cornell university campus visit

Visits/Information Sessions

The undergraduate admissions offices across Cornell University continue to offer prospective students, their families and advocates the opportunity to meet virtually through live sessions and recordings, in addition to campus programs. Before planning a trip to our Ithaca campus, please review up-to-date visitor information .

Please note that Cornell University does not track demonstrated interest. Visiting campus is neither required nor expected of applicants. Students can articulate their fit and interest in the College of Arts & Sciences through the Cornell-specific supplemental essay in their application.

In-Person Information Sessions, Cornell University Campus:

Details and Registration

• September 13, 2024, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
• September 20, 2024, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
• September 27, 2024, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
• October 4, 2024, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
• October 14, 2024, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
• November 11, 2024, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Virtual Events, via Zoom webinar:

• September 18, 2024, 7:00 pm ET Arts & Sciences Admissions Information Session
• October 1, 2024, 8:00 pm ET Voices of A&S: Student and Alumni Panel
• October 16, 2024, 8:00 pm ET Arts & Sciences Admissions Information Session 

Visit A&S Virtually

Visit us… virtually!

Find out more about the 42 majors you can choose from, the fascinating faculty research projects you can join and the support network of people who will you advise you on your journey in the College of Arts & Sciences. Plus, learn more about how to apply.

Watch our full 4-part information session videos now , or choose the section that interests you most below.

Connect with Us

In addition to joining our live events and viewing our Information Session , we encourage you to:

Explore our curated Google Map of important A&S locations on our Ithaca campus.

Join our mailing list to learn more about Cornell and receive invitations to upcoming virtual events.

Follow Cornell Arts & Sciences on:  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  YouTube .

Browse  the Undergraduate Admissions Office's Frequently Asked Questions .

Reach out to  our A&S Student Ambassadors with questions about the student experience.

Email  us .

Call us at 607-255-4833.

Welcome to the center of Cornell

An introduction to the College of Arts & Sciences

As the largest college at Cornell, Arts & Sciences offers you access to an uncommonly diverse range of academic and research opportunities. In addition to our 2,000+ courses, you’ll have access to more than 2,000 additional courses in Cornell’s seven other professional and applied colleges and schools.

Learn how A&S will prepare you for a life well-lived .

An innovative and engaged curriculum

Classes that stretch your mind, support for your journey

Faculty in the College create innovative classes that encourage you to explore your interests broadly across the College and throughout Cornell. With up to two years before you declare a major, your educational path will be defined by structured flexibility and guided by your own academic interests.

Read more about our innovative curriculum .

Advice, mentorship and council

Support for your academic and personal journey

As a student in the College of Arts & Sciences, you will join our community of scholars, known for our intellectual rigor and engaged in deep and broad research. You will also have the chance to take advantage of many unique academic opportunities available only to our students.

As you make your way through Cornell, you will be supported by a faculty advisor, advising dean and student ambassador. Whether your interests are focused or varied, A&S advisors will help you select an inspiring and balanced schedule, and a rewarding college career path.

Read more about the student journey .

Time to apply

The application process, and what we look for

Admissions advisors are looking for academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, your commitment to a liberal arts education and your demonstrated record of having a positive impact on your community.

Please note that the standardized testing policy has recently changed. 

Contact the admissions office for more information.

Explore the College

Extraordinary Journeys: The Class of 2024

Explore the extraordinary journeys of this year’s graduates and see how they soaked up every opportunity they could — from study abroad trips, to research experiences, to creative pursuits and sunsets on the slope. 

Meet some of our 2024 graduates

Around A&S

Cornell Undergraduate Admissions

Cornell university undergraduate admissions events, thank you for your interest in cornell university.

We’re excited for you to learn more about Cornell by attending one of our live, online undergraduate admissions events. Please use the calendar below to find and register for any events that interest you. 

Ahead of your virtual event, we encourage you to check out our pre-recorded resources , including our general information session and video tour. For more information and recorded information sessions from Cornell's undergraduate colleges and schools, please visit:

• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
• College of Architecture, Art & Planning
• College of Arts and Sciences
• College of Engineering
• College of Human Ecology
• Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy
• Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
• School of Industrial and Labor Relations

If you’re interested in visiting our Ithaca campus, you can learn more and register here . For more information regarding undergraduate admissions at Cornell, please visit our website and follow us on social media . 

