: June 17, 12:00 – 2:00 pm ET; June 18, 12:30 pm – 4:45 pm ET
Locations: June 17, G10 Biotech & Zoom; June 18, Zoom
Registration: https://blogs.cornell.edu/futureprofs/registration-2025/
Registration Priority Dates: June 12, 2025 (for In-Person Participation); June 16, 2025 (for Virtual Participation)
Please direct any questions to: futurefaculty@cornell.edu

Future Professors Institute Keynote Talk
2025-06-17 12:00 - 14:00 | G10 Biotechnology Building, 526 Campus Road, Ithaca, NY, 14853, United States
The Future Professors Institute engages graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in workshops, panel discussions, and talks focused on preparing them for faculty careers across institutional types.
The primary audiences for the institute are Cornell University graduate students and postdocs interested in faculty and academic career pathways who are committed to advancing access to higher education and supporting inclusive learning, mentoring, and research environments. Scholars external to Cornell who are affiliated with specific programs are eligible to register as well.
Additionally, we invite interested Cornell faculty and staff to register for the networking lunch and institute keynote talk by Dr. Wayne Scales on June 17.
There is no cost to attend; however, this is a space-limited event.
2025 Keynote
Tuesday, June 17, 2025, 12:30 pm ET (Lunch from 12:00-12:30 pm)

Fostering Strategic University Partnerships for Excellence and Innovation
Developing strategic collaborations and partnerships is a key element of any university faculty member’s success. These partnerships advance both research, educational, and professional development agendas. There is a relatively broad spectrum of organizations and strategic agendas to develop such partnerships, but this discussion will consider one type of partnership that has received continued growing attention over the past decade. Although substantive partnerships between majority institutions and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have been occurring at least since the 1970s, in recent years due to the research trajectory of many of these institutions, expanding opportunities exist presently. For example, the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) has described these institutions as a relatively untapped national resource for talent. The importance and benefits of this type of partnership in higher education and recent examples of strategies used to create equitable and sustainable partnerships with HBCUs will be discussed.
Speaker

Dr. Wayne A. Scales (Cornell PhD ‘88), J. Byron Maupin Professor of Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Prof. Wayne Scales received BS and MS degrees in Honors Electrical Engineering and Applied Mathematics from Virginia Tech and the PhD from Cornell University in Electrical Engineering and Applied Physics with focus in Space Plasma Physics. He was an ASEE Postdoctoral Fellow in the Space Plasma Physics Branch of the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory. Afterwards, he joined the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Virginia Tech and is currently the J. Byron Maupin Professor of Engineering and was founding Director of the Center for Space Science and Engineering Research (Space@VT) and founding Co-Director of the Interdisciplinary Graduate Education Program in Remote Sensing. Prof. Scales is also an affiliate Professor in the Kevin T. Crofton Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering. He has served as Special Assistant to the Dean of Engineering and Senior Consultant to the Vice President of Research and Innovation working on special initiatives in Quantum Information Science, Nanoscale Science, and Postdoctoral Affairs. He currently serves as Associate Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs where his responsibilities include supporting special initiatives involving faculty development as well as research and workforce development partnerships with MSIs and HBCUs. His work in this area has been supported by the National Science Foundation, the Sloan Foundation, and the Genentech Foundation Fund.
This keynote will be held on Cornell University central campus, and livestream access will also be available to remotely participating graduate students and postdocs.
Sponsorship
This is a collaborative initiative of the Cornell Graduate School Office of Inclusion and Student Engagement (OISE), the Office of Career and Professional Development Future Faculty and Academic Careers program, and the Office of Postdoctoral Studies,
Questions?
Institute Dates: Tuesday, June 17 (In-Person & Zoom); Wednesday, June 18 (Zoom)
Times: June 17, 12:00 – 2:00 pm ET; June 18, 12:30 pm – 4:45 pm ET
Locations: June 17, G10 Biotech & Zoom; June 18, Zoom
Registration: https://blogs.cornell.edu/futureprofs/registration-2025/
Registration Priority Dates: June 12, 2025 (for In-Person Participation); June 16, 2025 (for Virtual Participation)
Please direct any questions to: futurefaculty@cornell.edu

