Young Alumni Spotlight: Eden Rauch NS’98, MPH, MD

Dr. Eden Rauch is a double board-certified Reproductive Endocrinologist and Obstetrician Gynecologist who has always had a natural desire to help people.  

Dr. Rauch earned her undergraduate degree at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York with honors in Nutritional Sciences. Her background in nutrition has been helpful throughout her medical career in counseling and promoting wellness with her patients. She went on to continue her education at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick, New Jersey. She enrolled in a combined degree program for Public Health earning her a degree in medicine and a master’s in public health MPH in Epidemiology, and was involved in starting NJ’s first registry to track early ultrasound-diagnosed fetal anomalies. Dr. Rauch went on to pursue her interest, completing her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology and her fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at New York Presbyterian Hospital – Weill Medical College of Cornell University. In fellowship, Dr. Rauch was involved with starting an FDA-approved fertility preservation clinical trial for women affected with breast cancer. After residency and fellowship training in New York City, Dr. Rauch returned to her home state of NJ and joined a very busy fertility center in central NJ. She is responsible for helping families bring hundreds of new lives into the world.

Dr. Rauch’s compassionate approach to medicine has earned her several distinctions including the Vitals.com Compassionate Doctor Recognition and the Gold Humanism in Medicine honors.

Dr. Rauch has authored and contributed to numerous articles in peer-reviewed medical journals including Fertility and Sterility, American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey

Her areas of interest include improving infertility diagnosis and treatment, particularly in the areas of fertility preservation for patients with cancer, ovarian reserve screening and the treatment of diminished ovarian (egg) reserve in young poor responders, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), nutrition and its impact on health and infertility, and minimally invasive endoscopic surgery.

 

Q: What is it like to be a reproductive endocrinologist? Could you tell me more about yourself?

A: Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) is a specialty within Obstetrics and Gynecology that focuses on hormones and their impact on the reproductive lifespan which include menarche, puberty, the reproductive period, and the menopausal transition. As a reproductive endocrinologist, I can treat a diverse population of patients and address problems that may interfere with normal hormonal reproductive physiology and fertility. The infertility component addresses patients who are actively trying to grow their families and require medical assistance. In addition, we can help patients preserve their fertility. As REI’s, our days start very early; you must be a “morning person!” The field is full of clinical patient encounters, office-based procedures, minimally invasive surgeries, and ultrasound examinations. Some examples of the hormonal conditions that we treat include amenorrhea which is the abnormal cessation of menstruation, hormonal dyscrasias such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, insulin resistance, hypogonadism often resulting from low body mass index, reproductive congenital anatomic disorders, pituitary tumors, and premature menopause. Some of our work overlaps with general endocrinologists, but we tend to focus on areas that directly impact the reproductive cycle. Compassion, patience, dedication, innovation, and good listening skills are important qualities for successful physicians in this field.

I am a double board-certified Obstetrician-Gynecologist, Reproductive Endocrinologist, and Infertility specialist in New Jersey. I graduated from the Division of Nutritional Sciences in Human Ecology with honors in 1998. I went directly to medical school after graduating from Cornell where I completed a combined MPH/MD program at Rutgers Medical School and UMDNJ School of Public Health. I completed my 4 year residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-GYN) and a 3-year sub-specialty fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Weill Cornell Medical Center. After 7 years of training in New York City, I returned to my home state of NJ and joined a very busy fertility center in central NJ. I have helped couples and patients grow their families by helping to bring hundreds of new lives into this world.  I grew up in New Jersey, enjoying music and the arts. I enjoy going to Broadway shows and experiencing the Lincoln Center NY Philharmonic. I have played the violin for many years, striking my interest in classical music.

Q: What was your CHE experience like? What were you involved in during your undergraduate years?