Top Enrollment Resources

• How to Apply
• Visit & Connect
• Application Status
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Office of Financial Aid
• Apply for Aid
• Cost to Attend
• Types of Aid
• Office of the Registrar
• Academic Calendar
• Classes and Enrollment
• Courses of Study

Still need help? Look at the Frequently Asked Questions , or contact us .

New Engineering Students and Families: Plan Your Campus Visit

• Citation Management
• Last Updated: Aug 6, 2024 7:19 PM
• URL: https://guides.library.cornell.edu/engineeringfamilies

Calculate for all schools

Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, visiting cornell: what should i do.

Hi guys! I'm planning on visiting the Cornell campus sometime soon, and I was wondering which college tours are the best for getting a feel of the campus and student life? Any suggestions?

Hello! I'm glad you're planning to visit Cornell University. A campus tour is an excellent way to get a better sense of the campus environment and student life.

Cornell offers several tour options for prospective students. I recommend starting with the official Cornell Campus Tour. These tours are generally led by current students who can provide a unique inside perspective on campus life, academic programs, and facilities. Tours depart from the University's Welcome Center and last about 75 minutes, covering key academic buildings, dining halls, libraries, and recreation areas. You can check the schedule and register for the tour on the Cornell University website.

In addition to the official campus tour, you should consider attending an information session. These sessions are hosted by the university's admissions office and provide an in-depth overview of Cornell's academic offerings and the admissions process. Attending an information session can give you a better understanding of how to tailor your application to Cornell's unique expectations and requirements.

If you're interested in specific colleges or programs within Cornell, you can also reach out to those departments directly to inquire about specialized tours or information sessions. Connecting with a particular college or program is a great way to gather more detailed information about your academic interests and discover potential research or extracurricular opportunities.

Lastly, don't forget to explore the campus on your own after the official tours. Take some time to grab a bite at the dining halls or popular on-campus eateries, sit in on a popular public lecture, or attend a sports event like hockey. Experiencing the broader campus culture can help you decide if Cornell would be the right fit for you. Enjoy your visit to Cornell!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

Cornell University

Cornell University is a world-class research institution known for the breadth and rigor of its fields of study and an academic culture that prepares students to be well-rounded, global citizens. As the federal land-grant institution for New York state, Cornell has been part of the fabric of Ithaca for more than 150 years — a unique college town in the heart of the Finger Lakes region that is consistently rated as one of the top places to live, work and study.

Take a tour

Cornell general campus tour.

Explore Campus

Photo Gallery

Barton Hall, seen here splashed in autumn colors, is host to the university’s track and field facilities, Division of Public Safety and the Department of Military Science.

Anabel Taylor Hall courtyard covered in snow.

Anabel Taylor Hall Headline Image

New students are greeted with donuts and bagels by upperclassmen to celebrate their first day of classes at the School of Hotel Administration.

Be sure to visit Stocking Hall, home to the Cornell Dairy Bar!

Statler Hall is home to the Nolan School of Hotel Administration, the only Ivy-League program of its kind.

A Cornell student volunteer works with a local elementary school student as part of a community-engaged learning project.

Speak with a Cornell University admissions team member.

Search Cornell AAP

Visit aap's ithaca campus.

A complete, up-to-date schedule of all Cornell University information sessions, campus tours, and classes available to visit can be seen on the Visiting Cornell site. A list of local accommodations, travel information, and details about parking on campus are also available there.

Undergraduate Students

For prospective undergraduate students considering programs in architecture, fine arts, or urban and regional studies who are planning a visit to Cornell University, please send an email to [email protected]  or register to attend an upcoming information session. We do our best to meet with prospective families and connect you with a current student in your program of interest during your visit. 

Take a University Campus Tour

Contact Admissions

B56 Sibley Hall (607) 255-4376 Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Graduate Office of Admissions Architecture: [email protected] Art: [email protected] City and Regional Planning: [email protected]

Undergraduate Admissions [email protected]

Related Links

Contact Us Staff Directory Faculty Directory Visit Cornell's Campus Cornell Virtual Tour

Cornell Engineering: A Virtual Visit

Learn More About Cornell Engineering

Welcome to Cornell Engineering

Explore, learn, advance. together..

