Writing a Research Statement for a Primarily Undergraduate Institution
2025-07-09 12:00 - 13:15 (America/New_York) | 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Approaches to Designing Your Academic Job Talk
2025-07-24 12:00 - 13:15, 2025-10-15 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.

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
2025-08-05 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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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)

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.

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.

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.

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

Information Session: Rita Levi Montalcini Scholarship from the Dompé Foundation
2025-12-01 12:00 - 13:00 | 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/

Virtual Info Session about Humanities Scholars Program 2026-27 Postdoctoral Associate Positions
2026-01-22 16:30 - 17:30 | Zoom
The Humanities Scholars Program, an undergraduate research initiative in the College of Arts & Sciences, invites applications from Cornell PhD candidates and recent Cornell PhDs for one-year postdoctoral associate positions beginning August 1, 2026. HSP Postdocs teach, mentor, and run workshops for advanced undergraduates in the Humanities Scholars Program. Each position offers a salary of $67,000/year and a $2,000 research fund for the year. Two Postdoctoral Associates will be appointed.
Join faculty director, Verity Platt, for a virtual information session about these two position openings and get your questions answered.
Applications are due February 3, 2026. See the call for applications on HSP’s website.
This virtual info session will take place over Zoom. Registration is required.
Please email any questions to hum-scholars-program@cornell.edu

Building Mentorship Skills for Academic Careers
2026-01-27 15:00 - 16:30 | Mann Library, 237 Mann Drive, Ithaca, NY, 14853, United States
Pre-registration is required.
In this series of interactive workshops designed for current Cornell graduate students and postdocs and open to those in all fields, you will develop essential research mentoring skills, particularly in disciplines where research is conducted collaboratively and in teams. Learn best practices for mentoring research students and technicians and develop planning and communication skills needed to guide individual mentees and research teams.
All sessions will be practical in nature and feature short pre-readings or videos, case study discussions, and activities to help identify your strengths and desired areas for improvement. Receive a certificate of completion for successfully participating in at least 4 of 5 sessions (dates: 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 3/3, and 3/17). Interested participants should apply by January 23 with the expectation of attending all workshops and actively participating in small and large group discussions.
Sessions are on Tuesdays between 3:00-4:30 pm ET. See full schedule and topics
Questions?

Contact Dr. Colleen McLinn, futurefaculty@cornell.edu or 607-255-2030

Building Mentorship Skills for Academic Careers is sponsored by the Graduate School’s Future Faculty and Academic Careers program, part of the Office of Career and Professional Development.

Career Discovery Series: Public Sector Careers: Government, Policy, and International Affairs Panel
2026-02-02 10:30 - 12:00 | Zoom
This small group discussion will offer insight into career paths Ph.D.s and research masters’ students pursue beyond academia, including how alumni have translated their academic training into impactful roles. Bring questions, explore industries, and learn from real experiences in an open and supportive format.
Register for Public Sector Careers: Government, Policy, and International Affairs Panel
Government, Policy, and International Affairs Panelist Bios
Abby R. Goldman, Ph.D. ’18, is a research staff member at the Institute for Defense Analyses Science and Technology Policy Institute, where she conducts research on science and technology policy in support of U.S. federal decision-making. Her work spans emerging technologies, global competitiveness, STEM education, and workforce issues, and she also mentors early-career science policy fellows. She earned a doctorate in materials science from Cornell University.

Vernon C. Mitchell, Jr., Ph.D. ’14, is the director of the Civil Rights Enforcement Agency for the City of St. Louis and formerly served as the city’s chief equity and inclusion officer. He brings a background in American history and African American studies to address systemic challenges facing marginalized communities. He earned a doctorate in history from Cornell University.

Kiley Foster, Ph.D. ’20, is a government affairs professional and analyst with the city of San José’s Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services department, supporting community-focused projects citywide. She previously worked with Utah’s Refugee Services Office and a tech education nonprofit after earning a doctorate in Near Eastern studies from Cornell University.