Reunion 2025 @ The Graduate School – Cornell Trivia and Networking
2025-06-06 13:00 - 15:00 | Big Red Barn, 135 Presidents Way, Ithaca, NY, 14853, United States
Jacob Belding
Calling all doctoral and master’s degree alumni and current Graduate School students! Join us for an exciting afternoon filled with trivia and a sampling of local beverages at the Big Red Barn.
Keith Hannon
Test your knowledge with a fun round of trivia about famous Grad School alums, then relax and mingle with fellow professionals while enjoying a delightful sampling of local beverages. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to connect, compete, and celebrate!
Advanced registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. See you there!
Featuring trivia hosted by Jacob Belding ’26, current engineering Ph.D. student, and Keith Hannon, a member of the Cornell AAD team!
Hosted by the Graduate School and Cornell Alumni Career Programs.

Beyond Supervision: Effective Mentorship in Undergraduate Research
2025-05-22 12:00 - 14:30 | 142 Upson Hall, 124 Hoy Road, Ithaca, 14853, United States
Join us for an interactive workshop about best practices for mentoring undergraduate researchers. You will learn evidence-based mentoring techniques and engage with tools that you can use right now to enhance your mentoring practice. This workshop is ideal for the mentors of undergraduate researchers who would like to refine their mentoring practices or who are first time mentors to undergraduate researchers. We are offering two workshop sessions that will include the same content, one on Zoom and one in person (in person includes lunch!).

Sponsored by the Cornell University Graduate School, College of Engineering, and the Center for Research on Programmable Plant Systems (CROPPS), and open to all who will soon be mentoring undergraduate scholars conducting research (in any discipline).

Registration required

Thesis Therapy: Navigating the Emotional Journey of Graduate Writing
2025-05-14 15:30 - 16:30, 2025-04-23 15:30 - 16:30, 2025-03-26 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
Wednesdays: 1/29, 2/26, 3/26, 4/23, 5/14 at 3:30 pm
Register for the Thesis Therapy workshop (any date)
Facilitator: Lex Enrico Santí, LCSW
“Thesis Therapy: Navigating the Emotional Journey of Graduate Writing” is a CAPS workshop designed to support graduate students facing the emotional challenges of thesis and dissertation writing. Through a blend of narrative therapy, creative arts therapy, and mindfulness techniques, participants will address the psychological barriers that impede writing progress. The workshop offers therapeutic writing exercises and group discussions, fostering resilience, self-compassion, and creative freedom. Guided by professionals skilled in both therapy and academia, “Thesis Therapy” provides a supportive environment for overcoming writer’s block and managing academic stress, promoting personal and academic growth.

Beyond Supervision: Effective Mentorship in Undergraduate Research
2025-04-30 13:00 - 15:00 | Zoom

NPA SmartSkills Webinar: Navigating Uncertainty - Travel Challenges and Visa Revocations for International Postdocs and Scholars
2025-04-22 15:00 - 16:15 | Online
Sponsored by Seattle Children’s Research Institute
In recent months, international postdocs and scholars have faced increasing challenges related to travel restrictions, heightened scrutiny, and visa and SEVIS revocations. This session will provide an overview of the current U.S. immigration landscape as it pertains to J-1, F-1, and other visa categories commonly held by researchers and academic professionals. We will discuss recent policy changes, common triggers for visa revocations, best practices for international travel, and steps to take if problems arise.
Speaker: Brendan Delaney, Esq., partner, Frank & Delaney Immigration Law, LLC
Cornell University is an Organizational Member of the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA). You can sign up at no cost to you as a free, affiliate member and gain access to these and other webinars and resources. NPA SmartSkills events are held monthly on the fourth Tuesday of the month in 2025. Classes are taught by experts and focus on building skills critical to career and personal success.

Should I Do a Postdoc?
2025-04-08 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Are you a graduate student wondering if you might want to seek a postdoctoral position on the way to the next stage of your career? Come hear an interactive presentation and engage in discussion about your questions. Topics discussed will include: reasons to do a postdoctoral position, types of postdocs, and how to apply and get funded.
Register to attend.
Presented by Graduate School Career and Professional Development staff and aimed at Ph.D. students and postdoctoral scholars.
Presenters: Christine Holmes, Director of Postdoctoral Studies and Colleen McLinn, Associate Dean for Professional Development