A: I had an extremely rewarding undergraduate CHE experience. I am truly grateful for the opportunity I had to explore the various courses and opportunities that CHE had to offer. I started as a Human Biology, Health, and Society major but I took an introductory Nutritional Sciences class and became intrigued with Nutritional Sciences. I switched my major to Nutritional Sciences wherein I had the opportunity to delve deeper into the subject matter. I loved being at the forefront of how nutrition impacted public health. During those years, I had the privilege of learning from professors who were making valuable contributions and discoveries to the field of Nutritional Sciences. My advisor, a MD-PhD in the department, guided me and helped me to navigate my career path. He introduced me to basic science research in the university and nutritional public policy in Washington, D.C. I focused heavily on research. At the end of my first year, I was part of a laboratory at the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine wherein I studied the deprivation of blood flow and nutrition to fetuses in the pregnant ewe model. I participated in fetal surgeries on sheep, learned how to perform basic science hormonal assays, and presented my research as an honors thesis. In addition, I spent time in Washington, D.C. at the Institute of Medicine assisting in writing nutritional policy guidelines for the elderly population. 

Q: What resources provided by Cornell guided you the most in your career exploration as an undergraduate student?

A: Relationships with my professors and peers guided me the most in my career exploration as an undergraduate student. Because the College of Human Ecology is a smaller college within Cornell, it fosters relationship-building with professors. For example, there was a visiting professor that I worked with who I still keep in touch with to this day. By building and maintaining these relationships, it allows for continuous learning, collaboration, and more opportunities.

Q: How has your degree in Nutritional Sciences prepared you for your career?

A: Medicine and Nutritional Sciences go hand-in-hand. Because of my background in Nutritional Sciences, when I took nutrition courses in medical school, it was not all new information. In my career, I can cater more to patients’ needs such as informing pregnant anemic and/or intolerant patients about supplements and foods that may improve their overall well-being and success with fertility and pregnancy. Nutritional Sciences is a great bonus! 

Q: Do you have any advice for undergraduate students who are trying to figure out what they want to do in the future? What advice would you give to your undergraduate self?

A: Explore as much as possible. Explore the classes, explore the campus, and just be as involved as you can be in areas that may interest you. Keep an open mind; you never know what you may encounter. Take courses that interest you which you may never have the opportunity to take again. Meet with professors. They can give you advice and help you explore your interests. Get involved early so that you have more time to explore and delve deeper into what excites you. Explore spaces in Cornell that you typically would not visit and consider staying over the summer. Cherish your years at Cornell and try to take it all in! 

Q: How was the transition from undergraduate to graduate school? Can you talk more to your experience(s)?

A: I went directly to medical school from undergraduate school and it was a smooth transition. I had some colleagues from Cornell that attended my medical school so it was great to see some familiar faces. Medical schools now focus more on postgraduate real-world experiences before admission; which was different for me when I applied to medical school.

Q: Do you have any advice for those interested in going to graduate school? What advice would you give to your graduate self?

A: Spend time with people in your field of interest. Connect with alumni and other individuals that you admire. Take courses that interest you. Try to gain some fieldwork experience. Be mindful of unique opportunities. Have an open mind and be resilient. There are many different paths to get to the same place. 

 

 

 

Young Alumni Spotlight: Jennifer Lowenberg NS’15, DPT

 

Jennifer Lowenberg is originally from Northern Virginia but since getting married, have lived in New York, Texas, Japan, and now Maryland due to her husband’s career in the Air Force. She graduated from Cornell University with a degree in Nutritional Science where she was also a member of the track and field team, specializing in the pole vault. She then graduated with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2019. Since graduating, she has worked with all different clients in the orthopedic setting and have enjoyed getting to know every single patient she treats. Outside of the office, she enjoy spending time with her family (her husband, her dog, and her 11 month old daughter), exploring nature and going on hikes, traveling, and trying all the different restaurants in the area.

Q: What was your CHE experience like? What were you involved in during your undergraduate years?

A: I had a good experience. I was able to take courses both inside and outside of my major which was a great opportunity for me. I made good friends and it was a small program. Being a D1 track athlete, practices and meets took a significant portion of my time. 

Q: What career and Cornell related advice would you give Nutritional Sciences majors? Human Ecology students in general?  

