In their own words, 30 dynamic members of the Class of 2011 reflect on life and learning at Cornell and on the future.

Marlon Nichols obtained a MBA in business administration studying venture capital and entrepreneurship

Catherine Lussenhop studied physics in Arts and Sciences

Josh Stansfield studied hotel administration in Hotel Administration

Nathaniel Houghton studied policy analysis and management in Human Ecology

Andrea Bowring studied materials science and engineering in Engineering

Luyuan Xing studied comparative literature, German studies in Arts and Sciences

Fiona Yu studied human development in Human Ecology

Nathaniel Steele studied communication in Agriculture and Life Sciences

Thu-Huong Nguyen studied urban and regional studies and Africana studies; minored in Asian American studies in AAP/Arts and Sciences

Matthew Mikhail studied biological engineering in Engineering

James Robert Nault obtained a J.D. in Law studying intellectual property/patent law

Konstantin Drabkin studied government in Arts and Sciences

Madison Pearsall studied information science, systems and technology in Engineering

Vivian Clark obtained a MMH in management in hospitality studying followed a self-directed study path with an emphasis on entrepreneurship

Choumika Simonis studied human biology, health and society; minored in global health in Human Ecology

Rebecca Ahrens-Nicklas obtained a M.D. and Ph.D. at Weill Cornell Medical College in physiology, biophysics and systems biology studying cardiac electrophysiology

Christian Zamarrón studied industrial and labor relations; minored in Latino studies; inequality studies; law and society in

Nitin Malik studied engineering physics in Engineering

Jean Damascene Nsabumurem studied development sociology in Agriculture and Life Sciences

Rebecca Cantrell obtained a Ph.D. in chemical engineering studying small molecule organic semiconductors; simulation

Réginald Sévère studied human biology, health and society; minored in global health in Human Ecology

Adam J. Lowe obtained a Ph.D. in microbiology studying bionanotechnology and recombinant protein production

James 'Jimmy' Crowell studied government, minored in international relations and Spanish in Arts and Sciences

Ana Florencia Lopezulloa studied behavioral neuroscience, psychology and cognitive science as a College Scholar in Arts and Sciences

John T.G. Pena obtained a M.D. at Weill Cornell Medical College in medicine studying molecular biology

Ali Hussain studied government as a College Scholar in Arts and Sciences

Lindsey Starr Treviño obtained a Ph.D. in molecular and integrative physiology studying reproductive physiology

Abena Oteng-Agipong obtained a Master's in information science (and a member of the first graduating class in this program) studying video game design, human-computer interactions and human factors

Celeste Marie Falcon studied plant science concentrating in plant breeding and genetics in Agriculture and Life Sciences

Jimmy A. Noriega obtained a Ph.D. in theatre arts studying theater and performance in the Americas

Marlon Nichols of St. Catherine, Jamaica, and Mount Vernon, N.Y., obtained a MBA in business administration

Why did you choose Cornell?: Because in venture capital, it is tremendously important to build a strong network, and Cornell has the largest alumni base in this area. Further, Cornell alumni are very active and have a reputation of being responsive to current students - I've found this to be true! Also, the Johnson School's curriculum is heavily based in experiential learning, and the opportunity to participate in BR Venture Fund (BRV), Johnson's student-run venture capital fund, was very appealing, because it involved working with real entrepreneurs, real investment dollars and real venture capital partners.
What are your plans for next year; where do you see yourself in 10 years?: I will join Intel's Accelerated Leadership Program in the Silicon Valley in their international venture capital investment division. In 10 years I plan to be the founder and managing partner of my own early stage venture capital firm.
After college, what did you do?: During the eight years between college graduation and graduate school, I worked as a relationship manager with the emerging startup software company Frictionless Commerce (FCI) in Cambridge, Mass., and was a member of a four-person group selected to launch the company's European operations. After FCI was acquired by another firm and after two years in London with FCI, I moved back to the United States. I then worked for the management-consulting firm Edgewater in New York City, eventually becoming principal strategist, where I led numerous digital transformation strategy initiatives for several Fortune 100 companies.
While at Cornell, what extracurricular activities or other accomplishments were important to you or you are most proud of?: As president and chief operating officer of BR Venture Fund, I led seven fund managers to more than double the number of associates (to about 60) that work with the fund, increase the number of potential investment opportunities that BRV reviews annually, establish formal relationships with venture capital firms and angel investors to increase the fund's reach and investment size, grow the presence of the fund throughout the Cornell community, and strengthen BRV's relationship with scientific advisers. The fund has reviewed about 70 startups as potential investment opportunities and has decided to invest in two. I am leading an effort to create a syndicate of major venture investors for one of the two aforementioned investment opportunities - a first for BRV. Also, as a Park Leadership fellow, I've benefited from a full tuition scholarship and undertaken a leadership initiative with the New Orleans-based startup business accelerator, The Idea Village, whose mission is to revitalize New Orleans' economy through entrepreneurship. I ultimately co-led a team of eight Johnson students to a first-place finish in the Idea Village's annual MBA competition for the level of impact that our team created for one of the Idea Village's portfolio companies. This led to my opportunity to address politicians, local and national media, and prominent business leaders at an event at politician James Carville's home. Additionally, three Johnson students received summer internships and one student was offered a job to lead operations for one of the portfolio companies. Since the competition, I have institutionalized Johnson's participation, strengthened the ties between Cornell and the Idea Village and am advising this year's team.

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Catherine Lussenhop of Minneapolis, Minn., studied physics

Why did you choose Cornell?: I originally wanted to be a veterinarian, but after I got to Cornell, I realized that animal science wasn't for me. I was good at physics in high school and missed it, so I switched to physics. Cornell's physics department is one of the best in the country. That's what I love about Cornell - you can't go wrong with what you do here.
Main Cornell extracurricular activity -- why is it important to you?: My small co-ed fraternity called Sigma Chi Delta. They say there's a fraternity for everyone, and we might be the fraternity for 'everyone else.' I was one of those people who thought they would never, ever, ever go Greek; but through my frat - I've been president since last fall - I've found some of the best, diverse and most accepting people in the world. I am also the features editor for a campus newspaper called The Cornell Progressive, which has been a fun way to learn about journalism.
While at Cornell, what other accomplishments/activities are you most proud of?: Doing research on dark matter - the 'missing matter' in the universe - researching dark matter at Columbia University summer after my junior year. I did in-depth investigations into the properties of Teflon, which was used to construct parts of the XENON100 detector.
Did any of your beliefs or interests change during your time at Cornell?: I have had an interest in science for as long as I can remember. But at Cornell, I've found that I'm more interested in the intersections of science with other spheres: social justice, activism, communication and politics.
What are your plans for next year; where do you see yourself in 10 years?: I'll take at least a year off to work before graduate school, most likely in science, technology and energy policy. I'm not sure where I'd like to be in 10 years, but as long as it involves talking about science, I'll be happy!
Who or what at Cornell influenced your Cornell education the most?: When I first got here, I felt a sense of isolation. It seemed that everyone already had friends. I didn't feel a sense of belonging until I went to a meeting of what was then called Haven, the umbrella organization for all of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, queer (LGBTQ) groups on campus. I was very out as a lesbian in high school, but I was dreading having to come out again to a whole new group of people. But once I found Haven, I felt a lot better about the queer community at Cornell. Haven (now called Haven: The LGBTQ Student Union) does all sorts of important work, from organizing dances to bringing excellent speakers to raising money for organizations like Sylvia's Place, an emergency shelter for LGBTQ youth. Through Haven, I got the chance to facilitate LBQ, a discussion group for lesbian, bisexual and queer/questioning women. As a facilitator, I learned how important it is for queer women at college to have a supportive community so they can know that they are not alone, even if it might feel that way at first!
What Cornell memory do you treasure the most?: Slope Day barbecues with my fraternity brothers, going to see amazing slam poets, walks in the gorges with friends, studying at the Maté Factor on the Commons, singing along to the alma mater at Chorus and Glee Club concerts, finally seeing the new Physical Sciences Building, and a million more things that I forgot.

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Josh Stansfield of Topsfield, Mass., studied hotel administration

Why did you choose Cornell?: The physical campus was surreal, the people I met were fun, and I saw one of my favorite bands at the time at a Fanclub Collective concert. Something clicked in my head, and I decided I could spend the next four years here.
Main Cornell extracurricular activity -- why is it important to you?: My fraternity: Theta Delta Chi, better known as Thumpty. It showed me that Greek life doesn't need to fit into any kind of uniform mold that lots of fraternities fall into. I've become part of an amazing group of brothers without being deprived of my individuality, and that means a lot to me.
While at Cornell, what other accomplishments/activities are you most proud of?: Nearly everything I've done here has revolved around music. My freshman and sophomore year, I co-founded Slope Magazine and served as creative director and then editor-in-chief. Around the same time, a nonprofit founded by alumni of my fraternity paid to have a world-class sound system installed at our house with the potential to continue a longstanding tradition of holding concerts in our house on campus. The following semester, we held 12 concerts and built a brand for ourselves as a professional concert venue with a unique voice in the Ithaca music scene. With the help of that nonprofit - the Spectemur Agendo Foundation - we've been able to bring world-class artists to campus for free and host events for charities like Teach for America and the Conscious Alliance, an artist-driven organization that distributes food to the needy. I also did EMT training the summer after my sophomore year after narrowly saving one of my friends from a near-fatal gorge swimming accident. Last summer in San Francisco, I helped my friend Idan Beck (Eng '06, M.Eng '07) start a music technology company, Incident Technologies, that is developing a cutting-edge digital musical instrument called the gTar. I head our brand development and marketing efforts. We've secured funding from angel investors in Silicon Valley and are excited to release our product beta this spring. Outside of Cornell, I'm also an active DJ and producer of electronic music. I play one to three shows every week on or around campus and have played across the country when I'm not in school. I'm also a resident DJ at a large 'sound camp' at the Burning Man arts festival in Nevada, where I've performed for the last three years alongside world-class artists in the electronic music spectrum. It's incredibly fun, and it allows me to connect with lots of people in a unique way.
Your most profound turning point while at Cornell?: The summer I stayed in Ithaca and spent my time connecting with the surrounding state parks, hiking trails and swimming holes. It made me appreciate the area surrounding campus a lot more. I encourage anyone with the opportunity to spend a summer on campus; the region is incredible, and it's much easier to explore in full without the hassle of a full course load.
What are your plans for next year; where do you see yourself in 10 years?: I'm moving to San Francisco to work full time for our startup - Incident Technologies. Ten years from now, I hope to be near the ocean, eating great food with great friends.
What Cornell memory do you treasure the most?: DJing a party through the early morning and then trekking with my best friends through Ezra Cornell's tunnel to the top of Ithaca Falls and watching the sunrise reflected on Cayuga Lake.

