College of Human Ecology at Cornell

06/03/2026

Global Spotlight: Finn Lutton ‘27
Major: Nutritional Sciences
Program: CASA Granada

Finn Lutton ’27, a nutritional sciences major, spent the semester studying abroad in Granada, Spain, where he immersed himself in local culture, explored the landscapes of Andalusia and built meaningful friendships that enriched his experience far beyond the classroom.

Q:What was your goal in a global learning experience?
A: I wanted to feel connected to a community and interact with the locals in different settings i.e. academically, hobbies, socially.

Q: How does it relate to your major?
A: It doesn’t relate to my major. I wanted to do something different.

Q: Share one takeaway or highlight from your experience:
A: Shortly after renting my mountain bike, I met a group of Spaniards who I’ve become close friends with and who have shown me aspects of Andalucia I would have never encountered otherwise. This showed me the importance of getting involved in activities and going outside of your comfort zone to meet new people from the region.

Q: Do you have advice for other CHE students?
A: While travel is a very important part of studying abroad, I recommend picking a place you will want to spend time in and get to know. Specifically, spend time thinking about what hobbies and activities you will want to pursue when you go abroad, as well as what linguistic and cultural elements you are looking for.

Some of the more rewarding moments of my abroad experience have been exploring the nature around Granada.

With planning, you can study abroad in any of our CHE majors. Learn how to make the most of your global experience: https://human.cornell.edu/news-profiles/global-learning-opportunities-every-che-major

06/02/2026

What happens when sustainability, design and sculpture come together? For more than three decades, John (Jack) Elliott has explored that question through his teaching, research and artistic practice.

An associate professor in the Department of Human Centered Design, Elliott creates sculptural "arborworks" from fallen, damaged and discarded trees, revealing the stories hidden within each piece.

“I keep coming across these amazing trees,” Elliott said. “Just last week, I was driving by Washington Park, and they were cutting down this sugar maple, and it had the most amazing intertwining of branches I've ever seen.”

His commitment to sustainability extends into the classroom, where students are challenged to think critically about the environmental impact of design decisions.

“Decisions we make every day have environmental impacts including materials in the studio,” Elliott said. “Are they toxic? What do you do with them at the end of life? Can they decompose?”

At the heart of Elliott's work is a desire to help people reconnect with the natural world and see value in what often goes unnoticed.

“I'm trying to get people to go beyond themselves and have a more biocentric view,” he said. “Then maybe they can start appreciating the world they live in a little more deeply.”

Elliott's sculptures have been exhibited throughout the Northeastern United States and Canada, with permanent installations on display in Cornell's Atkinson Hall, home of the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, and the Human Ecology Building.

Read more about the designer, educator and artist whose work gives voice to the trees: https://human.cornell.edu/news-profiles/who-what-why-jack-elliotts-sculpture-gives-voice-trees

Photo Credit: Margaret Tsai/Ryan Issa/Provided

06/01/2026

Knowledge shared early can change lives. At last week's Talks at Twelve hosted by the Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research at 570 Lexington Avenue in NYC, Jenny Weil Malatras, executive director of Cornell University Cooperative Extension New York City (CUCE-NYC), discussed how Cornell's land-grant mission comes to life across New York City's five boroughs through programs in nutrition and health, family and youth development, and STEM and urban agriculture.

A Cornell Human Ecology alumna and board-certified clinical psychologist, Malatras explored how access to practical, evidence-based knowledge can help families, young people and communities thrive before challenges become crises.

“Information is education. It’s prevention,” Malatras said, describing the philosophy that guides CUCE-NYC’s work and her vision for expanding Cornell’s impact in New York City.

Drawing on stories from educators and program participants, she highlighted how nutrition education, youth leadership opportunities and urban agriculture initiatives are helping New Yorkers build healthier lives, strengthen communities and create pathways to opportunity.

Malatras also reflected on the future of Cornell’s engagement in New York City, including opportunities to strengthen community partnerships, translate research into practical tools and expand access to knowledge that can improve lives.

Thank you to Jenny for an inspiring conversation about community engagement, public impact and Cornell's role in improving lives across New York City!

Watch the full recording of the talk at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Khiom-U51RY

Photo Credit: Jess Campelito

06/01/2026

Transferring to a new university can feel overwhelming, but for Roya Ghavamian ’27, having a community of fellow transfer students made all the difference at Cornell.