A: For Nutritional Sciences majors, I would say to use the major to do whatever you want to do especially due to the difficulty of the major. It is ok to be different. You do not have to do what all your peers are doing. Enjoy your major but do not be tied down to one thing. For Human Ecology students in general, I would say to take the time to explore. Utilize this opportunity to explore and figure out what you really want. Once you graduate, you do not always have the privilege of just taking classes so capitalize on this opportunity. 

Q: What are some things that you wish you knew before going to graduate school?

A: It is a big time commitment. It is harder and easier than undergrad in certain aspects. In graduate school, there is a bigger concentration on what you want to do. Because everyone is in different stages in life, there are diverse experiences. 

Q: I know that you took a gap year prior to going to graduate school. What did you do during that time and how did it help you professionally and personally?

A: In my gap year, I worked in a doctor’s office and coached track. This gap year was more of a mental break for me. It gave me the time to figure out what I wanted to do and gave me some needed time away from school. 

Q: What is your work like? Could you tell me more about yourself?

A: I currently work in outpatient orthopedics. I work 8 to 9 hours a day excluding weekends. I deal with a variety of injuries in a diverse population. For example, I may be helping an athlete with regaining motion and helping another patient hold his/her grandchild again. I do both rewarding and stressful work. I love the office and the flexibility that a career in physical therapy gives me. It is also stressful in that not all patients are cooperative and recover to the extent I would like them to.

Q: How have your values and goals translated into what you’re doing now? 

A: I value working directly with people and I value physical health and wellness. I get to work directly with patients, helping them gain or regain mobility and strength. As a former track athlete, I get to continue to help others with physical health and wellness. 

Q: What is it like working as a PT in the military? 

A: In my previous job as a PT in the military, it was a very unique experience. I loved the military population but it was stressful. Unlike most of the general population, they are motivated to go to PT but they require some support. It is hard to see how much they have to endure. 

 

 

Young Alumni Spotlight: Jonathan Fisher HD’17, JD

Jonathan Fisher is an associate in the New York office of Milbank LLP and a member of the firm’s Alternative Investments Practice. His area of practice focuses on structured finance and securitizations, including collateralized loan obligations. Prior to joining Milbank, Jonathan earned his J.D. from Fordham University’s School of Law and worked at Davis & Gilbert LLP as a litigation paralegal. He earned his B.S. in Human Development with a minor in the Performing and Media Arts from the College of Human Ecology, graduating in the class of 2017.

Jonathan Fisher, HD ’17, is an associate in the Alternative Investment practice at Milbank LLP, focusing his practice on structured finance, structured credit and securitization matters. He graciously decided to share about his experiences at Cornell and in the workforce on October 27th, 2023. Here are some of his insights:

Disclaimer: The following is the opinion of Jonathan Fisher personally and is not representative of any opinions of Milbank LLP, nor any of its employees. 

Q: What is your work like? Could you tell me more about yourself? 

A: I work in the field of law and have since graduation (outside of law school at Fordham University). Soon after graduating from Cornell, I joined Davis & Gilbert LLP as a paralegal in the litigation department, which included two CHE alumni. 

After law school, I joined Milbank LLP, where I’m currently a second-year associate in Milbank’s Alternative Investments Practice. Most of my practice is representing collateral managers, who are finance professionals who look at bank loans and other financial products to give advice on minimizing risks and maximizing rewards for the manager’s clients. It’s a very niche area of finance where I get to learn everyday while working alongside a small team of attorneys. Because we’re a small team, we get to take on work that can stretch us beyond usual expectations and get the opportunity to start communicating directly with both our clients and lawyers for the other deal parties very early on. 

When I’m not working, I stay connected with my friends, many of whom are from Cornell, and enjoy the performing arts when I can. I started writing some music and musicals at Cornell that I occasionally tinker with when I have time as well. 

Q: What was your CHE experience like? What were you involved in during your undergraduate years? 

A: First of all, I loved my Cornell experience overall. From the first time I stepped foot on campus for a summer program in architecture (which I didn’t end up pursuing), to my last steps off campus when I graduated in May of 2017, the Ithaca campus has always felt like a second home to me. It was particularly moving to come back five years later in 2022, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and reconnect with classmates I hadn’t seen in years and look out at the campus. So much had changed in some ways, and yet plenty of spaces were exactly as I left them. 