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Nathaniel Houghton of Orchard Park, N.Y., studied policy analysis and management

Why did you choose Cornell?: For its beautiful campus and the possibilities in the Policy Analysis and Management major. I also was aware of Cornell's service orientation, which is one of my favorite aspects of Cornell.
Main Cornell extracurricular activity -- why is it important to you?: I spent two years as co-chair of the United Way Student Campaign, which raises more than $30,000 annually for the county's United Way. I was honored to find creative ways to fund vitally important projects in the local community. Managing Duff Ball, Cornell's senior prom and our largest fundraiser of the year, has been more or less a dream job.
While at Cornell, what other accomplishments/activities are you most proud of?: Being vice president for university and community relations on the Interfraternity Council and a board member for REACH, which tutors local children. Also, founding the nonprofit organization Congo Leadership Initiative that works in Kinshasa, Congo, to train young local leaders through an intensive leadership development curriculum. We had 16 Congolese students in the inaugural class, and 16 in the second class. And I am proud to have been elected to Mortar Board and to the Sphinx Head Society. Finally, completing my honors thesis on demographic changes in unmarried mothers was an enormous challenge that I am fortunate to have achieved.
Your most profound turning point while at Cornell?: In the fall of my junior year, I lost the presidential election in my fraternity (Phi Kappa Tau). In retrospect, this loss was an overwhelmingly positive turning point, as it gave me a chance to reflect on my interests and role in the Cornell community. The positions I ended up with were better fits for me personally and allowed me to grow in ways that I would not have otherwise. I learned that blessings are not always as neatly packaged as we would like them to be.
What are your plans for next year; where do you see yourself in 10 years?: I will be working for a few years with onewire.com, a startup in New York that is a recruitment tool that brings candidates, companies and universities together, before moving on to Harvard Business School via the 2+2 Program. In 10 years, I hope to be happily married with a family, on my way to professional success in whatever field I end up choosing and to have a positive impact on the lives of all those I encounter.
Who or what at Cornell influenced your Cornell education the most?: The men of Phi Kappa Tau represent everything that is the fraternity ideal. My brotherhood gave me my first outlets for leadership, but more importantly kept me in check when I succeeded and helped me up when I failed. Had I not joined Phi Tau, I am certain that my experience at Cornell would not have been as positive as it was. Most importantly, I know that I will have friends for the rest of my life thanks to my fraternity.
What Cornell-related scholarships/special financial benefits did you receive?: I received financial aid all four years at Cornell and could not have attended without donors' generosity. During my senior year, I received the Frank and Rosa Rhodes Scholarship as part of my financial aid package. In addition, I was a Cornell Tradition scholar for three years.
What Cornell memory do you treasure the most?: In my senior year, the United Way Student Campaign hosted a Bailey Hall sellout A Cappella United Concert that raised more than $6,000 for United Way.

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Andrea Bowring of Merion Station, Penn., studied materials science and engineering

Why did you choose Cornell?: I wanted a great engineering school, but I wanted it in the context of a great all-around university, so there would be a variety of students, classes, ideas and activities. I spent a week at Cornell the summer before my senior year in high school at College of Engineering's CURIE Academy. This experience, which introduces high school girls to engineering, convinced me not only that I did want to study engineering, but that Cornell would be a great place for me to do so.
Main Cornell extracurricular activity -- why is it important to you?: I never want to have to choose between sports and music. Playing on Cornell's club Ultimate Frisbee team, the Wild Roses, has brought me a great group of friends and allowed me to compete at a high level. Playing the viola in the Cornell Symphony Orchestra and studying privately has given me a very different way to express myself and introduced me to a wide range of Cornell students. The orchestra also took a memorable winter break trip to New Orleans, where we played a benefit concert for the Haitian earthquake victims and helped construct houses with Habitat for Humanity.
Your most profound turning point while at Cornell?: With the help of the Cornell Career Services office, I got a summer internship at GE Energy in Greenville, S.C. Experiencing a bachelor's level job in industry made me start to question my plans to go directly into the work force after graduation. During my first two summers at Cornell, I had done research through the National Science Foundation's Research Experience for Undergraduates program, one at Drexel University on the dispersion of liquid crystals into conducting polymer, and the other at the University of Pennsylvania, on zirconium-modified lead nickel niobate, a ferroelectric ceramic that has possible applications in microwave communication systems. These programs increased my interest in doing research and gave me great hands-on experience. Senior year I worked on a senior thesis in Professor Ulrich Wiesner's lab creating ordered nanoparticle structures using block co-polymers. All these research experiences, along with many meetings with my adviser, Professor Darrell Schlom, helped me realize that my future career path would start with graduate school.
What are your plans for next year; where do you see yourself in 10 years?: I will be attending a Ph.D. program in materials science and engineering at Stanford University.
What Cornell memory do you treasure the most?: One great memory from Cornell is getting to play viola in a quartet at the engineering College Council dinners with Professor Graeme Bailey (a computer science professor and professional musician). The quartet was made up of other engineering student musicians and we had a lot of fun playing through our favorite pieces. After performing, we got to enjoy fascinating dinner conversations, including learning about the days when students used dance cards at Cornell from a former dean.

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Luyuan Xing of Briarcliff Manor, N.Y. (born in Changshu, China), studied comparative literature, German studies

Why did you choose Cornell?: I wanted to study architecture. I knew that Cornell had the best program but didn't allow myself to get my hopes up. After receiving a scholarship from a school in California, I thought I was set. Two months later, I was diagnosed with leukemia and told that I had to defer college for at least a year for intensive chemotherapy treatment. California was now too far, but then came a surprise from Cornell - I was absolutely delighted!
Main Cornell extracurricular activity -- why is it important to you?: I play chamber music, take piano lessons and sing in Chorale. Music has always been the best way for me to get away from the books for a while and to refocus my energy.
While at Cornell, what other accomplishments/activities are you most proud of?: I am proud just to be graduating, especially after transferring colleges and completing two majors in two years. After relapsing at the end of my sophomore year, I had to get bone marrow transplant. The whole process was so exhausting and I felt so defeated that I doubted whether I was capable of finishing college at all. Since then, I have done a lot of course work and realized only last semester that I have completed enough credits to earn a second major in German studies. I think only at Cornell can such a thing be possible! Aside from academics, I am proud of my work for the Lang Lang International Music Foundation. It was an eye-opening experience that was as challenging as it was rewarding. My background knowledge in music, as well as my language skills was put to use, and I learned that analytical and critical skills for literary studies can be applied to the real world. I did a lot of work for the foundation's new website, and also the Young Scholars program, which gives scholarships and all sorts of study and performance opportunities to deserving young musicians.
Your most profound turning point while at Cornell?: Last spring, everything I was studying began cohere - I spoke up in class more frequently, got my first A+, raised my GPA significantly, played a solo recital for the first time in four years and was accepted to the Telluride House.
Did any of your beliefs or interests change during your time at Cornell?: After my relapse, I realized I had been investing my college education into a projected future career, and in doing so was sacrificing my interests. When illness was threatening the very existence of that future, I decided to focus on the present and do what I enjoyed the most. I decided to transfer into Arts and Sciences for comparative literature, continue with German, study classical Chinese and play music again.
What are your plans for next year; where do you see yourself in 10 years?: After graduation, I will continue to work for Lang Lang International Music Foundation, developing innovative music education programs for public schools. I think that graduate school is in the cards for me, but I'm looking forward to first getting some work experience and seeing more of the world before committing myself to a graduate degree.
What Cornell-related scholarships/special financial benefits did you receive?: I received generous financial aid all four years. Without it I doubt that I would have been able to get a college education at all. I have also received a full room and board scholarship as a resident of the Telluride House, which has been an amazing experience.

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Fiona Yu of Vancouver, Canada (Born in Hong Kong), studied human development

Why did you choose Cornell?: I wanted to study abroad and be at a university that allows me to choose any study that best pertains to my interests and future. Cornell also has a beautiful campus, and I like the fact that all students live on/near campus.
Main Cornell extracurricular activity -- why is it important to you?: Student Agencies Inc. because all the business products and services cater directly to the Cornell and the Ithaca community. Student Agencies is the nation's oldest student-run corporation, since 1894; it has a portfolio of seven businesses and employs more than 250 student employees, the largest employer of students after Cornell itself. I served for a year as the manager of Campus Promotions, its sales and marketing agency, and was promoted to president the following year. As president, I led a team of 16 managers and officers and managed more than 200 part-time student employees. I had to work more than 40 hours/week during peak periods while attending classes, which was definitely a challenge. But the experience provided me a hands-on opportunity to run real businesses, a chance to lead and motivate a team of highly successful leaders and ultimately helped shape my career path.
While at Cornell, what other accomplishments/activities are you most proud of?: I am most proud of leading the Cornell women's table tennis team to win third place at the National Collegiate Table Tennis Competition in 2008. It is the best title Cornell has ever won in its table tennis history. (I served as captain and coach of the team; vi'e president of the Cornell Table Tennis Club during my freshman and sophomore years and president during my junior year.) I am also proud that I was a research assistant in the 'Love Lab' (Adult Attachment Lab) since the end of my freshman year and completed my honors thesis on love and shopping - 'You Never Really Shop Alone.'
What are your plans for next year; where do you see yourself in 10 years?: I graduated early in December to travel in Southeast Asia and Europe with money I saved from part-time work throughout my time at Cornell (I conquered Mount Kinabalu, a 4,095-meter-tall giant in Borneo in two days!) Starting this summer, I will be working as an associate consultant with Bain and Co. in Boston. In two years, I will join the Class of 2015 at Harvard Business School. In 10 years, I hope to be a C-level officer of a company or run my own business, be able to volunteer and advocate for issues I care about and be an avid traveler. I want a family, a beautiful home and to be around people I love and care about.
Who or what at Cornell influenced your Cornell education the most?: The friends I made and the diversity of the students at Cornell. I can speak Mandarin, Cantonese, English and French. I played on the Canadian national table tennis team. I have won national titles in Canada for piano and completed my performance diploma with highest distinction at age 14. At Cornell, I served as the events coordinator and volunteered as a piano teacher of the Cornell Piano Society for two years.
What Cornell memory do you treasure the most?: Watching sunset on Libe Slope.