Virtual Visit

Through this Virtual Visit, we hope you get a sense of the extraordinary voyage of a Cornell Engineer. You can learn all about our undergraduate program, view an information session, take a virtual tour of the Engineering Quad, and meet current students. Throughout this Virtual Visit, we have included links to other sections of the Cornell Engineering website for more in-depth information. Thank you for joining us; we are excited to show you around! During your visit we recommend you:

• Learn about who we are
• Watch our engineering-specific information session
• Check out our 14 majors
• Learn about research at Cornell
• Take a virtual tour of some of our facilities
• Meet our students
• Read our blog
• Get an inside look by watching videos made by our College of Engineering staff and our students
• Read our frequently asked questions

At Cornell Engineering, we are engineering a better world.

On-campus visits.

Cornell University has resumed offering limited campus tours and on-campus information sessions. Please check the main visit site for dates and times.

We regret that due to campus COVID-19 restrictions, we are unable to welcome visitors into our classrooms at this time.

Please note, Cornell University does not track demonstrated interest. Visiting campus is neither required nor expected of applicants. Students can articulate their fit and interest in the College of Engineering through the Cornell-specific supplemental essays in their application.

You can also take advantage of these University-wide virtual features:

• Cornell’s recorded video information session and campus tour
• If you are interested in learning more about Cornell, please sign up to receive communications from us , or email us directly with questions.

Visit Cornell Engineering

Welcome to Cornell Engineering. We have moved our Virtual Visit to a new site to give visitors a more dynamic experience.

• Virtual Visit: Cornell Engineering
• Learn About Cornell University
• Contact Engineering Admissions

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International services.

Office of Global Learning

Maintain and Extend O-1/TN/E-3 Status

• For Faculty/Staff

This page is for international faculty and staff who have arrived at Cornell in statuses other than J-1 or H-1B. If you are a J-1 exchange visitor,  use the Maintain and Extend J-1 Status page . If you are an H-1B employee, visit the Maintain an Extend H-1B Status page. 

Welcome aboard! International Services is here to help. Please explore our website for information about  travel ,  taxes , and more.

On this page:  Find the key things you need to do to maintain your legal status now that you’re working at Cornell. Then learn how to extend your visa status if you’d like to stay in your Cornell position beyond your current end date.

Maintain Your Status

Know your immigration documents..

O-1, TN, and E-3 employees have different immigration documents. Read about the ones relevant to you in the overview below.

• O-1: I-94, I-129, and I-797
• E-3: I-94 and ETA-9035/LCA* 

*If you file a petition for a change or extension of your status within the U.S., you also have an I-129 and I-797. Most TN and E-3 visa holders do not have these documents.

Immigration Document Overview

• Form I-94 : Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issues you an I-94 when you enter or reenter the U.S. If you filed for a change or extension of your status within the U.S., you will have a USCIS-issued I-94 at the bottom of your approval notice. Your I-94 reflects the date and class of admission and the expiration date of your authorized period of stay. You can only stay in the U.S. if you have a valid I-94. Always check it for accuracy each time you return to the U.S. 
• Form I-129 : This form is filed by International Services with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on your behalf. You can find a copy of your I-129 in your myStatus portal (documents icon at the top right). 
• I-797 approval notice : This document shows you are the beneficiary of Cornell’s I-129 petition and the period of validity. You can find a copy of your approval notice in your myStatus portal. 
• ETA-9035/LCA : The ETA-9035 labor condition application (LCA) is filed by International Services with the U.S. Department of Labor. The LCA specifies your dates of employment, minimum annual salary, job title, and employment address. Your original LCA is sent to you or your department when it is certified. 

Follow the policies and laws.

Comply with Cornell’s academic and conduct polices and all U.S. federal and state laws.

Notify us if there are any changes in your employment.

Are you thinking about a new job title, hours, or duties? You and your hiring department must report any proposed changes in your employment conditions to International Services well in advance.  Contact us . 

E-3 visa holders: Notify us if you’re considering a change in your worksite. You can only work at worksites listed on your LCA. You are required to reach out to International Services before you make a change to a new worksite. 

Follow the rules about outside employment.

Work only for Cornell in the position for which you received your visa status. Your status is specific to your employer and job. You can’t work for another employer unless they sponsor you. 

Notify USCIS if you change your address. 

Notify U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) if you change your address. Within 10 days of your move, use the online form to report your new address . This timeframe is a legal requirement.