Cristina Fernandez-Baca, Ph.D. ’18, is a foreign affairs officer at the U.S. Department of State and a former AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow. She previously worked as a research molecular biologist at the USDA Agricultural Research Service, where she studied plant-soil microbiome interactions, arsenic uptake in rice, and greenhouse gas emissions. Her background spans environmental engineering, molecular biology, and science policy, with experience in federal research, community-based environmental programs, and mentoring students. She earned a doctorate in civil and environmental engineering from Cornell University.

The 2026 Pathways to Success: Career Discovery Series is a professional development opportunity focused on providing graduate and professional degree students and postdoctoral scholars with valuable career exploration and professional development learning and skill development opportunities. Participants may register for an individual session or all sessions offered within the week.

Career Discovery Series: From Research to Real-World Impact: Science Careers in Industry Panel
2026-02-02 14:30 - 16:00 | Zoom
This small group discussion will offer insight into career paths Ph.D.s and research masters’ students pursue beyond academia, including how alumni have translated their academic training into impactful roles. Bring questions, explore industries, and learn from real experiences in an open and supportive format.
Register for From Research to Real-World Impact: Science Careers in Industry Panel
Science Careers in Industry Panelist Bios
Christopher Wolyniak, Ph.D. ’06, leads the analytical chemistry R&D team for germ protection at Reckitt, supporting brands including Lysol, Finish, Harpic, and Dettol across teams in New Jersey and India. His team focuses on measurement techniques to understand product efficacy, stability, and quality, and they previously worked in pharmaceutical and personal care R&D. He earned a doctorate in analytical chemistry from Cornell University.

Stephanie Ropiak, Ph.D. ’18, is senior director of product research at Dairy Management Inc., supporting dairy foods innovation on behalf of U.S. dairy farmers. She previously worked in R&D at PepsiCo and Kraft Heinz and earned her doctorate in food science from Cornell University.

Michael Santiago, Ph.D. ’16, is the founder of FloraPulse, a company that developed sensor technology to directly measure tree water status for agricultural production. His work helps growers optimize irrigation for yield, quality, and water savings. He holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering from Cornell University.

Deanna Caputo, Ph.D. ’04, is chief scientist for insider threat research and solutions at MITRE and a principal behavioral psychologist specializing in judgment and decision making, human behavior, and cybersecurity. Her team uses behavioral science methodologies and analytics to reduce insider risk by analyzing how human behavior appears in cyber and noncyber data and by developing data-driven approaches to influence employee attitudes and behaviors. She is the author of “Insider Threats: Leveraging the Benefits of Behavioral Science Research” (2021) and holds a doctorate in social psychology from Cornell University.
The 2026 Pathways to Success: Career Discovery Series is a professional development opportunity focused on providing graduate and professional degree students and postdoctoral scholars with valuable career exploration and professional development learning and skill development opportunities. Participants may register for an individual session or all sessions offered within the week.

Career Discovery Series: Education, Teaching and Academic-Adjacent Careers Panel
2026-02-02 17:00 - 18:30 | Zoom
This small group discussion will offer insight into career paths Ph.D.s and research masters’ students pursue beyond academia, including how alumni have translated their academic training into impactful roles. Bring questions, explore industries, and learn from real experiences in an open and supportive format.
Register for Education, Teaching, and Academic-Adjacent Careers Panel
Education, Teaching and Academic-Adjacent Careers Panelist Bios
Jessica Metzler, Ph.D. ’11, is director of online learning at Providence College, where she leads online and hybrid program development and digital learning strategy. She previously worked at Minerva Project and Brown University’s Sheridan Center and holds a doctorate in English from Cornell University.

Zachary Grobe, Ph.D. ’22, is assistant head of the English department at the Loomis Chaffee School, where he teaches junior and senior English and supports the Writing Initiatives Program. He earned his doctorate in English from Cornell University.

