Stories
From Milstein Scholar to Design Tech Pioneer
Julia Beitel (M.S. DT '26) brings an interdisciplinary approach to design and technology at Cornell Tech, developing inventive projects that integrate ethical innovation, digital and physical systems, and hands-on making through fabrication, teaching, and community-based work.
Machine Learning Teaches Membranes to Sort by Chemical Affinity
Professor of Materials Science and Engineering and Design Tech faculty Uli B. Wiesner and his team used machine learning to create a new class of ultrafiltration membranes that sort molecules by chemical affinity rather than size, enabling more precise separations for medicine, manufacturing, and water treatment.
Knitting Machine Makes Solid 3D Objects
Professor of Information Science at Cornell Bowers and Design Tech faculty François Guimbretière and engineering student Victor Guimbretière ('29) developed a prototype knitting machine that creates solid three-dimensional objects by interlocking yarn in multiple directions, opening new possibilities for customizable, biomimetic materials.
Gensler Family AAP NYC Center Opens Doors, Possibilities on Cornell Tech Campus
After a decade at 26 Broadway in Lower Manhattan, the center's move to Roosevelt Island affords new opportunities for connection and collaboration.
New Faculty Jose Sanchez Wants You to Play With Architecture — Literally
New Associate Professor of Design Tech at the Cornell College of Architecture, Art, and Planning and Cornell Tech Jose Sanchez brings a groundbreaking approach to architecture that centers on gameplay, cooperation, and the stewardship of shared resources: what he calls "the Commons."
3D-Printed Superconductor Achieves Record Performance
Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Cornell Engineering and inaugural Design Tech faculty member Uli B. Wiesner's team has developed a groundbreaking one-step 3D printing process for superconductors. The process leverages self-assembling copolymer nanoparticle inks to achieve record-setting magnetic performance and streamlined fabrication.
Pursuing Purpose, Building Knowledge: AAP Embarks on the Fall 2025 Semester
Aligned with an ongoing mission to advance research, scholarship, and creative practices, Cornell's College of Architecture, Art, and Planning begins a vibrant semester of critical and creative work that invites students, faculty, and staff to explore ideas across disciplines in pursuit of a more sustainable and equitable world.
Advancing the Mission: New Faculty Continue Expanding Expertise Across Disciplines
Through endowed visiting and long-term department positions, incoming educators bring fresh perspectives, strengthening AAP's core values and commitment to innovative research and teaching.
'Robotability Score' Ranks NYC Streets for Future Robot Deployment
Design Tech Associate Professor Wendy Ju and a team of Ph.D. candidates developed a novel metric that quantifies how suitable urban environments are for autonomous robot navigation.
Ratan N. Tata Posthumously Honored with Inaugural Distinguished Alumni Award
Milstein Hall's auditorium was at capacity for the April ceremony, during which speakers shared personal reflections on Tata's wide-ranging impact and legacy.
Autodesk Gives Jointly to Cornell's Colleges of Engineering and Architecture, Art, and Planning
To advance teaching, research, student experience, and post-graduate success in Cornell Engineering and Cornell AAP, Autodesk gifts $4.3M to be shared by the two colleges.
Nice Flex: AI-Powered Smart Clothing Logs Posture, Exercises
Cornell Bowers and Design Tech Professor François Guimbretière coauthored a paper that studies a new technology using flexible conductive threads sewn into a short-sleeved t-shirt and AI to track workouts.
AI Ring Tracks Spelled Words in American Sign Language
Professor of Information Science at Cornell Bowers and Design Tech Faculty François Guimbretière is among the coauthors of SpellRing, a paper presenting an AI-powered ring with micro-sonar technology that continuously and in real time tracks fingerspelling in American Sign Language.
Solar Solutions: Bio-Inspired Approach Creates Bespoke Photovoltaics
HelioSkin, an interdisciplinary project led by Design Tech Chair Jenny Sabin, College of Arts and Sciences faculty Itai Cohen, and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences faculty Adrienne Roeder, combines computational design, digital fabrication, and 3D printing to create customized filters and photovoltaic panel assemblies.
An Open Invitation: AAP's Spring 2025 Semester Highlights
With the start of a new semester comes a fresh opportunity to engage with AAP colleagues and guests, explore concepts on campus and in the field, and find inspiration in the work and ideas on display at every turn.
Architect Jenny Sabin: Nature is an Incredible Teacher | Louisiana Channel
In this short documentary, Professor of Architecture and Design Tech Chair Jenny Sabin explores the boundaries and interconnectedness of her field, embracing nature as an influence and collaborator.
A Q&A with Design Tech Department Chair Jenny Sabin
Design Tech Chair Jenny Sabin shares how the department blends design and emerging tech, preparing students to tackle challenges like sustainability and space exploration through robotics, AI, and more.
Exhibit Highlights Art/Tech Intersections in Student Work
Six AAP students won prizes at the inaugural Art+Tech exhibit hosted by Cornell's Milstein Program in Technology & Humanity: Thomas Knoepffler, Cheng Peng, Sissy Tian (all M.S. DT '26), Kanika Bhagat (B.Arch. '26), Willem Schreiber (B.F.A. '25), and Hendrik Stoops Lugo (B.F.A. '27).
Micromachines Autonomously Coordinate Using Electronic Pulses
Itai Cohen, Professor of Physics in the College of Arts and Sciences and Design Tech faculty, along with Alyssa Apsel and other Cornell researchers, has demonstrated the first synchronization in microscopic machines with CMOS oscillators.
Smallest Walking Robot Makes Microscale Measurements
Professor of Physics in the College of Arts and Sciences and Design Tech faculty Itai Cohen is among the Cornell researchers who have created what may be the world's smallest walking robot.