Update your passport. 

Keep your passport valid for at least six months past the expiration date of your status. When you travel outside of the United States, make sure you have the  required travel documents   before leaving.

O-1 and E-3: Notify us if your Cornell employment ends early. 

Your status is linked to your continuing employment. Notify us in the general services section of myStatus if your Cornell employment ends before the end date on your petition. 

If your Cornell employment is ending, visit Transfer or Leave for vital information. 

Extend Your Status

Is the end of your time at Cornell approaching? If you would like to continue to work in your current position beyond the program end date listed on your I-94, you may be eligible to extend your status. You must work with your hiring department or unit to initiate the extension request. 

If you are sponsored by an institution other than Cornell, contact your sponsor to discuss an extension. Visit Transfer or Leave for useful advice if your time at Cornell is ending.

Extensions are for no more than one year at a time, but there is no limit to the number of possible one-year extensions. Each O-1 application requires a reassessment of your extraordinary contribution to your academic field.

If you plan to apply for an extension, you need to work closely with your hiring department or unit and International Services. The process is initiated by your department. We recommend starting your extension application exactly six months in advance of your current program end date. Applications can’t be submitted sooner, according to federal regulations.

To learn more about the O-1 process, you can request a consultation with International Services in myStatus (under University Employment).

Your TN status can be renewed in increments of up to three years. We recommend leaving the United States and making a new entry, rather than extending your status from within the country.

The process is similar to when you first applied. Visit the TN section of our Visa Basics page to review the process.

An E-3 visa may be renewed in increments of up to two years. If you plan to apply for an extension, you need to work closely with your hiring department or unit and International Services. The process is initiated by your department. 

We recommend starting your extension application exactly six months in advance of your current program end date. Applications can’t be submitted sooner, according to federal regulations.

We recommend applying for E-3 status at a U.S. consulate or embassy, similar to when you first applied. Visit the E-3 section of our Visa Basics page to review the process.

• Visa Basics

Next Up: Apply for a Green Card

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Cornell University student David Epega works at Cornell Career Services as a peer career coach.

Student career fair returns to Barton Hall

By kelly kuehn student and campus life.

The campuswide career fair for students returns in-person this fall for the first time since 2019, after shifting to a virtual environment due the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event, hosted by Cornell Career Services, will connect students with more than 150 employers across various industries Sept. 24-25, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., in Barton Hall.

David Epega, left, a peer career coach, and Mia Ferraina, a public service career coach.

“Talking to people virtually is nice, but I think there’s an element of human interaction that gets lost in that format,” said David Epega ’26, a peer career coach in Cornell Career Services who went to last year’s virtual career fair. “I’m looking forward to actually meeting with different companies face-to-face and learn more about what’s out there.”

While the online option was flexible for students and employers, Erica Kryst, executive director of Cornell Career Services, is looking forward to the enhanced opportunities an in-person format provides Cornellians.

“Students can explore and network directly with a broad array of industries and employers,” Kryst said. “It also enables employers to connect with many students from across our schools and colleges in one place.”

Students can take advantage of several career fair preparation resources as the event draws near. Offices across the Cornell career network will host prep workshops and programs during the week of Sept. 16.

The  career fair preparation module on career services’ Career Development Toolkit platform helps students develop a strategy for researching and meeting with employers. Students can also  book an appointment with a career coach in the Cornell Career Services office or in their college’s career office to go over resumes, practice talking with employers and more.

“Understanding what to expect at a fair and preparing can make a difference,” said Jessamyn Perlus, senior associate director of Cornell Career Services. “Career services programs, resources and staff can help students identify and describe the skills employers are looking for, such as communication, teamwork, critical thinking and digital technology.”

While students should be prepared for the career fair, Epega advises his peers not to overwhelm themselves as the event approaches.

“Don’t look at it as a challenge – look at it as an opportunity,” Epega said. “You choose the opportunities you want to pursue. Come prepared, but also have fun and be yourself.”

The career fair is free, and students are encouraged to register through  Handshake . The dress code is business casual. Students who need clothing options for the career fair can check out  the Wardrobe , a student organization providing professional clothes for Cornell students.

Kelly Kuehn is a communications lead for Student and Campus Life.

Media Contact

Kaitlyn serrao.