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Nathaniel Steele of Tully, N.Y., studied communication

Why did you choose Cornell?: The ability to take interesting electives in communication, marketing and entrepreneurship attracted me to transfer to Cornell after I graduated from Onondaga Community College. I knew I would never have a problem finding an interesting class here.
Main Cornell extracurricular activity -- why is it important to you?: Pi Sigma Epsilon, the sales and marketing fraternity on campus, because it was a good way to meet students from other disciplines who are passionate about their future careers.
While at Cornell, what other accomplishments/activities are you most proud of?: My startup venture, Cans for Causes, where I am working to achieve our motto of 'giving the nickel value again.' My company addresses the issue of unclaimed deposits in New York. New Yorkers pay nickel deposits on every water, soda and beer container; annually more than $103 million in deposits are not redeemed. We improve redemption rates by offering a collection service to businesses, making it easier for people to claim deposits, but we require that customers donate their deposits to good causes. I started the company with only a tank of gas and a stack of business cards, and so far we have facilitated more than $10,000 in donations to nonprofits and other good causes, and we have ambitious plans for the future.
What are your plans for next year; where do you see yourself in 10 years?: Next year I will continue in my role as founder and CEO of Cans for Causes, leading a student team at Cornell that helps with strategy and business development. I will divide my time between Ithaca, where I have leased an apartment, and Syracuse, where I will have my headquarters. In 10 years, I plan to continue to pursue my entrepreneurial interests. I would love to see Cans for Causes grow to become a multi-material recycling company with a social purpose, but it would also be great if it were acquired so that I could launch other ventures. I also hope to become a professional racing driver. When I was 18, I attended racing school, and I immediately became hooked and dedicated to pursuing a racing career. Most racing drivers have reached midcareer by my age, so it will be difficult to reach the upper echelons of racing, but motorsports is first and foremost a business, and therein lies an opportunity for me to succeed by finding great partners and sponsors. There are plenty of middle-aged racers that are either successful businessmen or dedicate themselves to the sponsorship search to fund their racing, and I can achieve my dream through this type of dedication. If I am not a racing driver, I would love to be working as a team principal or manager for a Formula 1 team or American LeMans racing team. I think that new vehicle technologies will finally begin to come to market in the next 10 years as petroleum becomes too expensive, so there is an opportunity for racing to innovate, and I would love to be involved in this transition.
Who or what at Cornell influenced your Cornell education the most?: In fulfilling my major requirements to take 12 credits outside the communication core, I was been able to take Leadership Theory and Practice in the Johnson School, and Entrepreneurial Management and Entrepreneurial Finance in the Hotel School, which provided new skills and an outlook that I can immediately apply toward my ventures.

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Thu-Huong Nguyen of Seattle, Wash., studied urban and regional studies and Africana studies; minored in Asian American studies

Main Cornell extracurricular activity -- why is it important to you?: Serving as treasurer and president of Asian Pacific Americans for Action (APAA), an organization that strives to be at the forefront of Asian American activism and advocacy at Cornell. During my involvement, I helped to organize the largest East Coast Asian American student conference with more than 1,500 students from 30 colleges; successfully campaigned for an Asian/Asian American center and a new assistant director and dean position for it; and coordinated a myriad of hip-hop shows, comedian performances, educational workshops and collaborative events with other organizations. APAA, with its awe-inspiring, social justice-oriented student leaders, has been the most transformative aspect of my college experience.
While at Cornell, what other accomplishments/activities are you most proud of?: Traveling to numerous cities and countries. My friends and I established a competition our first year: to see who can participate in the most school-sponsored off-campus trips. During my five-year dual degree program, I left Ithaca for four semesters. After freshman year, I participated in the Department of City and Regional Planning's Brazilian Cities summer session program. Later on, I spent my junior academic year abroad in Alexandria, Egypt. I traveled to seven countries between these two study abroad experiences. On a related note, I am also proud of having passed all 60-plus credits of Arabic courses. I am a huge proponent of alternative, outside-the-classroom learning. This semester I took advantage of the Cornell in Washington Program. While completing my final set of undergraduate courses, I interned for the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. There, I authored a manual to guide Asian American and Pacific Islander-serving community-based organizations to existing federal service programs and grant opportunities.
Your most profound turning point while at Cornell?: Winning the Activist of the Year Award by the Student Activities Office. For the first time, I realized that others saw me as a leader, and so I began to see myself as one as well.
Did any of your beliefs or interests change during your time at Cornell?: My large scheme professional goal has not changed drastically: to improve the quality of life of poor and low-income communities and communities of color. During my time at Cornell though, I discovered more paths to get to this goal.
What are your plans for next year; where do you see yourself in 10 years?: The Monday after Slope Day, I started work as a regional coordinator for the Urban Institute's Metropolitan Housing and Communities Policy Center, a D.C.-based economic and social policy research institution, to help research housing issues across the United States. Before I turn 30, I plan to travel to 30 countries.
What Cornell-related scholarships/special financial benefits did you receive?: I have benefitted from Cornell's comprehensive financial aid package, including: the Architecture, Art and Planning Scholarship Fund, Class of 1934 Scholarship, Ganz Scholarship, William G. Hoyt Memorial Scholarship and N. Weiffenbach Scholarship. Without the support, I wouldn't have been able to attend this university. In addition, support from the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship, the Latin American Studies Program and the Latino Studies Program allowed me to undertake various research opportunities.
What Cornell memory do you treasure the most?: Living with an international student from Taiwan to whom I was randomly assigned; as a food science major, my roommate taught me what I was eating as we shared countless meals in the dining hall.

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Matthew Mikhail of Albany, N.Y., studied biological engineering

Main Cornell extracurricular activity -- why is it important to you?: Through the Cornell Presidential Research Scholars program, I have been actively involved doing research in the bioengineering department, working on the engineering applications of DNA as a structural polymer. Using the DNA hydrogels discovered in our lab, I've been developing gene expression systems that have proven more efficient and versatile than current processes. This technology could have potential application in areas ranging from first-response vaccine production to more efficient enzymes for biofuel processing.
While at Cornell, what other accomplishments/activities are you most proud of?: To get involved in service off campus, friends and I started the 'What's in a Doctor's Bag' outreach program. We visited elementary school classrooms, performing short skits to familiarize children with what to expect at a checkup. The program has been incredibly rewarding. I've also been a proud part of Cornell's Tau Beta Pi engineering honor society, where I serve as an officer of our chapter. Within the group we've coordinated a yearly Science and Engineering Fair and provided informal tutoring to younger engineers. I've ralso been actively involved in Cornell's Institute of Biological Engineers.
Your most profound turning point while at Cornell?: During my first-year engineering courses, it was tough for me to decide what I would focus on. I knew I loved physics but wanted to do something concrete, that could directly impact the way people live. At the end of that year, I remember sitting in on an introductory biology class, completely fascinated. It was then that I realized bioengineering would be the ideal discipline, drawing on engineering and physics, with application in human health and medicine.
Did any of your beliefs or interests change during your time at Cornell?: I've discovered that my breadth of interest is much larger than I first imagined. I've had the chance to listen in on many talks, on topics ranging from engineering and science to classics and humanities. In particular, I recall learning about film and linguistics, which have offered entirely new, yet interesting perspectives. I've also realized that, more than anything, it is the interplay between these different disciplines and the interaction between those with differing outlooks, that often leads to the best new ideas.
What are your plans for next year; where do you see yourself in 10 years?: Next year I will attend medical school at Yale University, where I plan to supplement my health care training with a continued involvement in biomedical research. Within 10 years, I hope to formalize my research motivation by also pursuing a Ph.D., which will help me investigate translational medicine and bring new medical technology into the clinical setting.
What Cornell-related scholarships/special financial benefits did you receive?: I've been fortunate to receive a McMullen's Dean Scholarship, as well as a Robert D. Kennedy Scholarship. They have provided the means with which I was able to attend Cornell. Also, funding by the Cornell Presidential Research Scholars program made it possible for me to stay in Ithaca over a summer and continue my research.
What Cornell memory do you treasure the most?: The peaceful beauty of my junior summer, when I stayed two months doing research in Ithaca.

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James Robert Nault of Derry, N.H., obtained a J.D. in Law

Why did you choose Cornell?: In my last job in the Navy I was the commanding officer of the Naval ROTC Unit at Cornell and took two classes at the Law School and absolutely loved it.
Did any of your beliefs or interests change during your time at Cornell?: The biggest thing for me is that as you get older you tend to have a less than positive opinion of the generation that follows you, but being here has reaffirmed my faith in the brilliance of today's 20-somethings, at least the ones that go to Cornell Law School. I really feel like going to Cornell Law School at age 48 has kind of given me a second lease on life. I could have done what most of my contemporaries have done and stayed in the defense contractor realm, but I really wanted to re-energize my brain. I know I won't be able to practice law for as long as some of my younger classmates, but that's okay. I am looking forward to my second career, this time in the legal world.
What are your plans for next year; where do you see yourself in 10 years?: I am going to be an associate in the Intellectual Property Group at Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson in Manhattan. After one year there, I will clerk for a federal appellate judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for 11th Circuit in Jacksonville, Fla. After my one-year tour of duty with him, I will head back to Fried Frank. In 10 years I hope to be a partner at Fried Frank.
What Cornell memory do you treasure the most?: The friendship that my classmates have shown me. I was somewhat worried that some of them might wonder who this weird old guy was or might not want to associate with me, but that has not been the case at all.
After college, what did you do?: I was a career submarine officer in the U.S. Navy. After three tours of duty on submarines, I was the commanding officer of USS Toledo, a nuclear attack submarine, then the staff submarine officer at the Navy's Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean, and I stood watch as the Sixth Fleet Battle Watch Captain, overseeing dual aircraft carrier air strikes and Tomahawk missile launches into northern Iraq during the initial phases of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After 27 years on active duty, I retired at the rank of captain in 2008.
Why is your research area important/why are you passionate about it?: I am specializing in intellectual property, specifically patent law. I have a bachelor's and a master's degree in mechanical engineering, so I understand and enjoy the technology behind most patents. And submarines are basically about 100 kinds of technology all jammed into a big steel tube. Also, patent law is fascinating because there are a number of areas where the law of patents is very unsettled.
While at Cornell, what extracurricular activities or other accomplishments were important to you or you are most proud of?: I was elected by classmates to be the editor-in-chief of the Cornell International Law Journal. We were able to publish some incredibly important legal scholarship on time and with high quality. Additionally, I think we improved the way the journal does business and trained our reliefs well.

