Weekly Schedule – Examples are given of past activities although the schedule may change based on interest and availability.
Monday: group activity days consisting of topic lectures, field trips, and demonstrations. The (broad) topics for 2018 included:
- Introduction to Sustainable Animal Agriculture
- Research in Animal Science
- Advances in Dairy Management
- Animal Health and Welfare
- Technologies for Animal Reproduction and Fertility
- Soils Feed the Crops that Feed Animals
- Animal Nutrition and Metabolism
- Extension and Community Development
Tuesday through Thursday: Individual research experience in lab. Work with a faculty advisor, staff and graduate students to gain on-hand research experience assisting with current research projects!
Friday: career development and group presentations. Career Development Topics covered in 2018 included:
- Writing Blogs
- Literature Search- Library/database skills
- Writing a Research Proposal
- Delivering a Scientific Presentation
- Creating a Scientific Poster
- Career personnel discuss career skills and Animal Science careers
- Effective Tools for Science Communication
- Developing Your CV and a Powerful Personal Statement
- Tips for Getting into Graduate School and/or Vet School
Field Trips
Program participants engage in the community by touring Cornell University facilities, visiting local farms, and taking an overnight trip to the Miner Institute in Chazy, NY, to gain industry perspective. Field trips included:
- Aurora Field Day
- Miner Institute (overnight)
- Tour Cornell Poultry Farm
- Tour Cornell Plantations
- Visit the Atkinson Center for Sustainability
- Tour of Cornell Dairy Farm
- Tour College of Vet Med
- Visit Hemdale Farms and Greenhouses
Additional Learning
Program participants read scientific literature, write weekly responses to scientific papers, and keep blogs about their learning experiences. On the final Friday of the program, program participants present scientific posters to faculty, staff and graduate students to showcase their work!
Testimonials
What was the best thing about the eight weeks here at Cornell?
“The food… and the learning experience.”
“Meeting so many people that were passionate about animal science. It made me hopeful and excited for my future.”
“Hands on experience!!”
“All the experience…”
“Miner Institute was a great opportunity to learn about perspectives coming from another research institute; getting exposure to many different departments and learning from the professors at Cornell.”
“Getting to know the faculty and other interns.”
“The connections made and knowledge gained; lunch was great.”
“Loved visiting farms and facilities, best part- Miner!”
“Research experience is very valuable for a resume. The exposure to how research is conducted is invaluable.”