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Top 10 Tips for Flourishing at Cornell

Prioritize self-care – including connecting with others – to support your academic success and get the most out of your time at Cornell. 

Start your semester strong! Consider these tried-and-true tips to support your health, well-being, and academic success ... and help you get the most out of your time at Cornell!

And if you ever need need extra support, help is available 24/7 .

1. Prioritize self-care

Maintain and build on your natural resilience by prioritizing self-care: eat well, get good sleep, move your body, and do something you enjoy every day. Resilience helps us bounce back from adversity, challenge, and setbacks. Learn more on our  Building Resilience page .

2. Establish a time management strategy

If you need help figuring out what works best for you, meet with the staff at the  Learning Strategies Center . This excellent resource can help you become more organized and efficient. 

3. Get good sleep

Getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night (yes, really!) is one of the most important things you can do to protect your mental health and improve your academic performance. When we’re busy, it can be tempting to skimp on sleep, but a lack of sleep can increase anxiety, irritability, inability to concentrate, and depression. Learn about ways to improve your “sleep hygiene” on our  Sleep page . 

4. Refuse to play the stress game

Sometimes we wear our busyness like a badge of honor, and compete with each other about who’s more stressed. Remember that stress diminishes your performance level and ability to cope with the regular ups and downs of life. For more, check out our  Stress Management page .

5. Protect your immune system

Wash your hands often, nourish your body with healthy food, and get enough sleep. Get your flu shot , and be sure to stay up to date with your COVID boosters .

6. Move your body

Exercise – even taking a brisk walk – directly affects the brain, and is a great way to relieve stress and improve mental health. In the short-term, exercise can improve our mood by stimulating the body’s feel-good hormones. Recent research shows that regular exercise can be highly effective at reducing depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.  Cornell Recreational Services  offers numerous opportunities each week, including some free options. 

7. Connect with others

Cultivating social connections – and avoiding social isolation – is one of the best ways to build resilience and thrive at Cornell. Positive peer relationships and supportive interaction with family, faculty, and staff are known to be important factors in students’ academic performance and emotional well-being. Find opportunities to connect through Cornell's Campus Activities office.

8. Learn to meditate

Meditation has numerous proven mental health benefits, including relaxation, stress management, and improved sense of well-being. You can learn to meditate through Cornell's free  Let's Meditate program . Other resources for guided meditation practice can be found on our  Meditation page .

9. Get out in nature

Research shows that spending time in nature can have real, tangible benefits for your health and well-being. Get started by exploring nature right here on campus: visit  Nature RX @Cornell .  

10. Find meaning

Recent studies show that cultivating a sense of meaning in your life can contribute more to positive mental health than pursuing happiness. Finding one’s own definition of “meaning” is very personal, but two great places to start are 1) to notice what you appreciate and express gratitude; and 2) share a talent or strength. The Office of Spirituality & Meaning-Making and the David M. Einhorn Center for Community Engagement  are two campus resources that can help you explore and find what is most meaningful to you.

If you need support ...

If you’re struggling – or just feel like you could benefit from talking to someone – support is available. Here are some places to start:

• Call us 24/7  ( 607-255-5155 ) to consult with Cornell Health. When we're closed, you can speak with a mental health professional from our on-call service, ProtoCall.
• Drop in to an online  "Let's Talk" session  to speak informally with a Cornell Health counselor. It's free, confidential, and available daily Monday–Friday. 
• Explore our  group counseling  and  individual counseling  options.
• Contact  Student Support & Advocacy Services  in the Dean of Students Office for help navigating difficult life events and crisis situations.
• Those living in university housing can connect with your  residential staff  for support.
• Speak with your academic advisors or professors if you need extra help, or anticipate difficulty meeting deadlines.
• 24/7 support is also available through these local and national  hotlines and text lines , with options especially for students of Color and LGBTQ students.

Visit  Mental Health at Cornell  for additional options for support, as well as information about how to help others, practice self-care, and get involved.

Discover CALS

See how our current work and research is bringing new thinking and new solutions to some of today's biggest challenges.

