For Students

The BCTR is full of student research opportunities and other exciting possibilities.

For Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate students can become more involved with the BCTR by taking courses, attending talks and workshops, applying to training programs, or through for-credit, work-study or paid positions within BCTR projects.

Students gain direct experience with research and analysis in real-world projects, collaborating with project staff and other students. For some, involvement with the BCTR has led to a deeper commitment to translational research, as well as the contacts and experience to pursue a future in their chosen field.

Training Programs

BCTR Scholars – a one-year program which runs from January – December, and is open to first-year, sophomores and juniors. Students learn about the foundations of translational research and use those learnings in the local community to solve real-world problems and improve the lives of others during a paid summer internship. The program includes an instructional component for spring and fall semesters.

PRYDE Scholars – a two-year training program from the Program for Research on Youth Development and Engagement (PRYDE) for Human Ecology students who want to gain expertise in translational research on youth development. Students work on collaborative projects with youth and program leaders in New York State 4-H. Interested students must apply in the spring of their sophomore year for this funded program experience that includes research mentorship, coursework and professional development.

Annually, two PRYDE Scholars are selected as Berns PRYDE Scholars, supported by the Michael W. and Roberta M. Berns PRYDE Student Research Fund. Berns PRYDE Scholars will participate in translational research projects that facilitate community partnerships. Berns PRYDE Scholars will engage in meaningful research, professional development, and develop the skills and resources to foster research-practice partnerships.

Minors

Cornell Human Ecology and the BCTR offer two minor programs. 

Translational Research Minor – Open to undergraduates from any major who complete 15 credits in approved courses. The minor in translational research prepares you with knowledge and skills to use research to improve people’s lives through interventions, practices, and policies while also integrating knowledge from communities and practice settings to inform research. The minor prepares you for social impact across careers that include STEM and medicine, public health, social sciences, law and public policy.

Gerontology Minor – Open to undergraduates from any major who complete 12 credits in approved courses. The program offers undergraduate students research opportunities to become involved in faculty projects examining aspects of aging.

Courses

The BCTR offers courses where students are introduced to translational research concepts and skills. Students also have opportunities to learn and apply research on a special topic within translational research, plus learn with community partners. Current course offerings include:

HE 2222 – Translating the Science of Purpose

HE 2300 – Introduction to Clinical and Translational Science

HE 4060 – Special topics in Translational Research

Research and practice opportunities

BCTR Poster Symposium – Students (undergraduate and graduate) working on translational research projects (in any phase) are invited to present their work at this symposium held annually at the end of the spring semester.

Other Opportunities

The BCTR also connects students through special events and projects including:

The Contribution Project – Every February, Cornell undergraduates can apply for $400 to use toward making a contribution to the world. Students can apply in February and recipients are chosen at random.

Awards

Kendal at Ithaca Scholarship – awarded annually to a College of Human Ecology undergraduate or graduate student interested in gerontology.

Roberta M. Berns ’65 Memorial Research Award – provides financial assistance to a PRYDE Scholar working with a BCTR faculty member on a research project.