Francesca Bruno, Ph.D. ’19, is the Philadelphia impact director at 12+, where she leads college and career readiness programming for low-income and first-generation-to-college students. She has over 10 years of experience teaching, advising, and mentoring students across nonprofit, K–12, and higher education settings, including at the University of Pennsylvania, Cornell, and Penn State. She earned her doctorate in philosophy from Cornell University.

The 2026 Pathways to Success: Career Discovery Series is a professional development opportunity focused on providing graduate and professional degree students and postdoctoral scholars with valuable career exploration and professional development learning and skill development opportunities. Participants may register for an individual session or all sessions offered within the week.

Career Discovery Series: Transformative Careers in Social and Environmental Policy Panel
2026-02-03 17:00 - 18:30 | Zoom
Register for Transformative Careers in Social and Environmental Policy Panel
This small group discussion will offer insight into career paths Ph.D.s and research masters’ students pursue beyond academia, including how alumni have translated their academic training into impactful roles. Bring questions, explore industries, and learn from real experiences in an open and supportive format.
Social and Environmental Policy Panelist Bios

Amelia Demery, Ph.D. ’23, is a program officer at Ocean Visions, where she leads and supports projects in ocean carbon dioxide removal, environmental justice, and coalition-building. She previously worked at the U.S. National Science Foundation coordinating interagency ocean science and policy initiatives. She earned her doctorate in ecology and evolutionary biology from Cornell University.

Colin Cepuran, Ph.D. ’20, is a senior researcher at Chapin Hall working on implementation and evaluation projects to support child welfare agencies using quantitative and geographic data. He holds a doctorate in government from Cornell University, with research focused on American politics and immigration policy.

Veronica O. Davis, M.R.P. ’03, is the U.S. vice president for planning, engagement, and urban design at AtkinsRéalis, bringing 25 years of experience in civil engineering and planning. Previously, she was the director for transportation and drainage operations for the city of Houston and co-founded Nspiregreen LLC. She also co-founded Black Women Bike (BWB) and represented Houston as vice president on the National Association of City Transportation Officials. She holds dual master’s degrees in engineering management and regional planning from Cornell University.

The 2026 Pathways to Success: Career Discovery Series is a professional development opportunity focused on providing graduate and professional degree students and postdoctoral scholars with valuable career exploration and professional development learning and skill development opportunities. Participants may register for an individual session or all sessions offered within the week.

Career Discovery Series: Science-Informed Business and Sustainability Careers Panel
2026-02-04 08:30 - 10:00 | Zoom
Register for Global Careers at the Intersection of Business, Sustainability, and Equity Panel
This small group discussion will offer insight into career paths Ph.D.s and research masters’ students pursue beyond academia, including how alumni have translated their academic training into impactful roles. Bring questions, explore industries, and learn from real experiences in an open and supportive format.
Science-Informed Business and Sustainability Careers Panelist Bios
Hema Surendranathan, Ph.D. ’21, is a sustainability and ESG professional from Malaysia with experience across TMT, energy, and transport sectors. She holds a degree from Bryn Mawr College and doctorate in English language and literature from Cornell University.

Rachel Chang, Ph.D. ’25, is a business development manager at Biocytogen, where she serves as a bridge between science and business by building partnerships to advance medicine and accelerate therapeutic development. She is passionate about communicating science, building relationships, and empowering others — values shaped through her academic and research journey at Cornell. She holds a doctorate in biomedical and biological sciences from Cornell University.

Khyati Rathore, M.R.P. ’19
Bio forthcoming.
Tristan Shepherd, Ph.D.
Bio forthcoming.
The 2026 Pathways to Success: Career Discovery Series is a professional development opportunity focused on providing graduate and professional degree students and postdoctoral scholars with valuable career exploration and professional development learning and skill development opportunities. Participants may register for an individual session or all sessions offered within the week.