A human biology, health and society major, Roya connected with peer mentors before arriving on campus through the student organization Already Friends, helping her navigate everything from course planning to finding her place at Cornell.

Today, she's conducting undergraduate research in the Lei Lab, studying the role of antioxidant proteins in the development of type 2 diabetes and gaining hands-on experience that connects directly to her interests in medicine and health.

Her advice for future transfer students?
"Be kind to yourself and take time getting adjusted to a new environment."

In Cornell Human Ecology, transfer students bring their stories, passions and resilience with them and find communities that help them thrive.

Learn more about the transfer experience: https://human.cornell.edu/admissions/transfer

05/29/2026

05/29/2026

One last round of applause for the Cornell Human Ecology Class of 2026!👏🎓

From crossing the stage and celebrating with family and friends to tossing caps into the air and reflecting on how far they've come, commencement weekend was filled with moments we'll never forget.

Thank you for the curiosity, compassion, creativity and determination you've brought to Cornell Human Ecology. You've challenged convention, built community and worked to improve lives in ways big and small.

As you begin your next chapter, know that you'll always be part of the Human Ecology family! ❤️

Photo Credit: Galib Braschler/Marisa LaFalce

05/28/2026

A new 4-H Sustainable Fashion Club is stitching together creativity, confidence and community!

Led by Samantha Alberts, M.A. ’24, Ph.D. candidate in Cornell Human Centered Design, the club introduced Tompkins County youth to sewing, natural dyes and sustainable fashion practices, while helping them think critically about the impact of the clothing industry and their role within it.

From flower-pounded fabrics and naturally dyed garments to a collaborative purse inspired by Ruth Bader Ginsburg, students explored how fashion can become a tool for expression, empowerment and change.

“There was a lot of creativity in this club. It was fun,” said club member Wilhelmina Howard. “I really liked working with natural dyes.”

Drawing from her research on the historical strengths of 4-H clothing clubs, Alberts is now developing a sustainable fashion curriculum for grades 6–12 designed for today’s generation.

“My goal is to revitalize the club to support today's challenges within the fashion industry,” she said. “As adolescents begin working and spending money, how do they become more conscious and informed consumers?”

The project reflects Cornell Human Ecology’s commitment to community-engaged research that translates ideas into action: empowering youth with the tools and skills to help shape a more sustainable future.

Learn more about how these young creators are redefining fashion: https://human.cornell.edu/news-profiles/4-h-sustainability-club-empowers-youth-and-advances-research

Photo Credit: Marisa LaFalce

05/27/2026

Congratulations to Cornell Human Ecology students Maya Abrol ’26 and Olivia Kornstein ’26 on being named 2026 Merrill Presidential Scholars: a recognition honoring graduating seniors for their academic excellence, leadership and potential to make a meaningful impact in the world.

The Merrill Scholars program also celebrates the mentors who help shape students’ journeys. Maya, a fashion design management major, honored faculty member Catherine Blumenkamp and her high school teacher Beka Johnson of Parish Episcopal School in Dallas, Texas. Olivia, a human biology, health and society major, honored by faculty mentor Saurabh Mehta.

At Human Ecology, both students have pursued hands-on, interdisciplinary work that reflects the college’s commitment to improving lives through research, design and public engagement.

As a student research assistant in the Cornell Fashion + Textile Collection, Maya helped catalog military artifacts featured in Fit for Duty: Form and Function in Military Dress, an exhibition exploring how uniforms shape ideas of identity, function and design across history.

Olivia’s work in the Cornell Joan Klein Jacobs Center for Precision Nutrition and Health has focused on public health and nutrition research, including presentations on diet therapy for the management of obesity in children and adolescents through the Lindower-Wolitzer DNS Experiential Learning Symposium.

We’re proud to celebrate Maya and Olivia, along with the teachers and mentors who helped inspire their journeys!

Photo Credit: Ben Badua/Provided

05/24/2026

Proud families. Caps flying through the air. Big hugs. A walk across the stage years in the making. ❤️🎓

This morning at our college ceremony, we celebrated the Cornell Human Ecology Class of 2026: a group of trailblazers, changemakers and compassionate leaders ready to improve lives in every corner of the world.

As each graduate crossed the stage, it was a moment to reflect on the journey that brought them here: the challenges overcome, the friendships built, the late nights the breakthroughs and the people who supported them along the way.

Congratulations, Class of 2026! Your Human Ecology journey is only the beginning, and we can’t wait to see where you go next!

Photo Credit: Galib Braschler