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Konstantin Drabkin of Brooklyn, N.Y. (Born in St. Petersburg, Russia), studied government

Why did you choose Cornell?: After the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on my hometown, my heart swelled with American pride. I could not believe that someone could inflict so much pain on such a great country that had been nothing but kind and hospitable to my family. Making the choice to go to college and therefore delay entering the military at a time when my country needed me was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. Once I decided on college, I looked for an academically rigorous school with a Naval ROTC unit. Cornell fit the profile as the only Ivy League university with representatives from all three branches of the military. Four years later, I am glad that I came here. While I was skeptical about the so-called unquantifiable out-of-class benefits in the brochures, I learned much more at Cornell than what was on the exam, and through this personal growth will be a better asset to the U.S. military and a better person.
Main Cornell extracurricular activity -- why is it important to you?: My time at Cornell Navy ROTC. I will never cease to be inspired by the sacred trust placed in me by the American people. It was an honor and a privilege to wear the Navy uniform on campus and carry the Navy flag during parades and ceremonies.
While at Cornell, what other accomplishments/activities are you most proud of?: Serving as chairman of the College Republicans; helping raise $55,000 to bring in one of my heroes, Elie Wiesel; meeting the governor of Puerto Rico; and staying true to myself through four years of college.
Your most profound turning point while at Cornell?: Finding my voice to stand up for what I believe ... in a freshman writing seminar. I learned from the instructors that at their core, reasonable beings will listen to your argument if it is grounded in fact. While at times it may seem easier to remain silent, even those who disagree with you will respect you for having the courage to stand up for your principles.
What are your plans for next year; where do you see yourself in 10 years?: I will be a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy attending flight school in Pensacola, Fla. In 10 years I hope to still be serving this great nation as a naval aviator.
Who or what at Cornell influenced your Cornell education the most?: While I will be eternally grateful for the ways that countless Cornell students, faculty and staff impacted my life, my Cornell experience would not have been the same without Professor Isaac Kramnick and Capt. Larry Olsen. Professor Kramnick is my academic adviser and mentor. Through his genuine respect for all viewpoints he encouraged a real marketplace of ideas and taught me how to listen. Capt. Olsen was my NROTC commander. His incredible example of servant leadership and heartfelt care for humanity will remain the standard for me as a Naval officer and as a human being for the rest of my life.
What Cornell-related scholarships/special financial benefits did you receive?: The NROTC scholarship was a blessing. I would not have been able to afford Cornell without it.
What Cornell memory do you treasure the most?: Commissioning as an officer in the U.S. Navy with my family by my side and my friends in the audience.

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Madison Pearsall of La Grange, Ill., studied information science, systems and technology

Why did you choose Cornell?: For the opportunity to pursue academics and the gymnastics team.
Main Cornell extracurricular activity -- why is it important to you?: Varsity gymnastics team - I've been a student-athlete my whole life, and continuing gymnastics in college was a goal of mine for as long as I can remember. The girls on the team have been my closest friends at Cornell, and they are a large part of what makes it so important to me. As a support system, there's none better, and together we've been through it all.
While at Cornell, what other accomplishments/activities are you most proud of?: The balance I've found between athletics and academics and having been named an ESPN the Magazine Second-Team Academic All American in 2010 and a four-semester member of the 400 Club for student-athletes with at least one semester with a 4.0 GPA. And I'm an NCAA Regional Qualifier and six-time USAG All American between the events of vault, floor, uneven bars and the all around. Beyond the gym I'm very proud of the community service work the gymnastics team does. We often work with the kids of Big Brother Big Sister, and, through the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, we have 'adopted' a young girl with a brain tumor and made her an honorary member of our team. She has marched with us at meets and hangs with the team whenever she can.
Your most profound turning point while at Cornell?: One night junior year I was invited out with some friends and ended up making a bunch of new ones at what became an early morning celebratory breakfast of bagels and champagne. There were athletes and Greeks, researchers and presidents of clubs doing amazing things I hadn't even heard of. I don't think it was really until then that I began to recognize the breadth of Cornell.
Did any of your beliefs or interests change during your time at Cornell?: I'd say that the most profound change of interest I had while at Cornell was in figuring out what exactly my interests are. It took time to accept that it's not being good at everything that's important but finding what really excites you that matters. For me, it's solving problems, being given pieces of a puzzle and putting them together.
What are your plans for next year; where do you see yourself in 10 years?: I've accepted a position with the consulting firm McKinsey & Co. in Chicago. The consulting position will give me exposure to various industries and ways of thinking. I want to keep learning and solving problems wherever I can.
What Cornell memory do you treasure the most?: In 2009, Cornell became the first non-scholarship school to win the USAG Collegiate National Championship for gymnastics. It's what we work for all year long. I, personally, had my career high all-around score that day, which became the third highest score in Cornell history. Similarly, the score I received on uneven bars, another career high, helped to drive my average score up to lead the team in that event. At the end of the meet, we were sitting down waiting for the winners to be announced. They said fourth place, third place ... we were still waiting. Then they announced it: 'Your 2009 National champions, Cornell University.' Everyone went wild; we had no idea we had won. It's one of the most exciting moments I can remember. There's nothing better than a team coming together at the right instant and feeling all your hard work and sacrifice pay off.

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Vivian Clark of New York, N.Y., obtained a MMH in management in hospitality

Why did you choose Cornell?: Because it is the leader in the hospitality industry, and I wanted to return to my passion for food.
Did any of your beliefs or interests change during your time at Cornell?: Thanks to a course on Sustainable Global Enterprises in Hospitality, I am much more knowledgeable about sustainable practices in hospitality. The restaurant industry is loath to embrace the idea of sustainability since it is difficult to find a successful triple bottom line model. I hope to help restaurants move forward in nutrition, whole foods and sustainability issues by one day developing more obviously profitable models for our industry.
What are your plans for next year; where do you see yourself in 10 years?: In 10 years I want to own my own farm-to-table restaurant in Harlem, N.Y. Next year, I hope to work for a well-organized restaurant group to learn what I'll need for my own restaurant, in one of the areas of whole foods, or in the sustainable food industry.
What Cornell memory do you treasure the most?: My introduction to figure skating class. The course work for a 12-month program is grueling and in the fall I didn't schedule any down time. This semester, no matter how many hours I log in working and studying, I have the figure skating class to look forward to.
After college, what did you do?: I started in a management trainee program for Aramark's Corporate Dining Division, worked as the catering director at Salomon Brothers and then left the company to open a catering business with a partner. The year before we opened, I worked at the Hotel Copthorne Stephanie in Brussels in their catering department and took classes in international cuisine, French and the art of French wines and Belgian beer. Since my partner had been a chef at a celebrity-owned New York City restaurant, we decided to focus on 'celebrity catering,' specifically in the recording industry. For the three and a half years we were in business, I met with potential clients and catered events. It was all fun, fascinating and exciting. Had I known then what I've learned and am learning now in the entrepreneurial classes here at Cornell, we might still be in business! Alas, our business closed, and I spent the next decade working outside of the industry, getting married, having a daughter and studying for a second degree in French literature (including a semester at the Sorbonne) at Hunter College.
Why is your research area important/why are you passionate about it?: Food has always been my passion. My mother was a bona fide 'foodie' who also loved to travel, so I was introduced to food and tastes from all over the world. As I've matured, I've become more interested in healthy cuisine and more concerned with the proliferation of processed foods (or what has been called 'food-like substances'). I hope to one day help Americans reconnect with the joys of real food.
While at Cornell, what extracurricular activities or other accomplishments were important to you or you are most proud of?: Being a part of the New World Agriculture and Ecology Group, connecting with students who are interested in agriculture, farming and sustainable food practices; it has been a great and valuable experience.

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Choumika Simonis of Jamaica, Queens, N.Y., studied human biology, health and society; minored in global health

Main Cornell extracurricular activity -- why is it important to you?: Being a short sprinter on Cornell's varsity women's track and field team since my freshman year. The challenges of being a student athlete forced me to be very disciplined. I also value the relationships I have formed with my teammates and coaches and the positive impact track has had on my personal and physical development.
While at Cornell, what other accomplishments/activities are you most proud of?: Being on the dean's list and a member of the 400 Club during my junior and senior years. My academic experience at Cornell has been extraordinarily demanding, and I have worked much harder than I imagined, so I appreciate the recognition. I also value my experiences as a teaching assistant in nutritional sciences and a tutor for organic chemistry. The positions required creativity, adjustment to different students' learning styles, as well as discovering new ways to manage my time. They were tremendous experiences.
Your most profound turning point while at Cornell?: Studying abroad in Moshi, Tanzania, with the Cornell Global Health Program in summer 2009. I took a course at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College and interned as a nutrition intern in a village on the hills of Mount Kilimanjaro for the Minjeni Women's Group Trust. I will never forget my adventures in Tanzania that summer, or the breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro on my walk to class and on my way to Professor Rebecca Stoltzfus' house for weekly meetings.
Did any of your beliefs or interests change during your time at Cornell?: I developed an interest in studying both nutrition and anthropology. I never considered these topics or realized their major roles in the field of public health before college. Also, my original plan was to attend medical school immediately after graduation. However, I have realized that the time immediately following college is the perfect time to discover other options before I re-engage in the full-time study of medical school.
What are your plans for next year; where do you see yourself in 10 years?: I plan to work in Léogâne, Haiti, as a nutrition intern for the Children's Nutrition Program of Haiti. In 10 years, I will be completing my medical residency training and working in the fields of public health and epidemiology.
Who or what at Cornell influenced your Cornell education the most?: My mother, who is a Haitian immigrant to the United States, always insisted on the importance of education. My mentor, Jolene Lane, now at Teachers College at Columbia University, whom I've known since my sophomore year of high school, has been my 'other mother,' far beyond just mentoring, and made me a more analytical thinker and a more intelligent person.
What Cornell-related scholarships/special financial benefits did you receive?: I was awarded the Jackie Robinson Foundation/Cornell scholarship as a high school senior as well as a Cornell grant during all four years. These and the other scholarships and grants I received made my Cornell education possible, especially since I bear some of the financial responsibility to help my mother pay some household bills and support my siblings with their college and boarding school fees.
What Cornell memory do you treasure the most?: Election night in 2008 -- It was clear that Barack Obama was going to win, and students started cheering and celebrating in the streets and inside my dorm. The atmosphere was electric. It was my first time voting, and I will never forget my contribution to that historic moment.