My CHE experience was where I got to be curious and try to make connections with what I’d experienced in life, what I was thinking about, and where the world could go in the future. And that speaks a lot to CHE’s desire to be a home of innovation, to take an interdisciplinary approach to improving lives. I think when I first came to Cornell, I didn’t know where life would take me afterwards, but I’ve always been a bit of a people pleaser and wanted to help people. But in the College, you could learn about the psychology of a person’s life, how we change over our lives, and watch this play out in front of you. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the college, I wasn’t solely focusing on psychology and Human Development coursework. As a singer my whole life and someone who loves to create, I was able to take courses in the Music and PMA departments to explore my love as well. One of my favorite courses now is a Psychology and Law course, co-taught by Cornell Law professors Valerie Hans and Jeffrey Rachlinski. Underpinning everything was learning more about others, how we think, and key skills developed over time that lead to desirable qualities of leadership and teamwork. 

I was also highly involved at Cornell in various organizations. I was a member of the Cornell University Glee Club for basically my whole time at Cornell, and served as a music librarian for three of those years. I was an Active Citizen at William Keeton House, where I lived for three of my four years. I served on the Academic Integrity Board for the College, both as a member and an alternate. I kept in touch with my Jewish roots through the various organizations at Cornell, including Cornell Hillel and the Center for Jewish Living. And I was fortunate to help be on the Convocation Committee which helped select the Convocation speaker, which was now-president Biden. 

Q: Are there skills or internships that you think students should focus on right now, which could be advantageous in multiple professions in the future? 

A: Something that was emphasized in law school about internships is that to a certain extent, the name of the company you work for matters less than the transferable skills that matter for the profession you are searching for. Even if the internship is not in the area you expect to focus on for the rest of your life (or even the first few years after school), focus on what you can take away as one of your strengths, or how you will act in a new situation. 

Skills that I find important, especially working in a large law-firm setting, include being curious, being collaborative, keeping an open-mind, asking questions (but also know when and where to ask them), being communicative and responsive to others, and organization. 

The single-most important skill that’s transferable across professions is how to best solve a problem. No matter where your career goes and at what level of that profession, you’ll be faced with problems – what are the toolkits at your disposal and how do you work through them? 

Q: What advice would you give to students who are debating between entering graduate school or immediately entering the world of work? 

A: If you’re on the fence, many professions usually have points in time where if you want to go to school, you can either leave with the skills you gained from working and come back with those new skills. For those with a particular research question or desire to deepen knowledge in a career, especially now, then graduate school up front is definitely a great way to go. 

When it comes to legal work, this can go either way. You may be able to learn by working before law school about both if you truly are interested, and if so, help develop what area of law you might be interested in. 

Most importantly, you have to be able to enjoy what you are doing in the moment and the work environment you are in. Maybe you’ll discover a new passion, or a research question, or a desire to help people or learn business skills – each could motivate you to go back to school. And in law, it’s not that uncommon to come into that field later, even as a third career. 

Two important things to remember are that you should a) figure out what you like and b) take the leap of faith. Nothing is guaranteed so it is very important that you plan to the best of your ability and to just do your best. 

Q: What advice would you give to your undergraduate self? 

A: Don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith and stray from the path you think you’ve planned. In some ways, I stuck very close to what I wanted to learn and am very happy to have done that exploration. I could have branched out more, but I also look back on how remarkable the last few years have been. Ten years ago, I was probably talking about movies and musicals non-stop, and now, I am helping the finance world generate value to keep our markets running. The path may have been winding, and I’m sure there will be plenty of revisiting and exploration of other areas down the line, but I wouldn’t have done that without being willing to say yes, try to enjoy being in the moment, and not being afraid to step off that path and see where it goes. 

 

Alumni Spotlight: Jessica Wang HD’14

 

Jessica's Headshot
Jessica Wang

 

Jessica Wang is a Cornell Human Ecology alumni who graduated in 2014 majoring in Human Development. Currently, she’s working as a Senior Brand Manager at L’Oréal Paris.

