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BCTR Scholars

BCTR > For Students > BCTR Scholars

Take what you have learned in the classroom and apply it in communities to solve real-world problems and improve the lives of others. It is the foundation of translational research, and you’ll learn about it as a BCTR Scholar.

The six BCTR scholars pose for a photo in downtown Ithaca.

Qualifications

Open to first-year, sophomore and junior Cornell Human Ecology students interested in translational research

Be on the Ithaca campus for Spring 2027 and Fall 2027

Participate in paid internship in Ithaca for Summer 2027

 

Key Dates

First week of November 2026 – Student interviews

November 10, 2026 – Selected students are notified

December 3, 2026 – Welcome event for new and current BCTR Scholars

What is a bctr scholar?

A BCTR Scholar is a Cornell Human Ecology student who…

  • is passionate about research and what it can do in a community
  • is curious about the Tompkins County community
  • is dedicated to the Cornell Human Ecology vision of becoming citizens and scholars who use research to anticipate, analyze and address contemporary societal problems

What is translational research?

The process of translational research connects researchers, practitioners, policymakers and/or community members to create better research, policies, programs and practices. Researchers leverage the knowledge of these partners to better inform their research and then share their findings with these partners which may lead to policy changes, program updates, new community services, etc.

More details in this short video:

Expectations

BCTR Scholars is a one-year program (January – December). You will:

Enroll in and complete the following courses:

  • Spring 2027: HE 3400 – Community-Engaged Translational Research Methods (three credits) and HE 2400 – Internship Preparation (one credit)
  • Fall 2027: HE 3301 – Internship Reflection (one credit)

Attend regular cohort meetings throughout 2027

Participate in paid translational research work with our community partners in Ithaca during summer 2027

Who are the community partners?

In 2026, our community partners were Village at Ithaca, Civic Ensemble, and the Cayuga Health Center for Health Equity Transformation.

We are working to finalize our community partners for 2027.

Application

To complete the application you will need:

  • An essay (two to three pages, topics you’ll need to address are noted in the application)
  • One or two letters of recommendation (from a faculty member or supervisor)
  • Official Cornell transcript (if available)
  • Resume/CV

Questions?

Contact Jennifer Duque, BCTR Student Programs Coordinator at jd2434@cornell.edu.