David Pizarro
Research Psychologist
David Pizarro, associate professor at Cornell University, is studying this surprising phenomenon: Sensitivity to disgusting sensations (like a photo of feces, or being reminded that germs are everywhere) correlates to moral and political conservatism. In his studies he has demonstrated that exposing people to an unpleasant odor can increase negative feelings toward homosexual men.
Drew Margolin
Computational social scientist
The internet, and social media in particular, have made individual and institutional discourse visible like never before. Yet the mechanisms that shape the production of discourse — what leads individuals or institutions to speak up, whom do they address, what do they say — is not yet well understood. Margolin's research focuses on understanding these dynamics through the quantitative aggregation of collective communication behavior. In particular, his approach emphasizes the role that accountability, credibility, and legitimacy within social networks and communities play in shaping observable discourse.
Ifeoma Ajunwa
Professor of Technology, Management, and the Law
Professor Ajunwa researches the organizational behavior of organizations, particularly in relation to stigma/social evaluation, diversity, and the adoption of new work technologies. Her research has been mentioned in major media outlets such as, the New York Times, the Harvard Business Review, the Atlantic, the Guardian, Nature Biotechnology, etc. Professor Ajunwa has served as a keynote speaker or panelist at international conferences such as SXSW and has presented her work before governmental agencies such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the CFPB) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (the EEOC).
Professor of Physics - Controlling Flapping Flight
Professor Itai Cohen is obsessed with matter in motion. At Cornell, his research has focused on investigating the behavior of microscopic and nanoscopic particles suspended in a fluid, exploring the mechanics of materials ranging from biological tissues to origami inspired metamaterials, discovering the mechanisms used by insects during flapping flight, and determining how Tango dancers and audiences at heavy metal concerts coordinate their movement. Understanding the out-of-equilibrium behaviors of these systems remains one of the biggest challenges in physics.
Renee Alexander
Associate Dean of Students
Renee Alexander’s efforts improve dialogue, collaboration, and understanding. Under her leadership, the Breaking Bread initiative – which brings participants together for a special meal and facilitated conversation – won the highly acclaimed Perkins Prize (2017) for its significant impact toward furthering the ideal of university community while respecting the values of racial and cultural diversity.
Shimon Edelman
Professor of Psychology
Shimon Edelman holds degrees in electrical engineering and in computer science and is trying to understand the brain/mind through behavioral, neurophysiological, evolutionary, and computational studies of vision, language, happiness, and consciousness. His books include "Computing the Mind: How the Mind Really Works", "The Happiness of Pursuit", and, most recently, "Beginnings", a psychological-philosophical science fiction (psy-phi sci-fi) anabasis. His TEDxCornell talk shows how the realization that the brain is a virtual reality engine can help us make a case for humanist ethics.
Susan Fleming
Educator, Corporate Director, Investor, and Mom
Dr. Susan Fleming is a Senior Lecturer at Cornell’s Hotel School. After a successful career on Wall Street, she earned a PhD focused on understanding why there are so few women in leadership positions in U.S. society. In addition to her work researching and advocating for women’s advancement, Susan is an active angel investor and corporate director, with experience serving on the boards of six public companies as well as numerous private company and non-profit boards. Susan’s TEDx talk will focus on why both men and women should care about reducing gender bias in our society and offer specific suggestions on how to do that.
T. Colin Campbell
Professor Emeritus of Nutritional Biochemistry
Professor Campbell is a well-established researcher and author. His popular book (co-authored with his son, a physician) titled The China Study (2005), has been translated into more than 50 foreign languages and has sold well over 2 million copies. His second book, Whole (2013), was a New York Times best seller.
Campbell has conducted experimental research on the effect of food and nutrition on the development of cancer and related diseases. His research program was relatively large, and his findings were published in more than 300 peer reviewed professional papers. He also participated as a member of several expert panels on health of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Institutes of Health and related public agencies. He has been in his professional career for more than 60 years.
A capella group
This a cappella group brings it all to the stage, with members singing, dancing, and even throwing in the occasional skit. They're so good they've even been featured on the Today Show in a live performance.
Taiko Drumming Band
This group practices taiko drumming: a traditional Japanese musical art form that involves intense music played on large drums and fast, expressive choreography. Yamatai's taiko drumming is a unique form of music you won't want to miss.