Career Discovery Series: From Ideas to Impact: Careers in UX, AI and Entrepreneurship Panel
2026-02-04 13:30 - 15:00 | Zoom
Register for From Ideas to Impact: Careers in UX, AI, and Entrepreneurship Panel
This small group discussion will offer insight into career paths Ph.D.s and research masters’ students pursue beyond academia, including how alumni have translated their academic training into impactful roles. Bring questions, explore industries, and learn from real experiences in an open and supportive format.
UX, AI and Entrepreneurship Panelist Bios
Rod Recker, M.S., is a product and engineering executive with deep experience building and scaling interactive technology platforms and teams. He has served as CTO at The Glimpse Group, head of product at Alive Home 360, and led global innovation teams at Autodesk, driving product strategy, growth, and investment. He earned a master’s degree in computer graphics from Cornell University.

Malcolm Bare, Ph.D. ’21, is associate director of client solutions at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a technical product manager focused on enterprise AI and EdTech products. He works on delivering digital products that support students, staff, and faculty. He earned a doctorate in English language and literature from Cornell University.

Hakan Unsal, Ph.D. ’07, is the founder and CEO of Primerli, an industry-learning platform launched in 2019 to help professionals engage more effectively with clients across industries. He previously spent over a decade at BCG as a management consultant and in learning and development. He earned a doctorate in civil engineering from Columbia University and a M.Eng. in engineering management from Cornell University.

Naomi Enzinna, Ph.D. ’18, is a senior UX researcher and manager of UX research at UserTesting with over 12 years of experience conducting end-to-end qualitative and quantitative research across education, health care, technology, financial services, retail, and telecommunications. She specializes in accessibility UX research with work focused on identifying and addressing pain points for users with disabilities who rely on assistive technologies. Naomi holds a doctorate in linguistics from Cornell University.

The 2026 Pathways to Success: Career Discovery Series is a professional development opportunity focused on providing graduate and professional degree students and postdoctoral scholars with valuable career exploration and professional development learning and skill development opportunities. Participants may register for an individual session or all sessions offered within the week.

Career Discovery Series: Applied Humanities & Social Sciences: Creative, Human-Centered Design & Strategy Careers
2026-02-05 13:00 - 14:30 | Zoom
Register for Applied Humanities and Social Sciences: Creative, Human-Centered Design, and Strategy Careers
This small group discussion will offer insight into career paths Ph.D.s and research masters’ students pursue beyond academia, including how alumni have translated their academic training into impactful roles. Bring questions, explore industries, and learn from real experiences in an open and supportive format.
Applied Humanities & Social Sciences Careers Panelist Bios
Betty Hensellek, Ph.D. ’20 is currently a design lead at JPMorganChase. Previously she was at a Washington, D.C. design firm, Informed XP, where her team worked on projects for financial institutions and the federal government. Her first design role ‘beyond academia’ was at Xerox. Alongside her industry work, Betty also teaches art of the Silk Roads and Islamic art at the University of Cincinnati as an adjunct assistant professor. She holds a B.A. and B.F.A. from the University of Cincinnati, M.A. from New York University, and doctorate in art history from Cornell University.

Ruoji Tang, Ph.D. ’19 is senior marketing manager at Shovels.ai and was recently senior content marketing manager at Liftoff Mobile and a contributing editor for the Wall Street Journal’s China Magazine. Her first full-time position outside academia was a content marketer at Terra, a creative agency in New York. She holds a B.A. in English from UC Berkeley and a doctorate in English language and literature from Cornell.

Yagna Nag Chowdhuri, Ph.D. ’20 is a facilitator and evaluator who supports collaborative learning and organizational change through critical reflection and compassionate engagement. She draws on deep expertise in cultural studies and anthropology to navigate complex issues and foster cultures of learning. Her work bridges research, teaching, and social work to support community transformation and social justice. She holds an M.Phil. in Social Sciences from the Centre for Studies in Social Sciences, India, an M.S.W. from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, and a doctorate in Asian literature, religion, and culture from Cornell University.
The 2026 Pathways to Success: Career Discovery Series is a professional development opportunity focused on providing graduate and professional degree students and postdoctoral scholars with valuable career exploration and professional development learning and skill development opportunities. Participants may register for an individual session or all sessions offered within the week.