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Rebecca Ahrens-Nicklas of St. Louis, Mo., obtained a M.D. and Ph.D. at Weill Cornell Medical College in physiology, biophysics and systems biology

Why did you choose Cornell?: I was incredibly impressed by the clinical training and research opportunities and liked all of the students I met when I interviewed. There was such a diversity of backgrounds and life experiences among the students; I knew it would be a great community to join.
What are your plans for next year; where do you see yourself in 10 years?: Next year, I will be enrolled in the combined training program in pediatrics and medical genetics at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. In 10 years, I hope to be a physician-scientist on faculty at an academic medical center. I would like to both see patients with genetic illnesses and run a basic science laboratory investigating the genetic basis of disease.
What Cornell memory do you treasure the most?: My seven years at Cornell have provided me such a diversity of amazing experiences. These moments have covered the spectrum from incredibly lighthearted and fun experiences with friends to painfully poignant and serious interactions with critically ill patients. My most jubilant memory is the day that my Ph.D. thesis technique worked after years of troubleshooting and tweaking. I'll never forget the excitement I felt as my lab mates and I watched an isolated mouse heart cell beat with a human rhythm for the first time.
After college, what did you do?: I spent a year teaching health, chemistry and biology to eighth- and ninth-grade students at a bilingual school in the Dominican Republic.
Why is your research area important/why are you passionate about it?: Both inherited and drug-induced cardiac arrhythmias can have devastating consequences, including sudden cardiac death. These arrhythmias often affect young otherwise healthy individuals. Our understanding of who is at-risk for life threatening cardiac rhythm disturbances is very limited. Therefore, it is essential that we develop better methods to identify both mutations and drugs that predispose patients to lethal cardiac electrical abnormalities.
While at Cornell, what extracurricular activities or other accomplishments were important to you or you are most proud of?: Co-founding FACES, the Female Association of Clinicians, Educators and Scientists, a women's mentoring and networking group for physician-scientists, during my first year at Cornell. This group has provided support and career advice for both trainees and faculty members and has also been at the forefront of many policy changes within our Cornell community. FACES-led initiatives have included the development of the nation's first family leave policy for M.D./Ph.D. students and backup child care services for students.
Do you have an unusual background in some way that has influenced your scholarship?: During my training at Cornell, I was lucky enough to get married and, later, we had our daughter, Amelia. She has definitely influenced how I will practice medicine as I enter a career in pediatric genetics. She has given me a new appreciation for the anxiety that any parent of sick child must experience.
What does your dissertation or thesis cover?: I developed a new hybrid experimental-computational technique to study both mutation and drug-induced cardiac arrhythmias. In short, I developed a way to make isolated mouse heart cells behave electrically like human heart cells. Therefore, we can study what insults may affect the proper electrical activity of humanlike cells.

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Christian Zamarrón of Rochelle, Ill., studied industrial and labor relations; minored in Latino studies; inequality studies; law and society

Main Cornell extracurricular activity -- why is it important to you?: Being a leader of el Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán (MEChA): a student organization that fights against and raises awareness of issues that affect brown and immigrant communities. Being a part of MEChA and the Cornell Organization for Labor Action has allowed me to remain true to what I came to Cornell for - to advocate and fight for the immigrant, Latino and working people.
While at Cornell, what other accomplishments/activities are you most proud of?: That MEChA worked so hard to get the support of President David Skorton for the DREAM Act, which in turn led other university presidents to advocate for it. I am also very proud that I have excelled academically, held meaningful research jobs with Kate Bronfenbrenner and Sofia Villenas, been an activist for immigrant and Chicano communities and mentored my siblings and other Latinos who want to make it to college, all while fighting in the courts against detectives and lawyers who are trying to incarcerate my father for a crime he did not commit.
Did any of your beliefs or interests change during your time at Cornell?: My increase in self-awareness and understanding of the fundamental inequalities and injustices of our society intensified my belief in the importance of fighting for social justice, especially through the labor movement and the immigrant rights movement, during my time at Cornell. I also gained a heightened awareness of the institutional racism that survives to this day and the importance of recognizing and fighting against it.
What are your plans for next year; where do you see yourself in 10 years?: I have accepted a job as a labor organizer for public service workers within SEIU Local 521, based out of Santa Cruz, Calif., mentoring and developing leaders, working on political campaigns, fighting against the right wing attacks on public sector workers, and organizing and doing direct actions. Looking further into the future, I hope to be an immigration/labor/civil rights lawyer working on impact litigation and class action lawsuits on behalf of the Latino community.
Who or what at Cornell influenced your Cornell education the most?: I am the first son of hard-working immigrants from Mexico who have worked as ESL teachers, ballet folklorico instructors, factory workers and owners of a small jewelry store. I have worked as a union organizer in Missouri, as a detasseler and supervisor in the cornfields of Illinois and as a temporary employee pulling 12 hour shifts, packing 55-pound calcium-powder bags at a factory in my small, rural town surrounded by cornfields.
What Cornell-related scholarships/special financial benefits did you receive?: Thanks to the many scholarships I received, my world-class education here was free. Without financial aid, attending Cornell would have been almost inconceivable. As a Cornell Tradition fellow, I was able to take part in eye-opening service-learning trips in Guatemala, Nicaragua and Peru. Funding from Tradition and the Office of Minority and Educational Affairs allowed me to perform research work that has been very important to my Cornell experience, academically and financially. Finally, the Edward Gray Memorial Award allowed me to take a credit internship in Mexico City and dedicate a semester to advancing worker's rights as a strategic researcher with the Solidarity Center.
What Cornell memory do you treasure the most?: Successfully leading MEChA in fundraising, planning and hosting the national East Coast Chicano Student Forum Conference: 'The State of La Raza: Latinos/as in Higher Education in Anti-Immigrant America.'

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Nitin Malik of Great Falls, Va., studied engineering physics

Why did you choose Cornell?: Before my first visit to Cornell, I was mainly considering the school because of the strength of its engineering program. I fell in love with the campus, and after that point I was sold. I was happy to apply for and gain admission through early decision.
Main Cornell extracurricular activity -- why is it important to you?: Bhangra has been one of my most enjoyable experiences at Cornell. I have been dancing bhangra, an energetic North Indian folk dance, since I was 10 years old, and being a part of the team at Cornell gave me the opportunity to relax from a busy academic load. I've made some of my strongest friendships at Cornell with team members. We have spent hours practicing, have traveled all across the country for competitions and have participated in countless performances on campus.
While at Cornell, what other accomplishments/activities are you most proud of?: Doing research since freshman year. I initially worked with cellulase enzymes to understand their mechanism for breaking down cellulose. The nature of this work could be used to create new enzymes and mixtures for producing biofuels. This year, I am working on an honors thesis project to study graphene (a single sheet of carbon molecules) and its application to biological sensing.
Your most profound turning point while at Cornell?: Junior year, which was the beginning of most of my major-required classes, all of which were problem set-based. Each problem set was difficult and time consuming. It was through this experience that I really learned how to collaborate with others, ask for help and explain difficult concepts and approaches to problems. These are the skills that I hope to take with me through my future career.
Did any of your beliefs or interests change during your time at Cornell?: I learned to have a more open mind. There are so many students with so many different backgrounds, beliefs and interests. Interacting with all of these students on a daily basis taught me to become receptive to different viewpoints.
What are your plans for next year; where do you see yourself in 10 years?: I plan to work as a researcher at the National Institutes of Health for one to two years as part of the Postbaccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award program. After that, I plan to apply to medical schools. Hopefully, I will have my medical degree in 10 years, and I hope to either pursue my interest in research or be a practicing physician.
Who or what at Cornell influenced your Cornell education the most?: Most certainly my peers, mostly by collaborating with others. Because of this, I had the opportunity to interact with and learn from a variety of people.
What Cornell-related scholarships/special financial benefits did you receive?: As a Hunter R. Rawlings III Cornell Presidential Research scholar, I had the opportunity to begin research early on at Cornell, the spring of freshman year.
What Cornell memory do you treasure the most?: Pao Bhangra (the bhangra team's annual show) - an immense amount of planning, advertising and practicing goes into the show. We invite about five teams from around the country to come to Ithaca and perform; in addition, our team puts on performances of our own. The show has grown larger and larger each year and has become known as 'the biggest student-run show on campus.' Being able to dance in front of thousands of people, many of whom are friends and family, was an absolutely exhilarating experience. This year was the show's 10th year.

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Jean Damascene Nsabumurem of Providence, R.I. (born in Rwanda, emigrated at age 24), studied development sociology

Why did you choose Cornell?: After living for many years as a refugee (since age 12, when I ran for my life during the Rwandan genocides and lost my father and a sister) in the Congo and Zambia, I had little hope of attending college. I was supporting my mother and five younger siblings and needed to work in a grocery store. In 2005 my family was chosen by the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees as one of the few refugees families granted a refugee resettlement; in 2006, we were selected by U.S. immigration to emigrate and resettled in Providence, R.I. The first thing I did in Providence (in addition to learning English) was to ask how I could enroll in college. That fall, I enrolled at the Community College of Rhode Island and worked in a restaurant and as a math tutor on campus and at an adult learning center for low-income adults. My second year, I won the election as the student government president with overwhelming votes. In 2009 when I was about to graduate, I looked for a four-year college that had a major that would help me achieve my dream - development studies, with an ultimate goal of pursuing a degree in international development. I had little knowledge about colleges besides those in Providence. But while applying to Brown University, I learned about the Common Application, and started browsing college state by state for schools that offered the major I wanted. That is how I stumbled on development sociology of Cornell.
Main Cornell extracurricular activity -- why is it important to you?: Being a team leader for the Development Sociology (DSoc) undergraduate club, because it connected me with development sociology students outside of class, gave me the opportunity to talk about development sociology around campus and work with others to plan social activities. Although being 27 years old when I came to Cornell, which made me feel different from most undergraduates, DSoc helped me connect with others.
While at Cornell, what other accomplishments/activities are you most proud of?: Making dean's list my second semester here. It brought me great joy despite the fact that I was on the dean's list all semesters before I transferred to Cornell.
What are your plans for next year; where do you see yourself in 10 years?: Next year, I will begin a master's degree program at the Cornell Institute for Public Affairs (making me the first in my family of seven to not only finish high school, earn an associate and a bachelor's degree, but now also, the first to pursue a master's degree). In 10 years I see myself leading a successful career in education policy where I will be able to develop communities around the world through education.
What Cornell-related scholarships/special financial benefits did you receive?: The Andrew Paul '78 and Margaret Batchelor Paul scholarship was critical. I want thank them and other people who made education possible to students like me who could not afford Cornell otherwise.
What Cornell memory do you treasure the most?: The memory I treasure most were those days I had to walk back to my room from the library at 2 a.m. when the temperature was freezing.

