Osama Awadalla
Statistical Science
Union City, Calif.
Why did you choose Cornell?
I chose Cornell because I wanted a place where I could challenge myself academically and still stay grounded in the kind of work I care about, using data and research to tackle real-world issues, especially around inequality. I’m really interested in how we can use statistics and computing in the social sciences to understand and address systemic problems, and Cornell gives me the space to do that. The flexibility in the curriculum has let me explore that intersection deeply. Getting into The Cornell Tradition also made a big difference; it showed me that Cornell values service and impact just as much as I do. At first, I was worried that the academic pressure might pull me away from community work, but The Tradition helped me stay connected to it. Cornell’s commitment to public service and meaningful research lines up perfectly with what I’m trying to do, using my skills to help build a more equitable world.
What is your main extracurricular activity and why is it important to you?
I’m part of the Sudanese Student Association (SSA), which has been an incredibly meaningful part of my experience at Cornell. Both of my parents immigrated from Sudan, and almost all of my extended family still lives there, so the work we do through the SSA feels very personal. I’ve made some of my closest friends through the Sudanese community on campus, and I’ve also found a group of people who are just as committed as I am to advocating for justice in Sudan.
Together, we’ve organized events ranging from bake sales to raise money for those affected by the war, to teach-ins aimed at educating the broader campus community about the atrocities taking place. It’s been empowering to be part of a group that not only shares my heritage, but also my passion for creating awareness and driving change.
What have you accomplished as a Cornell student that you are most proud of?
Through The Cornell Tradition, I’ve had the opportunity to travel to three different countries to work on meaningful community service projects. During my sophomore year, I went to Sudan, where I volunteered at a central kitchen and a children’s cancer home. In my junior year, I traveled to Egypt to work alongside NGOs supporting Sudanese refugees fleeing the war. Most recently, I spent time in Ecuador volunteering at an animal refuge center.
These experiences have completely reshaped my worldview. Thanks to Cornell’s support, I’ve been able to engage directly with some of the most pressing global issues from mass displacement due to conflict, to food insecurity, gaps in healthcare systems in developing economies, and the urgent need for biodiversity conservation. Each trip has deepened my understanding and commitment to service in ways I never expected.
Who or what influenced your Cornell education the most?
I would definitely say Dr. Melanie Fraser from the mathematics department and Dr. Timothy Fraser from the systems engineering department have had the biggest impact on me at Cornell. I met Dr. Melanie Fraser during my first semester while taking linear algebra. I was struggling with the course at the time and found myself in her office hours almost every day. She not only helped me grasp the material, but also gave me the confidence to see myself as a mathematician. By the end of the semester, linear algebra had actually become my favorite area of math.
Dr. Fraser later introduced me to her husband, Dr. Timothy Fraser, a computational social scientist. He took me under his wing and taught me everything from the ground up about research methods in the social sciences. Over time, I built up enough experience to co-author a few papers with him, which we were fortunate to publish.
Both Dr. Frasers have supported me far beyond the classroom, from helping me apply to jobs, to writing recommendation letters, to encouraging my personal projects. Their mentorship has shaped my Cornell experience in ways I can’t fully put into words. It’s inspired me to pay it forward and make sure that first- and second-year students navigating their own academic and professional paths feel supported.
Every year, our faculty nominate graduating Arts & Sciences students to be featured as part of our Extraordinary Journeys series.Read more about the Class of 2025.
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