Below is an interview with Jessica where she shares her advice on gaining experience in your field of interest, networking and finding mentors, using your Human Ecology education to add value to your career journey, and so much more. 

 

Q: What is your work like? Could you tell me a little about who you are?

A: Since I’m a huge makeup and skincare junkie, I’ve always wanted to work in the beauty industry. After graduation, naturally L’Oreal was one of the companies that I had my eye on, so I reached out to a recruiter on LinkedIn. The rest is history and I’ve been at L’Oreal ever since working across multiple brands. Most of my career has been in product innovation which involves looking at market data, trends and consumer insights to identify portfolio gaps. From there, we work to conceptualize what products should be launched and collaborate with cross-functional teams like supply chain, creative, finance, packaging and the labs to physically bring the product to life. More recently, I’ve been working in brand management which involves developing media pricing, retailer and promotional strategies to sell products to the consumer. Overall, within both functions, there are so many moving parts that have to come together, so my day to day is dynamic – both in a challenging and exciting way!

Q: What was your CHE undergraduate experience like? What were you involved in during your undergraduate years?

A: I really enjoyed my CHE experience because I like having a smaller, more personable college experience but the resources of a large university. I spent most of my time at the CEC actually working with students which I really enjoyed and taught me a lot about how to write a resume, interview and make my way into the working world. 

Q: Do you have advice for students to gain experience in their fields of interest? 

A: Of course, internships are the best way to gain experience in any field. However, there are lot of other ways that you can get relevant experience in a field and demonstrate interest to employers. For example, as someone who really wanted to work in the beauty industry, I started a beauty blog. If you really love fashion, get a retail job at a clothing store over the summer or if you’re goal is to work in sustainable design, start a sustainable design organization on campus. You can even work with a professor to start a research project. There are a lot of simple ways you can get involved in the fields that you are interested in.

Q: What are some strategies you use to successfully network?

A: There are a lot of ways to network with people to learn more about different career paths. One of the ways that I’ve found successful is professional organizations. For example, with in the beauty industry, there’s an organization called CEW that holds industry seminars and networking events, pairs members with mentors, publishes industry newsletters, etc. Being a part of these types of groups can allow you to meet people in your field of interest, gain relevant insights for interviews and demonstrate interest to employers. In addition, never underestimate the value of Linkedin! Search for Cornell alumni who work in the areas that you want to work in and send them a message – you have nothing to lose and you would be surprised at how many people are willing to help. Cornellians are always looking to connect with and hire other Cornellians 😉

Q: What are your recommendations for finding, cultivating, and best working with mentors?

A: I think mentors can come in different forms and can be different people in your life. It’s not about having one, “grand” mentor, it’s about having multiple mentors for different aspects of your career journey. For me at work for example, a lot of my previous bosses have become my mentors but I’ve also found mentors in my cross-functional partners as well as in other members of my team who have helped me navigate different aspects of the workplace. As a student, you can find mentors in professors, bosses (at your campus job, internships, etc.) and in other students. Each of these people can help you navigate various parts of the job application process, learning more about career paths and even just transitioning to the working world. 

Q: Are there skills or internships that you think students should focus on right now, which could be advantageous in multiple professions in the future?

A: From a very broad perspective, I think international experience is very valuable. With the internet, the world has become increasingly global so it’s important to understand behaviors around the world. Also, having this type of experience where you put yourself out of your comfort zone and learn a new culture can help you build your resilience and bring new perspectives to the workplace. I know that not everyone has the chance to go abroad but even doing an internship in a different city can be a great experience as well. For any business related field, I know this is very functional but definitely it’s important to have strong computer skills like Excel and PowerPoint. It’s not something you necessarily think about when you select your classes each semester but I highly recommend taking a computer applications class. You will use those programs every day and it will ease the learning curve if you are already an expert at them. And then most specifically, for any marketing-related field, I would say understand the digital and social media landscapes has become critical. Most advertising and data collection has shifted to these platforms and we know they will play an even bigger role in the consumer experience in the future. 