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Rebecca Cantrell of Houston, obtained a Ph.D. in chemical engineering

Why did you choose Cornell?: I wanted to be in a university environment where I could take almost any class I wanted. I was very attracted to the diverse academic and extracurricular opportunities, such as Intro to Wines and the sailing courses here, which not every university is fortunate enough to have.
What are your plans for next year; where do you see yourself in 10 years?: I have accepted a job with Dow Chemical in Newark, Del. I'll be a senior engineer working on the chemical mechanical planarization process, which is a method that significantly improves the performance of electronic devices. In 10 years, hopefully I'll still be with Dow Chemical working on newer projects and furthering my impact in science and technology.
What Cornell memory do you treasure the most?: The 'Valentine's Day Storm' of 2007 - we had nearly two feet of snow in 24 hours. By 10 a.m., the university still hadn't closed, and students were skiing along sidewalks and sledding down the slope. Such a storm might normally horrify someone from Texas, especially one experiencing her first Ithaca winter, but I remember it being incredibly fun. It seemed a testament to the energy of the school.
Why is your research area important/why are you passionate about it?: Organic semiconducting materials are a growing area of research, with applications for organic light emitting diodes, organic field effect transistors and organic solar cells. In a world where electronic devices and energy needs have shaped our lives, being involved in these research applications makes me feel like I am making a difference, albeit a small one.
While at Cornell, what extracurricular activities or other accomplishments were important to you or you are most proud of?: I have published three papers as first author in refereed journals, and have two more on the way this year. I was nominated for teaching assistant of the year in March 2008 for leading a senior chemical engineering lab, and won the Austin Hooey Graduate Research Excellence Recognition Award in December 2010. I got the chance to study Mandarin Chinese; it's a very challenging language, but I got a hold of it toward the end. I wanted to travel to China in January 2011 to be able to speak it to native people. I went to Egypt instead (since it was pretty cold in China that time of year), leaving just two days before the revolution broke out. Outside of Cornell, I competed in two half marathons, two Cayuga Lake sprint triathlons and a Cayuga Lake Olympic-distance triathlon. Also, in my first couple of years at Cornell I was active in the East Hill Flying Club at the Ithaca airport. I became licensed to be a private pilot in summer 2006 and working toward my instrument rating in the years following. During that time I gained a lot of respect for the complex systems and safety procedures involved in flying. I also got the chance to share flying in Ithaca with other Cornellians, an experience not easily forgotten.
What does your dissertation or thesis cover?: My research involves multiscale computational studies of nontraditional (organic) semiconductors, especially the optimization and understanding of manufacturing processes used to fabricate electronic devices and design improved semiconductor materials.

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Réginald Sévère of Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, studied human biology, health and society; minored in global health

Main Cornell extracurricular activity -- why is it important to you?: Serving as a resident adviser at the Holland International Living Center, my home for all four years. As a freshman, I felt welcomed because everyone had a different background and a different story, thus we were all eager to learn from one another. As an RA, I have made some of my most cherished friendships and met some of the most amazing people. Living in HILC helped me realize the importance of community, of leaving one's comfort zone and of dedication.
While at Cornell, what other accomplishments/activities are you most proud of?: Through a service project my best friend and I initiated, we raised funds to purchase medical supplies and staple foods for patients in an outpatient clinic in Port-au-Prince and generated a resource binder about postsecondary education opportunities for a high school library in Port-au-Prince. During winter break of my junior year, I helped a group of American medical students, serving as a liaison between the doctors and the patients. The group provided care at a rural clinic that served eight neighboring villages. I also interned at the GHESKIO clinic working in the sexually transmitted diseases unit, interacting with patients and participating in counseling sessions for those who had returned for their blood test results. As a senior I helped start a Cornell service-learning project in the Dominican Republic, to help Haitian immigrants. The project aims to support this community by improving their educational and medical infrastructure. Finally, thanks to the Cornell Tradition office I was also able to travel to Nicaragua to help build eco-stoves and renovate a rehabilitation center for young adults addicted to drugs. These experiences have helped me build a better understanding of the challenges involved in supporting an impoverished community. A lot more work is still needed in those communities, and I hope to continue supporting them in the future.
Your most profound turning point while at Cornell?: The first time I studied in Uris Library as a freshman. Walking back at 2 a.m., under the cold rain, I not only realized how far away I was from my little Caribbean island but also was reminded of the amount of sacrifices that I would have to make to survive and excel at Cornell. My four years here have been shaped by the fact that I come from a country where basic things like taking a warm shower can be a luxury for some people. The situation back home motivated me and shaped my choices when deciding on a major and minor and guided my choices of extracurricular activities. The reality of Haiti constantly reminded me that no matter what I experienced while at Cornell (i.e. stress, disappointment, etc.), I was still very fortunate.
What are your plans for next year; where do you see yourself in 10 years?: For two years, I will be pursuing a master's of science in education at Johns Hopkins University while attending to my responsibilities as a Teach for America corps member. I will be teaching secondary chemistry in a Baltimore public school. In 10 years, I hope to have obtained my medical degree and will be in the process of finishing my residency in pediatrics.
What Cornell-related scholarships/special financial benefits did you receive?: I will forever be grateful to Cornell Tradition, Cornell's Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program and to the Cornell Professional Opportunities Program. Their financial and professional support helped me reached my academic and professional objectives.

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Adam J. Lowe of Salisbury, Md., obtained a Ph.D. in microbiology

Why did you choose Cornell?: It was the only place where I felt I could do interdisciplinary and applied research. Cornell really encourages its graduate students to reach out across campus and form good working relationships. I've been lucky enough to work with mechanical engineering and the business school extensively, and it has really added to my graduate education.
Did any of your beliefs or interests change during your time at Cornell?: My political beliefs solidified here. While much of the campus maintains a liberal viewpoint, I found myself in agreement with Libertarian ideals. This led to many interesting debates on how graduate student activity fees should be spent.
What are your plans for next year; where do you see yourself in 10 years?: Next year, I will be working at SRC in Syracuse as a principal research scientist leading their biotechnology advanced technologies initiative. In 10 years I still hope to be in a scientific leadership position with in MBA.
Why is your research area important/why are you passionate about it?: It's important because it 'does something.' I am passionate about any research that improves upon important processes, treats or cures a malady, or makes life better for people at large.
While at Cornell, what extracurricular activities or other accomplishments were important to you or you are most proud of?: I was proud to be selected a Presidential Life Sciences fellow. This program enabled me to rotate on any lab on campus, regardless of the department. I was also proud of winning a Nanobiotechnology Center Integrated Research Fellowship based on my research. Work that stemmed from this grant was ultimately patented. Finally, I am very proud of working as the chair of the Cornell BR Ventures Technical Advisory Board. BR Ventures is a student-run venture capital fund in the Johnson School that invests in Cornell and local startups. The technical advisory board provides scientific and engineering expertise for the due diligence process.
Do you have an unusual background in some way that has influenced your scholarship?: I grew up in a rural, small town on the eastern shore of Maryland. I feel this gave me a different perspective than many others here. I am also the first in my immediate family to obtain a college degree.
What does your dissertation or thesis cover?: My thesis research focused on developing functional bionanotechnology. I developed and patented a system that detects single base changes in DNA (single nucleotide polymorphisms - SNPs). SNPs are one of the key diagnostic markers for genetic disease and cancer progression. The platform is advantageous over current technology because it can detect many SNPs from a single sample. I have also worked on nanoparticle-based biosensors to detect pesticides as well as a selective protein labeling system. As facility manager for the Cornell-Cancer Research Institute's Bioproduction Facility, I helped develop bacterial strains expressing cancer antigens for use in cancer vaccine clinical trials. Using the newly developed process, we produced enough protein for use in phase one clinical trials. We had to adhere to strict FDA standards for clinical products, including exhaustive quality control and testing. While at Cornell I was able to participate in producing the proteins three proteins for use in cancer vaccines.

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James 'Jimmy' Crowell of Scituate, Mass., studied government, minored in international relations and Spanish

Why did you choose Cornell?: I chose Cornell because I was unsure about what I wanted to study. Cornell presented so many options for a course of study that I felt reassured about starting college with no chosen field. I also was attracted to the size of Cornell and its stunningly beautiful location. Being from a small, homogenous community, Cornell has given me the opportunity to meet so many unique people who have taught me more than any book has.
Main Cornell extracurricular activity -- why is it important to you?: My writing for the news section of the Cornell Daily Sun, which allowed me to practice something completely foreign: journalism.
While at Cornell, what other accomplishments/activities are you most proud of?: My undergraduate research and honors thesis on repressive tendencies of partially democratizing autocrats, which was made possible by my Rawlings Cornell Presidential Research Scholarship.
Your most profound turning point while at Cornell?: Studying abroad for a semester in Seville, Spain, with Spanish students at the Universidad de Sevilla -- it was the most challenging, but most rewarding situation of my life. It expanded my worldview and opened my eyes to different cultures and ways of living. I also gained much more confidence in my independence and my perseverance.
Did any of your beliefs or interests change during your time at Cornell?: My belief in people has changed profoundly -- I had never met and befriended such compassionate and caring people before. I come from a family of lobster fishermen in Massachusetts that runs back eight generations. I love the ocean and working with my father on his boat, but it has never been what I wanted to do with my life. Although I feel guilty ending the family tradition, my father and family have encouraged my studies at Cornell. My background initially made it very difficult for me to relate to other students here and feel confident about who I was and where I was from. However, I've realized that coming from little has made me a stronger person and has allowed me to stay focused on what really matters in life. People outside of my family had never inspired me or supported me like my friends here have. I have truly made lifelong friends not only with other students, but also with faculty members. I owe them so much.
What are your plans for next year; where do you see yourself in 10 years?: I plan to work first a paralegal or other type of legal assistant and then to decide whether law school is a good choice for me.
What Cornell-related scholarships/special financial benefits did you receive?: In addition to the Rawlings scholarship, which supported my research, I also received substantial financial aid from the university, without which I never would have been able to study here.
What Cornell memory do you treasure the most?: How my friends stayed with me for hours, sacrificing their own time to comfort me when my right lung collapsed sophomore year and I was in and out of the hospital, eventually having surgery. I was so far from my family, but my friends spent hours by my bedside, neglecting their own responsibilities to be with me. I had never been so touched before. It made me realize what a true friend really is and how fortunate I am to have them in my life.
What are your plans for next year and beyond?: I plan to work first a paralegal or other type of legal assistant and then to decide whether law school is a good choice for me.

