The Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability has awarded more than $325,000 in grants to support student-led research projects, providing opportunities for the next generation of sustainability experts. A total of 40 undergraduate and graduate students are receiving funding to address pressing global issues, including food security, energy efficiency, and biodiversity conservation.
Grant Programs Supporting Research and Mentorship
The grants are distributed across three major programs. Graduate Research Grants provide one to two years of support for doctoral students conducting research on energy transitions, climate risk reduction, food security, and planetary health. The Sustainable Biodiversity Fund supports graduate projects focused on preserving ecosystems and the services they provide. Meanwhile, Summer Undergraduate Mentored Research pairs undergraduate students with graduate mentors and faculty for summer research projects, with additional support from philanthropists Pat and Barbie Murphy.
Innovative Student Projects
Several student-led projects demonstrate creative approaches to sustainability challenges. Simon Shi, under the guidance of Zhiting Tian, is developing organic thermoelectric devices to convert waste heat from electronics and industrial processes into usable electricity, offering solutions for clean energy in wearables and factories. Kushal Kumar is leading a team in Bangladesh studying the adoption of agricultural technologies, including new rice varieties and aquaculture systems, to evaluate their effects on farmer livelihoods amid environmental risks and migration pressures. Kirsten Keleher is researching bird pollination of saguaro cacti in the Sonoran Desert to inform conservation strategies as urban development increases.
Building Skills for Future Environmental Leaders
Beyond funding research, these grants foster professional growth and mentorship. Doctoral student Leah Crenshaw used prior funding to hire Panamanian undergraduate interns for agroforestry studies in coffee systems, strengthening her mentoring experience while supporting biodiversity and farmer incomes. Verne Thalheimer, Associate Director of the Atkinson Center, emphasizes that early investment in students not only advances research today but also cultivates long-term environmental stewardship across sectors.
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