• Agriculture
• Applied Economics
• Climate Change
• Communication
• Environment
• Global Development
• Health + Nutrition

In the field: Empowering farmers through agroforestry, carbon markets

• Department of Global Development

Meet  Seongmin Shin , a Ph.D. candidate in Development Studies at Cornell University with a deep commitment to environmental sustainability at the nexus of climate change, the carbon market, and agroforestry. Recently recognized with the IUFRO Student Award for Excellence in Forest Science, his research seeks to enhance smallholder farmers’ access to voluntary carbon markets through agroforestry practices and the integration of trees into agricultural landscapes. This summer, Seongmin worked with local farmers in Eastern and Northern Uganda to understand their perspectives on carbon projects and small-scale agroforestry initiatives. Seongmin sat down with us to tell us more about his fieldwork and his mission to integrate sustainability science and business strategies to combat climate change. 

First things first, tell us about your research. What are the big challenges that drive your curiosity in the field of Development Studies? 

My research is centered on improving direct benefits and accessibility for farmers, addressing critical issues of justice and inequality. A major challenge I've identified is that smallholder farmers, despite being key stakeholders, are often marginalized and excluded from the benefits of the carbon market due to a lack of transparency and technical capacity. Through my research, I aim to explore small-scale agroforestry practices that can help bridge the gap between farmers and the carbon market.

Your research recently took you to Uganda for fieldwork. Tell us about it!

This summer, I had the chance to visit Uganda to meet local farmers and understand their perspectives on carbon projects. I traveled to three rural villages in Eastern and Northern Uganda. Although the villagers were incredibly welcoming, I realized that beneath the surface, they face significant hardships—many live on less than $1 a day and are particularly vulnerable during the dry season due to climate change. Over the course of my trip, I conducted more than 40 interviews with farmers, NGOs, cooperatives, and international organizations. I also organized focus group discussions and administered over 300 surveys.

What research methods are you using in this work?  

I employed semi-structured interviews to capture the perceptions, experiences, and challenges of various stakeholders involved in carbon projects. For the survey component, I used the Double-bounded Dichotomous Contingent (DBDC) valuation method to assess farmers’ willingness to participate in carbon projects. The qualitative and quantitative insights gathered from these interactions have highlighted key challenges and potential opportunities for advancing small-scale agroforestry initiatives.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how it relates to this research?  

Before coming to Cornell, I worked as a Forest Restoration Officer with CIFOR-ICRAF in Indonesia and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) in Ethiopia. During my time there, I observed how carbon projects often failed to deliver direct benefits to farmers due to technical barriers or limitations in accessing natural resources. This motivated me to seek out examples where smallholder farmers were fully compensated and actively included. That’s how I came across promising initiatives in Uganda, leading me to undertake this field trip.

Anything you’d like to add?

This work was made possible through the generous support of CIDA’s Research Innovation Fund (RIF) Summer Research Award program, with my initial research proposal titled “Digital Agriculture for Assessing Carbon Sequestration Potential in Northern Uganda.” Additionally, the trip was supported by Polson Institute Small grant “Shea Value Chain and Carbon Credit Potential in Northern Uganda” and the Okere City NGO, led by Ojok, a 2023-24 Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow.

What advice would you give to students who want to pursue fieldwork? 

Pursue opportunities early in your academic career. I took this trip right after my first year, and it was incredibly eye-opening. I learned so much from the interviews and the people I met. The experience strengthened my research approach. I didn’t have a lot of meetings arranged beforehand, but once in the field, one connection led to another, creating a snowball effect. 

Do you have any long-term goals that you would like to share? 

I plan to develop a startup with a sustainable business model that connects smallholder farmers in developing countries to the voluntary carbon market through agroforestry and biochar. By leveraging advanced technologies like machine learning and remote sensing (e.g., LiDAR), this startup would quantify carbon stocks and seek certification from third-party organizations such as Plan Vivo or Verra. This comprehensive approach aims to create a scalable model that benefits smallholder farmers, the environment, and corporate participants, setting a new standard for integrating sustainability science with business strategies to combat climate change.

About the author

Seongmin shin.

Ph.D. candidate in Development Studies

• Research focus : Climate Change & Carbon Market; Agroforestry & REDD+; Food Security
• Advisor : Chuan Liao
• Previous degrees : MSc in International Agricultural Development Cooperation, Seoul National University
• Prior to Cornell : Forest Restoration Officer with CIFOR-ICRAF in Indonesia and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) in Ethiopia
• Favorite Cornell class (so far!) : GDEV 3311: Environmental Governance
• Favorite activities on campus : Rock Climbing!
• Learn more about Seongmin

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