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Ana Florencia Lopezulloa of Monterrey, Mexico, studied behavioral neuroscience, psychology and cognitive science as a College Scholar

Main Cornell extracurricular activity -- why is it important to you?: My opinion column at the Cornell Daily Sun perhaps, since it opened a door to have a dialogue with people from the Cornell community that I wouldn't have known otherwise. My position as event coordinator at Cornell Minds Matter was of particular personal relevance to me all throughout college, especially with last year's suicides. It was exhilaratingly wonderful to feel there was something I could do to help others who were feeling as distraught as I was. But deep down, it's my rock band that I have valued the most - I play keyboards and sing, and all our songs are original. Playing keeps me sane, feeling alive and validated.
While at Cornell, what other accomplishments/activities are you most proud of?: Being a Cornell Tradition fellow, because it allowed me to volunteer in the Drop In Children's Center, serve as a bowling coach to Special Olympics athletes, translate surveys at the Survey Research Institute, participate in the Tapestry diversity performance and perform in the 'Vagina Monologues.' It also paid for my research on rhythm entrainment in dolphins that I did in Florida and my summer thesis research in Ithaca last summer. Also, learning Portuguese, my sixth language. Knowing various languages allows me to mix with a lot of social groups, and also allowed me to teach Spanish in local schools, be a Spanish and Portuguese instructor, have Latin arguments with Classics majors, talk French literature with grad students, and complain about how bad my Japanese is by now.
Your most profound turning point while at Cornell?: My Drugs and the Brain class, hands down; it gave me the focus I needed. It made me see that I absolutely loved neuroscience, and that everything I did could be linked to it in wonderful ways. I was able to hop on a research project for my undergraduate thesis - giving learning tasks to rats that are injected with endocannabinoid antagonists, which we believe will impair learning.
Did any of your beliefs or interests change during your time at Cornell?: I switched academic interests seven times! I went from being a linguistics major to a College Scholar interested in linguistic neurobiology and then to socio-linguistics to social psychology to biopsychology to neurobiology to behavioral neuroscience and ended up with behavioral pharmacology as my main area of interest. It's part of what you're expected to do, I believe.
What are your plans for next year; where do you see yourself in 10 years?: This summer and next academic year, I will be a research assistant in the Ron Harris-Warrick lab at Cornell, working on spinal cord injury surgeries in mice and exploring possible ways to have their neurons regenerate. I am unsure where I will be in 10 years, but I'm confident that I'll have it figured out by then. I'll probably be a lot more settled; probably have a family. Who knows.
Who or what at Cornell influenced your Cornell education the most?: I was married and 21 as a freshman. I applied to Cornell after a year soul searching and teaching English to businessmen in Madrid. My being older allowed me to be very focused on my time here. I chose things for a reason, always, and I had the freedom to choose anything I wanted.
What Cornell-related scholarships/special financial benefits did you receive?: I've had a full tuition scholarship and the Cornell Tradition program paid $4,000 in tuition per year, plus a stipend that financed my crazy research summers: Tradition would pay for my living expenses while I did that research and I wouldn't have to worry about working, which was amazing. I worked a lot during the semester, though, to be able to do that (there was a semester I had eight jobs simultaneously).

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John T.G. Pena of Detroit, obtained a M.D. at Weill Cornell Medical College in medicine

What are your plans for next year; where do you see yourself in 10 years?: Next year, I will be an instructor and principal investigator in WCMC's Dyson Eye Research Institute and will start a laboratory in ophthalmology developing methods to better understand and hopefully slow the progression of the diabetes in the retina, which can lead to devastating blindness.
What Cornell memory do you treasure the most?: During my neurology clerkship at WCMC, we cared for a young woman with multiple sclerosis who was completely disabled from her disease - unable to walk, with excruciating electric pain shooting down her legs, changes in vision and extremely stiff arms and legs; and she had no health insurance. We treated her symptoms and her pain resolved, she became more mobile, and we worked hard to help her with insurance issues. This experience taught me that by having an education in medicine we treated her immediate problem, by having a research background we can look to improve current therapy, and most importantly, we have to find a way to make these therapies affordable.
Why is your research area important/why are you passionate about it?: My goal is to apply a new small RNA technology to study diabetic retinopathy, a devastating cause of blindness, in the hope of slowing down the destruction the vision. As a physician-scientist, I hope to harness the promise of biotechnology to use basic science to solve these serious medical problems. I witnessed a neighbor, who was a carpenter recently struck with blindness; he lost his profession, income and mental health. Patients need our help, and hopefully, a therapy we develop will benefit others, especially a family friend like my neighbor.
While at Cornell, what extracurricular activities or other accomplishments were important to you or you are most proud of?: I founded a 'Student Research Day' conference; was founding editor of Cornell Medical Student Research Day Journal; helped serve as a mentor and group leader for minority students who are interested in pursing medical careers; was a member of the Weill Cornell Medical College (WCMC) Student Executive Council and founded the WCMC Martial Arts Club.
Do you have an unusual background in some way that has influenced your scholarship?: Growing up a mile outside of Detroit, my father was a grocer and mother a social worker. Many of my neighborhood friends became tangled with devastating mistakes of petty crime or worse. I spent my time learning and restoring a beat-up British sports car from the 1970s, which I purchased for $50. My father and I spent years refurbishing it. My family's garage was my first lab, and my father was my first science mentor. I learned to troubleshoot and be creative to solve practical problems. Combined with my family's focus on education, excellent mentors from university and hard work, I found my direction and passion.
What does your dissertation or thesis cover?: As a Tri-Institutional M.D.-Ph.D. student, I worked at Rockefeller University (receiving a Ph.D. in the field of biomedical sciences from there in 2009) and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to help improve a technique to reliably image gene expression. We applied this simple modification to look at patient biopsy samples and to image unique genes in breast cancers, diseased cardiac samples and to differentiate dermatological carcinomas. The findings resulted in publications and a U.S. patent (and a company formed by my adviser). Our plan is to find unique genes and image them so that we can better diagnosis disease, perhaps at earlier stages.

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Ali Hussain of Plymouth, Minn., studied government as a College Scholar

Why did you choose Cornell?: I am a first-generation Pakistani American as well as the first person to go to college in my family in the United States. This has made me very grateful for being able to attend a place like Cornell and get the mentorship, assistance and inspiration I needed to succeed here.
Main Cornell extracurricular activity -- why is it important to you?: I have been heavily involved with leading several organizations, such as the Islamic Alliance for Justice and the Committee for the Advancement of Muslim Culture, that aim to empower the Muslim voice at Cornell. The Muslim American experience is still nascent on college campuses throughout the United States. Being able to help found and lead student groups and initiatives that bring diverse perspectives to social, cultural and political issues during this time in history has been very meaningful and important to me.
While at Cornell, what other accomplishments/activities are you most proud of?: Living at the Telluride House for four years with students from all academic interests, political opinions and racial, social and religious backgrounds has really broadened my perspectives on global issues and allowed me to learn about the wide range of diversity and thinking at Cornell. I am also grateful for the variety of diverse work experience I was able to get while at Cornell. Over the course of my four years, I interned with Google, where I also did a project on the impact Internet technology is having on authoritarian states, the American Civil Liberties Union in New Jersey and the U.S. Congress in Washington, D.C.
Your most profound turning point while at Cornell?: Without a doubt my summer in the Cornell Urban Scholars Program (which has been discontinued due to the financial climate, but hopefully just temporarily). With generous funding and unbelievable mentorship, this opportunity allowed me to work with nonprofit agencies in New York City and build strong relationships with likeminded Cornell undergraduate leaders. I am grateful for all the issues relating to education, health care, transportation and housing I was exposed to that summer. On a lighter note, since my personal computer crashed, I believe I have clocked the most hours in Uris Computer Lab in Cornell history. I made at least 100 Facebook friends though my time here.
Did any of your beliefs or interests change during your time at Cornell?: I came to Cornell focused completely on academics. I quickly came to realize that the classroom is only one aspect of your Cornell experience. Real growth for me often came though being involved and engaged with other issues on campus, student organizations and going to talks on topics I often did not even understand.
What are your plans for next year; where do you see yourself in 10 years?: After graduation I will be in Washington, D.C., doing policy work as part of my Truman Scholarship (they will place me). Next fall, I will pursue an M.Phil. in politics at Oxford University on a Marshall Scholarship.
Who or what at Cornell influenced your Cornell education the most?: I am a first-generation Pakistani American as well as the first person to go to college in my family in the United States. This has made me very grateful for being able to attend a place like Cornell and get the mentorship, assistance and inspiration I needed to succeed here.
What Cornell-related scholarships/special financial benefits did you receive?: Scholarships and aid were the only reason I could come to Cornell; they include support from Cornell the Telluride Association, and scholarships endowed by Tom Jones, Frank and Rosa Rhodes, and Alfred and Mary Kahn, and the Iscol Family's Leadership Award.
What Cornell memory do you treasure the most?: All the free food opportunities around campus. Though almost infinite, I often knew these better than my own class schedule.

