Graduate Fellows and Leadership Programs

The Office of Inclusive Excellence offers teaching assistant development, fellowships, leadership programs, and community events designed to empower Engineering graduate and professional students. Through professional development and networking opportunities, these programs provide the support and resources students need to excel, both academically and personally.
Office of Inclusive Excellence
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Together, we’re fostering a diverse, inclusive environment where every student can thrive.

Colman Inclusive Leadership Program

In spring 2012, John and Jane Colman founded the Colman Family Endowed Fund for Leadership within Cornell Engineering’s Office of Inclusive Excellence to establish the Colman Inclusive Leadership Program for Ph.D. students in engineering and other related STEM fields.

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4 students in the Cornell Pre-Collegiate Summer Scholars Program pose for a photo

In summer 2015, the Graduate School Office of Inclusion and Student Engagement (OISE) established a partnership with Cornell Engineering to make the Colman Inclusive Leadership Program open to all Ph.D. and M.F.A. students from across all graduate fields at Cornell.

The Colman Leadership Program enrolls 30-40 research degree graduate students annually in an intensive, three-day self-discovery experience designed to cultivate inclusive leadership skills for both academic and professional success. Participants explore practical leadership strategies through a mix of readings, interactive activities, case studies and discussions on topics such as:

  • Emotional Intelligence

  • Creating Inclusive Environments

  • Conflict Resolution

  • Cultural Awareness

  • Visionary Leadership

For more information about eligibility and how to apply, visit the Graduate School website.

Diversity Fellowship Programs

The Office of Inclusive Excellence proudly extends Diversity Recruitment Fellowships to graduate students who have secured admission to Ph.D. programs across designated fields.

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A student sits at a microscope

These fellowships support the Graduate School’s unwavering commitment to fostering diversity, inclusion, equity and accessibility within the academic landscape. Through these initiatives, we strive to ensure individuals from diverse backgrounds can thrive, contribute their unique perspectives, and excel in their academic pursuits.

  • Cornell Engineering Colman Fellowship 

    The Colman Fellowship, funded by the Colman Family Foundation and Cornell Graduate School, provides two years of fellowship support for Ph.D. students, along with professional development and “settling in” funding. Fellows receive additional support from their department, typically through assistantships or external fellowships, assuming adequate academic progress. The Colman Fellowship is awarded during the admissions process.

    Prospective Ph.D. students can apply for the Colman Fellowship through the Graduate School admissions application. For eligibility and application details, please visit Graduate School Fellowships in Support of Diversity.

  • Cornell Engineering Lance R. Collins Fellowship  

    Funded by the Cornell Engineering and the Cornell Graduate School, the Collins Fellowship provides two years of fellowship support, including professional development and settling in funding. Fellows also receive additional support from their respective departments, typically through assistantships or external fellowships, assuming adequate academic progress.

    This fellowship was established to advance the Graduate School’s and the Cornell Engineering’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity and access, honoring Dr. Lance R. Collins, who served as the Joseph Silbert Dean of Engineering from 2010 to 2020.

    Prospective Ph.D. students can apply for the Collins Fellowship through the Graduate School admissions application. For eligibility and application details, please visit Graduate School Fellowships in Support of Diversity.

     

  • GEM Fellowship 

    As a member of the National GEM Consortium, Cornell Engineering offers one year of fellowship support for GEM Fellows supported through a partnership between Cornell University and the National GEM Consortium.

    Cornell Engineering GEM fellowships (M.Eng. and Ph.D.) may be awarded in the following categories:

    • Employer Fellow: Tuition and fees, stipend and health insurance for two semesters, along with an internship with a GEM employer.
    • Associate Fellow: Tuition and fees, stipend and health insurance for two semesters.
    • University Fellow: Tuition and fees for two semesters.

    Students interested in DEM should visit the GEM Fellowship Program for information on how to apply.

     

  • Cornell Engineering Robert F. Smith Fellowship 

    The Robert F. Smith Fellowship is a one-year fellowship offering both academic support and professional development funding for up to five years, supported in full by Cornell Engineering. Learn more about the fellowship structure and benefits below.

    Robert F. Smith Fellows receive comprehensive support during their first year, including tuition, a stipend, a student health plan and a summer stipend. The fellowship also provides $2,000 in professional development funding each year from Year 1 through Year 4.

    Prospective Ph.D. students can apply for the Robert F. Smith Fellowship through the Graduate School admissions application. For eligibility and application details, please visit Graduate School Fellowships in Support of Diversity.

Contact

  • Cindy Mosqueda

    Senior Associate Director, Office of Inclusive Excellence, Cornell Engineering
    cmm522@cornell.edu

  • Sara Xayarath Hernández

    Associate Dean for Inclusion and Student & Faculty Engagement, Cornell Graduate School
    grad_assoc_dean@cornell.edu