AAP Students Named 2020 Rawlings Cornell Presidential Research Scholars
Three architecture students, two fine arts undergraduates, and an urban and regional studies student were recently admitted to the Hunter R. Rawlings III Cornell Presidential Research Scholars (RCPRS) program.
The RCPRS recipients are:
- Edie Blaze (B.Arch. '25)
- Zoe De Simone (B.Arch. '22)
- Sabrina Haertig (B.F.A. '22)
- Landon Hale (B.Arch. '25)
- Jonathan Pang (B.F.A. / B.A. '22)
- Gianni Valenti (B.S. URS '22)
The annual university-wide award program supports up to 200 undergraduate students selected from all colleges and many disciplines "for sustained engagement in research in close relationship with faculty and other mentors."
"The selection of a rising third-year and two incoming students in the undergraduate architecture program for this prestigious award is both a testament to the accomplishments of our student body and an important resource for laying the foundation for sustained engagement in research," said Andrea Simitch, Stephen H. Weiss Presidential Fellow and Chair of the Department of Architecture. "These students will work closely with their selected faculty and mentors in a collaboration that facilitates an individualized program of study, and that is strongly augmented by the curriculum, department lectures, and visiting faculty."
Associate Professor Jeffrey Chusid, chair of the Department of City and Regional Planning, said he was pleased to celebrate Valenti's selection as a Rawlings Presidential Scholar.
"Gianni brings the skills and insights of a thoughtful and talented designer to his proposed exploration of racial justice in the suburban landscape," Chusid said. "Under the mentorship of Associate Professor Jennifer Minner, his study is an example of the varied perspectives students and faculty in CRP are bringing to the critical issues of social inequality and racism, and their impacts on the built environment of America today."
Renate Ferro, visiting associate professor of art and director of undergraduate studies, joined the department chairs in congratulating Haertig and Pang on their scholarships.
"The undergraduate curriculum in the Department of Art is designed for students who see themselves as both artists and scholars," Ferro said. "This curriculum combines the intensive studio culture of the department with enhanced access to electives in all areas of the university. The Rawlings Cornell Presidential Research program allows these focused students to forge intense interdisciplinary relationships to assist in the development of mature research-based practices."
The RCPRS prize comes in the form of a support cash account and an annual need-based loan replacement account. The majority of recipients are incoming first-year students; up to one-quarter are selected as rising third-years. Scholars collaborate with faculty mentors of their choosing in designing and carrying out a program of research tailored to the student's focus.
Read more about the program here.
By Patti Witten