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Lindsey Starr Treviño of La Joya, Texas, obtained a Ph.D. in molecular and integrative physiology

Why did you choose Cornell?: When I was applying to graduate schools, I was looking for a flexible program that would provide comprehensive and interdisciplinary training in the biomedical sciences. The Biological and Biomedical Sciences graduate program in the Vet College fit this description based on the collaborative nature of faculty, as well as the diverse courses and seminars.
Did any of your beliefs or interests change during your time at Cornell?: I took the bellydance physical education course and fell in love with this dance form. Before Cornell, I never saw myself as a dancer of any kind, but now I can't imagine not having this hobby. It is a great way to release stress, and I have met some great friends who also love to dance.
What are your plans for next year; where do you see yourself in 10 years?: I obtained a postdoctoral position at Baylor College of Medicine and have been there since October. I anticipate continuing my training there for several more years before I apply for faculty positions.
What Cornell memory do you treasure the most?: I treasure my memories of the many festivals and fairs that I attended while at Cornell. I enjoyed watching the local performers, listening to good music and eating the delicious food. I even got the chance to perform bellydance with my friends at several of the festivals.
Why is your research area important/why are you passionate about it?: Because ovarian cancer is difficult to diagnose early and as a result many women die of the disease every year. We need to find methods of early detection and more effective treatment regimens in order to decrease the mortality of the disease.
While at Cornell, what extracurricular activities or other accomplishments were important to you or you are most proud of?: I am proud of my involvement with Expanding Your Horizons (EYH). During my time at Cornell, I volunteered as a buddy, attending workshops with the girls to stimulate their interest in math and science, ran a workshop and also served as a co-chair of the Diversity Committee, because I believe that girls from all backgrounds, including those with unusual backgrounds, should have access to opportunities like EYH. Mentoring is an important way to increase diversity in the sciences, and I have benefited from the support and advice of mentors throughout my training. As a result, I viewed my interactions with undergraduate students as a chance for me to serve as a mentor. I hope that I had an impact, no matter how small, on them as my mentors had on me.
Do you have an unusual background in some way that has influenced your scholarship?: As a Hispanic who grew up and attended college in areas of Texas with large populations of Hispanics, coming to Ithaca was out of my comfort zone, and I suffered a little bit of culture shock. I got used to my surroundings in time, however, and believe that my experiences give me a unique perspective that can allow me to help other underrepresented students interested in pursuing graduate study in the sciences.
What does your dissertation or thesis cover?: My dissertation research focused on ovarian cancer in the hen, a spontaneous animal model of the disease. We have provided evidence that the oviduct is a possible site of origin of chicken ovarian tumors, ovulation is a significant initiating factor of the disease and that steroid hormones, particularly estrogen, may play a role in chicken ovarian tumor progression. Collectively, our studies provide information regarding the development and progression of ovarian cancer in the hen and may help us better understand the disease in women.

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Abena Oteng-Agipong of Washington, D.C., obtained a Master's in information science (and a member of the first graduating class in this program)

Why did you choose Cornell?: Cornell was one of the only universities to offer a master's program in information science.
Did any of your beliefs or interests change during your time at Cornell?: Both of my parents are from Ghana, but after coming to Cornell, I feel more culturally aware and very comfortable in engaging in activities outside of my culture. I've definitely learned to step outside of my comfort zone academically and nonacademically.
What are your plans for next year; where do you see yourself in 10 years?: Next year, I hope to be working for a company as a user interface designer or human-computer interaction consultant. Within 10 years, I hope to have worked for a game design company or a product design company. Either way, I will probably be focusing on design and human experience rather than creation of applications (aka, coding) for the years to come.
What Cornell memory do you treasure the most?: Wushu and Liondance performances and competitions. Even ballroom competitions that I took part in during my undergrad were memorable. The drives to and from competitions and workshops are definitely fun, exciting and unpredictable. I also am going to miss the night practices and all the late night bonding sessions that happened afterward. I feel like the late night eating, playing games and working sessions (that ended up never being that productive) brought the teams closer and me closer to my teammates.
Why is your research area important/why are you passionate about it?: With the rising use of computers and their applications, it is important to design systems that are user friendly and will make tasks easier and more efficient. Information science fuses the technical with design. I think video games not only can be entertaining but also educational and engaging. Designing a video game has allowed me to apply computer science, social systems and human-computer interactions. I learned so much about designing interfaces, how to design a game (or any system) for a particular audience, how people interact with a particular game and what previous mindsets they may have and lastly, coding, from taking courses and seeking projects related to game design. This year, I worked on three separate gaming projects.
While at Cornell, what extracurricular activities or other accomplishments were important to you or you are most proud of?: Being involved in Cornell Wushu (a contemporized form of traditional martial arts that emphasizes the aesthetics of movements over martial applications) and Cornell Liondance - they are my 'stress relievers' and pride and joy. Both organizations have been very accepting and culturally enriching and both have pushed me physically. I have learned to do things that I would have never thought possible - like a butterfly kick or having someone stand on my hip bone holding a Chinese lion head. I have performed at Cornell, at elementary schools and with children on Take Your Child to Work Day to promote cultural awareness. I have also been part of the National Science Foundation's Computational Sustainability project, which includes several teams that are developing educational video games to teach about sustainability, computer science and math topics for middle school students. I have also interned at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service, focused on Web design and development of Web applications.

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Celeste Marie Falcon of Lower Burrell, Penn., studied plant science concentrating in plant breeding and genetics

Why did you choose Cornell?: I've known since eighth grade that I wanted to work in genetics. In 11th grade, I learned of Barbara McClintock's work here, which led me to read up on Cornell and the plant science major. Throw in the diverse student body, beautiful campus and the marching band, and I was completely sold.
Main Cornell extracurricular activity -- why is it important to you?: Playing the flute in the Cornell Big Red Marching Band. The band's history and traditions have instilled Cornell pride in me. And band practices and performances have been an escape from studying. I always get home from practice happier and less stressed. And being section leader for the past two years has been incredible.
While at Cornell, what other accomplishments/activities are you most proud of?: Doing research as a Rawlings Cornell Presidential Research scholar. I worked on a cider apple genetics project freshman year. That summer, I genotyped about 700 varieties of cider apples in Fort Collins, Colo. Sophomore year, I phenotyped a subset of those apples. The next summer, I worked in Ithaca on harvesting and processing the population of wheat that I had decided to study. Junior year, I investigated inulin (a complex carbohydrate with health benefits) content in wheat and collected data on this trait for my wheat population. Last summer in Fort Collins, I sequenced plants in the Maloideae subfamily. This year, I have been working on my senior honors thesis that seeks to map the genes responsible for inulin content in wheat and to discuss the plausibility of breeding for increased inulin content in wheat.
Your most profound turning point while at Cornell?: The Cornell workload was a shock when I got here, and learning to get work done efficiently while finding time for fun was difficult. One night freshman year, a couple of friends convinced me to go skating at Lynah despite the fact that I still had most of a bio web quiz to finish before midnight. That was when I started to figure out that it's best to have fun sometimes. Working hard at Cornell is necessary, but enjoying time with friends makes the experience worth it.
What are your plans for next year; where do you see yourself in 10 years?: Next year, I plan to attend the University of Minnesota to pursue my Ph.D. in plant breeding and molecular genetics. In 10 years, I will be doing research to create more nutritious crops to help people in developing nations who suffer from malnutrition.
What Cornell-related scholarships/special financial benefits did you receive?: I'm a first-generation college student, and my family could not have afforded Cornell tuition without the scholarships and grant money that I have been gifted. I have received a Cornell grant, Wilhemine Lind Memorial Scholarship, Andrew G. Hillen Scholarship, Tang Scholarship, Rawlings Cornell Presidential Research Scholarship and federal work study. I also was enormously grateful to receive money from CALS International Programs and my department to travel to India for the IARD 6020 Agriculture in Developing Nations trip.
What Cornell memory do you treasure the most?: Walks back to North Campus from Collegetown freshman year, doing silly things with my housemates, swimming in the gorges, spending time with the flutes, hearing the Lynah Faithful cheer on our hockey team ... the list goes on. I can't believe how much I'm going to miss Cornell.

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Jimmy A. Noriega of Douglas, Ariz., obtained a Ph.D. in theatre arts

What are your plans for next year; where do you see yourself in 10 years?: I will be an assistant professor of theatre at the College of Wooster. I plan to continue conducting research throughout Latin America, as well as directing plays.
What Cornell memory do you treasure the most?: Receiving a standing ovation from sold-out audiences at the Schwartz Center for my play 'Mujeres de Ciudad Juárez,' which was one of the most intense pieces that I have directed- it is about the femicides in Juárez, Mexico, where more than 1,300 women have been murdered since 1993. I also traveled with my actresses to Ecuador to present the play at the Quito International Theatre Festival in March. Being able to present such a powerful show to multiple audiences was extremely memorable and moving. To see all my years of work culminate in these experiences was both encouraging and satisfying.
Why is your research area important/why are you passionate about it?: I am from a small town on the U.S.-Mexico border and am the first person in my family to go to college. My experiences within the borderlands helped fuel my passion for Latina/o and Latin American theatre. It also made me aware of the needs of marginalized populations and the difficulties many people experience because they lack positive representation in public spaces. Many of the artists that I write about come from marginalized positions in their societies - they are immigrants, youth, women and indigenous people. Theatre offers them a voice and space in the public sphere, and a way of empowering themselves and changing the world in which they live. Working with these artists has been moving and inspiring in more ways than I could have ever imagined.
While at Cornell, what extracurricular activities or other accomplishments were important to you or you are most proud of?: I directed 13 productions here, including shows for the Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts, the Minority, Indigenous and Third World Studies Research Group and Teatrotaller, the Hispanic theatre troupe. Teatrotaller has been most important to me - I directed nine plays for the group. I also presented two plays at the Jerusalem International Theatre Festival, and a play about immigration in New York City and at the Mid-America Conference on Hispanic Literature at the University of Kansas. I am also very proud of teaching six First Year Writing Seminars for the Knight Institute, including courses on Native American, Latina/o, and Latin American theatre and performance and a course on theatre of immigration. My students and I were twice awarded the Spencer Portfolio Award, and in 2009 I received the Achievement in Teaching Award, given annually to one instructor of a writing seminar. I also taught Latina/o theatre and literature courses at Elmira and Auburn maximum security penitentiaries through the Cornell Prison Education Program and Bard Prison Initiative. I will never forget the lessons that I learned in those classrooms and am grateful that I was able to help these men realize a new way of looking at and understanding theatre and literature.
What does your dissertation or thesis cover?: My research is based on fieldwork I conducted with theatre artists in Bolivia, Ecuador, Mexico and the southwestern United States. I analyzed the influences and effects of politics, globalization, ethnicity, indigeneity and collective memory on performance and protest and explored the ways marginalized communities use theatre to advance their lives and social agendas.

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