Career Discovery Series Keynote: Why You? How to Nail the Most Pressing Question of Your Career with Vicki Johnson ’01, Ph.D.
2026-02-05 17:00 - 18:00 | 120 Physical Sciences Building, 245 East Ave, Ithaca, NY, 14853, United States
Location: 120 Physical Sciences Building
Register for Why You? How to Nail the Most Pressing Question of Your Career Keynote
Session Description
The candidates who land dream opportunities and command their destiny aren’t necessarily the ones with the longest resumes—they’re the ones who can articulate a future vision so compelling that others want to be part of making it happen. As you stand at the threshold of your career, you can create something more powerful than experience: a vision for what’s possible. In this transformative keynote, ProFellow Founder and Cornellian Vicki Johnson ’01, Ph.D., reveals the storytelling framework that turns uncertainty into confidence and helps you claim opportunities you didn’t think were within reach.
You’ll discover how to leverage the competitive advantages you already possess, why your future story matters more than your past credentials, and how to authentically answer the question that will define your career: “Why you?” This session will change how you see yourself—and how others see you too.
Key Takeaways:

The competitive edge you already have (and how to name it)

How to create meaningful connections with selectors that inspire investment

A proven framework for crafting your most compelling narrative

Following the keynote, stay for a live Q&A and an in-person book signing. As a special thank-you, the first 50 graduate students/postdocs and 50 undergraduates who attend in person will receive a free copy of “Pitch Your Potential: The Formula to Win Selective Opportunities and Leverage Your Story for Success.” A virtual option will be provided for participants unable to attend on campus.
Speaker Bio
Vicki Johnson ’01, Ph.D., is founder and director of ProFellow®, the leading online resource for professional and academic fellowships. She is a Cornell Class of 2001 alumna (government, Arts & Science), a four-time fellow, a top Ph.D. scholar, and an award-winning social entrepreneur. She is the forthcoming author of the Wiley book “Pitch Your Potential: The Formula to Win Selective Opportunities and Leverage Your Story for Success.”

Career Discovery Series: Careers in Consulting, Strategy, and Organizational Effectiveness Panel
2026-02-06 15:00 - 16:30 | Zoom
Register for Careers in Consulting, Strategy, and Organizational Effectiveness Panel
This small group discussion will offer insight into career paths Ph.D.s and research masters’ students pursue beyond academia, including how alumni have translated their academic training into impactful roles. Bring questions, explore industries, and learn from real experiences in an open and supportive format.
Consulting, Strategy and Organizational Effectiveness Careers Panelist Bios
Rick Wang, Ph.D. ’20, is a principal at the Boston Consulting Group working with pharma and medtech clients across R&D, commercial, and strategy topics. He earned a doctorate in biomedical engineering from Cornell University.

Vivian Rotenstein, Ph.D. ’21, is a litigation consultant at Blueprint Trial Consulting, where she supports attorneys through mock trials, focus groups, jury research, witness preparation, and trial strategy. She holds a doctorate in human development from Cornell University, with research focused on implicit bias, juror decision-making, and moral judgment.

Renny John, M.P.H. ’20, is a workplace wellness professional advancing equitable well-being across Northwell Health. As senior program manager on the TeamWell team, he supports the Western Market (18,000+ team members) and is part of a team supporting over 104,000 employees systemwide. He also serves as treasurer of the Cornell Black Alumni Association, supporting a network of 15,000+ alumni. He holds a master’s of public health from Cornell University and is pursuing a doctor of public health at Morgan State University.

Yawa Zewou, M.P.A. ’20 Bio forthcoming.
The 2026 Pathways to Success: Career Discovery Series is a professional development opportunity focused on providing graduate and professional degree students and postdoctoral scholars with valuable career exploration and professional development learning and skill development opportunities. Participants may register for an individual session or all sessions offered within the week.
