The Hunter R. Rawlings III Cornell Presidential Research Scholars program (RCPRS) offers an opportunity for motivated undergraduate students at Cornell to immerse themselves in research. With a commitment to fostering student-faculty partnerships, the program allows scholars to collaborate closely with faculty mentors in designing personalized research projects that align with their interests.
Tejal Nair ‘25, a mathematics major in the College of Arts & Sciences, is working on research that connects math and computer science with technology in areas such as healthcare.
“The challenge of unraveling complex problems and developing innovative solutions that could be applied to a variety of fields, particularly health-related, is what truly excites me,” she said. “My inspiration to pursue research in math ultimately stemmed from my interest in combining mathematical logic with the transformative potential of computer science to make significant contributions to technology and, most importantly, others.”
Nair has worked with David Bindel, associate professor of mathematics, and Assistant Research Professor Alexander Terenin in the Bindel Lab. “My research has centered on Gaussian Processes (GP) and Bayesian Optimization, where I have been working on utilizing GPs to evaluate functions and receive inequality information.”
Each year, up to 200 students are chosen for the RCPRS program and receive substantial financial support — $8,000 for incoming freshmen and $5,000 for rising juniors — along with a need-based loan replacement of up to $4,000. This funding eases the financial burden of research but also empowers students to explore diverse fields, from the humanities to the sciences.
In addition to research funding, Rawlings Scholars become a part of the RCPRS Colloquium, which fosters a strong sense of community and belonging. Through meetings with fellow students, university coordinators and faculty representatives, participants gain a clear understanding of their RCPRS requirements and are introduced to a wealth of resources available on campus. This year-long program not only helps students acclimate, but also guides them in finding a faculty mentor, which can be pivotal in their academic journey.
Complementing the Colloquium, the RCPRS Mentorship Program pairs new students with experienced upperclassmen. This relationship is invaluable, as mentors share their insights about navigating the challenges of Cornell, offering advice on both academic pursuits and personal development. This peer connection helps freshmen feel more supported and engaged as they embark on their college experience.
Nair said she is grateful for the openness and willingness of fellow students and faculty to share knowledge and offer support.
“By having the opportunity to meet and talk with various professors very early on in my academic journey, I learned not only technical skills but quickly learned the necessary communication skills,” Nair said.
Elizabeth Lara-Rivera '26 is a communications assistant for the College of Arts and Sciences.
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