Q: How did you personally use your Human Ecology education to add value to your career journey?

A: The beauty of the Human Ecology education is its interdisciplinary nature. My job is extremely interdisciplinary – I have to understand science as I worked to develop product formulas, I have to have a creative eye when I develop product packaging, I have to understand research methods when I do focus groups to test products with consumers, etc. Learning to wear those different hats in college really helped me with these different skill sets when I got to the workplace. Specifically, I was a Human Development major and a lot of people have asked me how that relates to marketing. The basis of marketing is understanding consumer behavior and consumer groups, so my Human Development education very relevant. 

Q: What advice would you give to your undergraduate self?

A: I think I would remind myself that college is not just about grades. Of course, it’s important to learn and many graduate programs and employers look at your GPA. BUT the people you meet, the experiences you have and the things you learn about yourself will have a greater influence over your life. 

Alumni Spotlight: Kathy Lin PAM’18

 

Kathy Lin is a Cornell Human Ecology alumni who graduated in 2018 as a Policy Analysis and Management major and in 2019 from the Sloan Masters in Health Administration program as part of the 5-Year dual BS/MHA program. As an undergraduate, Kathy was heavily involved in the Human Ecology Career Exploration Center. She currently works as a managing consultant at Guidehouse and focuses on transforming the delivery and financing of healthcare in key state and federal agencies. 

Below are some questions and Kathy’s responses and advice. 

 

Q: What is your work like? Could you tell me a little about who you are?

A: I’m currently a Managing Consultant at Guidehouse, formerly known as Navigant Consulting. I’m situated in our healthcare practice and work on our state team. My area of focus is long-term care services and supports so our team primarily works with state Medicaid agencies. I was a five-year dual degree student so I graduated Cornell with an undergraduate degree in Policy Analysis and Management in 2018 and a Masters in Health Administration in 2019.

Q: What was your CHE undergraduate experience like? What were you involved in during your undergraduate years?

A: I really valued my CHE education and really took advantage of the courses outside of PAM to explore different topic areas. I’ve always been really drawn to the ethos of HumEc and appreciated how seemingly disparate majors are connected by a shared desire to improve the human experience. In my undergraduate career I was heavily involved in the Human Ecology Career Exploration Center. I also volunteered at the Ithaca Free Clinic downtown and was involved in the East Coast Asian American Student Association.

Q: What are your recommendations for finding, cultivating, and best working with mentors?

A: I find that the most effective and most fruitful mentorships are the ones that are developed organically. I think it’s really important to surround yourself with individuals who will coach you and really help you grow in your career whether it be through cultivating new skills or granting you new experiences and opportunities. Ultimately it comes down to establishing genuine connections with others. While my “mentors” are still individuals that I would turn to for career advice, they’re also first and foremost friends who are invested in my growth and success. Working with mentors is also such a valuable experience as you get to see how experienced individuals navigate situations. My best advice is to always demonstrate eagerness to learn more.  

Q: Are there skills or internships that you think students should focus on right now, which could be advantageous in multiple professions in the future?

A: I think this question is highly dependent on individuals’ goals and interests. I think for me it was really helpful to leverage my internship experiences strategically. I spent my summers exploring different career paths (e.g., policy work, consulting, hospital administration) to give myself breadth in experience and also help me assess 1. The type of work I enjoy doing and 2. The types of teams I enjoy working on. So if you’re interested in multiple career paths but not sure what you want to do post-grad, I would highly encourage you to use internships or extracurriculars to learn more and see if it’s a good fit.

Q: What advice would you give to students who are debating between entering graduate school or immediately ending the world of work?

A: I don’t think there is a right or wrong decision here. It can be beneficial to enter graduate school with some work experience as it can really add depth and help enrich your learning environment. Relevant experience can also help bolster your applications for graduate school. Alternatively, going straight into graduate school also has its benefits – since you’re fresh out of college you’ll still have a “student mindset”. Depending on the program, it could also be cost and time-efficient (as was my case when I decided to pursue a 5-year dual degree). I would encourage students to talk to individuals in both camps to hear their first-hand experience. Additionally, there are so many different types of degrees out there too so I would highly encourage students to do their research and really assess what their career goals are and determine if/how graduate school can be best leveraged to reach those goals.  

