'A&S teaches you how to be curious'
A&S Communications
In a moment shaped by uncertainty and global tension, the Cornell University College of Arts & Sciences Class of 2026 steps forward with curiosity, resilience and purpose. Across disciplines—from physics to philosophy, economics to environmental science—our graduating seniors have learned to listen deeply, engage diverse perspectives and adapt their knowledge to a rapidly changing world. They embrace innovation and technology not just as tools, but as opportunities to build connection and progress. Their stories reflect a hopeful truth: that thoughtful, flexible thinkers are ready to lead no matter what comes next.
Photos by Cornell University photographers Devin Flores, Sreang Hok, Ryan Young and Alexandra Bayer
Kevin Chang: Information Science
'I learned what real empathy looks like embedded in system design'
A&S Communications
Bella Swope: History and Environment & Sustainability
'The challenge is always worth it'
A&S Communications
Hannah Quigley: American Studies and Spanish
'I made a commitment to exploring my heritage'
A&S Communications
Arina Danilina: Psychology and Robert S. Harrison College Scholar
'Language and culture can serve as a bridge, not a barrier'
A&S Communications
Christina MacCorkle: Government, History and Robert S. Harrison College Scholar
'I wanted to understand what it means to lay claim to American identity'
A&S Communications
Alexander Won: Physics and Mathematics
'I learned how to pose a question and then answer it'
A&S Communications
Leo Glasgow: Government and China & Asia-Pacific Studies
'A difference in perspectives need not mean something negative'
A&S Communications
America Casanova: English, American Studies, Government and History
'Cornell taught me to never take no for an answer'
A&S Communications
Olivia Kim: Economics and History of Art & Visual Studies
'The A&S requirements were permission to keep learning'
A&S Communications
Emily Vo: Computer Science and Asian American Studies
'Critical thinking is as fundamental to CS as programming'
A&S Communications
Caroline Smiltneks: Economics and Statistics
'I have the skills to begin thinking about the world like an economist'
A&S Communications
Salimata Cisse: American Studies and Africana Studies
'There is a space for you here'
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Elsie Ishami Muhirwa: Government and American Studies
'I’ve learned to speak up in rooms that feel big'
A&S Communications
Niamh Gunning: German Studies
'Ithaca‘s beautiful gorges and trees have been there for me'
A&S Communications
Bilal Afzal Shafi: Computer Science, Mathematics and Philosophy
'Form your own perspective'
A&S Communications
Joice Chen: Sociology, Information Science and Robert S. Harrison College Scholar
'Engaging with distinct perspectives has been very inspiring'
A&S Communications
Louisa Howe: Sociology and English
'My research shed light on important stories and perspectives'
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Sami Wolf: Computer Science and Mathematics
'The moral position of a technologist is not neutral'
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Elizabeth Musso: Biological Sciences and Italian
'Academic diversity is encouraged and celebrated'
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Shubham Mohole: Computer Science
'I want to make trustworthy AI something people benefit from'
A&S Communications
Annina Bradley: Government and French
'Humans are more similar and different than I ever expected'
A&S Communications
Gabriella Best: Computer Science
'I gained the ability to try, fail, and try over and over again'
A&S Communications
Sadaqat Omar: History and Near Eastern Studies
'My year abroad was transformative'
A&S Communications
Kira Pawletko: Biological Sciences, Cognitive Science, Psychology and Robert S. Harrison College Scholar
'Take a chance on yourself'
A&S Communications
Abra Geiger: Physics and Mathematics
'I have learned my limits and greatest interests'
A&S Communications
Ellie Butkovich: Environment & Sustainability
'I leave with a broadened perspective'
A&S Communications
Keaten Wright: Government, Philosophy and Feminist, Gender, & Sexuality Studies
'The class ignited my interest in political theory'
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Gaby Markle: Chemisty
'Changing directions is a natural part of intellectual growth'
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Jerónimo Martín Duque: Computer Science, Economics and Mathematics
'I participated in research spanning multiple disciplines'
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Samara Schiffman: Jewish Studies, Government and American Studies
'My thesis was a highlight of my senior year'
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Marina Blackman: Biological Sciences
'I've grown so much as an aspiring marine biologist'
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Luis Hernandez Rocha: Computer Science and Mathematics
'What matters most is a genuine openness to understanding'
A&S Communications
Emmy Kanarowski: Science and Technology Studies and Information Science
'I trust my ability to sit with ambiguity'
A&S Communications
Anees Mitri: Government and Near Eastern Studies
'I was able to deepen ties with my own culture'
A&S Communications