Q: What are some strategies you use to successfully network? 

A: Networking can be really intimidating and it takes a lot of practice to learn not only how to network but how to network sincerely. Rather than seeing it as a transactional conversation, students should approach networking as relationship building. People are social creatures and the more you can embrace that social interaction, the better that interaction will be. Once you shift your mentality on networking, you’ll find that you’ll develop genuine interest in people, their jobs, what they do, how they do it, the struggles, why they like it. That type of reflective, anecdotal information you get from connecting with an individual is far more useful than simply learning how to land a job or internship.

Q: What advice would you give to your undergraduate self?

A: I would encourage my undergraduate self to explore and do things that I enjoy. I think as students, it’s really easy to get sucked into the busyness of applying to jobs and building yourself up to be a desirable candidate but there is very little value in spending time and energy doing activities that you feel like you ought to do rather than activities you actually enjoy. Undergrad is a great opportunity to explore new hobbies, subjects, clubs, and activities and through each of these, you meet so many new people. The time definitely flies so I would encourage my younger self to spend more time doing what I love.

Alumni Spotlight: Lauren Aronson HD ’17

Image of Lauren Aronson

Lauren Aronson joined us on October  2nd for our first virtual edition of the Young Alumni Series. She graduated from Human Ecology as a Human Development major, has worked as a Behavior Specialist, and recently got her Master’s in Social Work from NYU. Currently, Lauren works as a School Social Worker at Northside Center Day school, providing counseling to support children with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges, while also working part time at the Northside Clinic. The overarching focus in her work is on social issues and their impact on youth mental health. 

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Alumni Spotlight: Alana Harris HD ’15

Alana Harris teaching her students

A lawyer turned passionate teacher, Alana Harris sat down with us to talk about her Human Ecology experience and career-related experiences. Alana graduated in 2015 as a Human Development major with a minor in Portuguese and Brazilian studies. Her older sister also studied  Human Development, and she has always loved psychology and working with kids. Alana’s Cornell experience consisted of amazing professors like Dr. Moss in Psychology 101, Dr. Gilovich, and Dr. Harry Segal. Throughout her years, she was able to build a strong network of hardworking people and friends on a beautiful campus. When asked about how Human Ecology impacted the way she works and interacts with others, she mentioned the interdisciplinary approach. 

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Alumni Spotlight: Tess Nelson HD ’13

Tess Nelson standing in front of colorful wallTess Nelson HD ‘13 served two years as a HealthCorps Coordinator in New York City, where she taught Health classes to high school students, while also leading cooking courses, staff wellness programming, and community outreach. Tess then moved to WeWork, where she has been for the last 4 years, operating buildings in London and New York. She currently serves as the Community Manager for WeWork’s headquarters in New York City.

We had the pleasure of speaking to Tess on October 4th during a session of the Young Alumni Lunch Series.

Keep reading to learn about Tess Nelson HD’13!

Alumni Spotlight: Rachel Linsner HD ’13, MS

Headshot Photo of Rachel Linsner

Rachel Linsner HD ‘13, MS is currently a Doctoral Research Fellow at the Institute for Veterans and Military Families and a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Human Development and Family Science at Syracuse University. As a dedicated researcher interested in military families, child and family policies, family processes and child outcomes, trauma, and family/parenting stress, Rachel shared some of her thoughts with us on September 27th.
Keep reading to learn about Rachel Lisner HD’13, MS!

Alumni Spotlight: Lea Freni FSAD ’15

Lea Freni in her studio

Lea Freni FSAD ’15 is currently a Contract Associate Designer at Tommy Hilfiger. Having worked at companies like Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein, Lea gave us insight into her experiences, old and new, as a women’s fashion designer. She detailed finding a good work life balance, how Cornell has impacted her career, and much more! Here is the advice she shared during her visit on Friday, March 15:

Keep reading to learn more about Lea Freni FSAD ’15!