Application Deadline

The application deadline for the 2010 program (June 7 to August 13) is February 15, 2010.  Please note, applications and all supporting materials must be RECEIVED by this deadline.

All applications will be reviewed by an Admission Committee comprised of faculty from Cornell and UMass, as well as food industry representatives.  Decisions will be based on the entire application including grades, letters of recommendation, leadership qualities, and prior experiences (although prior research experience is not required).  Successful applicants will be assigned, by the same committee, to a lab at either Cornell or UMass.  Lab assignments will be determined by interests. 

Completing the Application

A complete application must include:

• Application Form
• Personal Statement (no longer than one page)
• Transcripts
• Letters of Recommendation (at least two, no more than four)
• Curriculum Vitae

Please do not staple any of the application pages or supporting documents.

Application Form

Information on the application form must be typed or printed and filled out completely.  Click here to download the form.

Personal Statement

A one page summary of your educational program objectives and your long-range professional goals.  Describe research, educational and personal experiences that you consider relevant to your career goals.

Transcripts

We require transcripts from each college or university you have attended. Official transcripts or a PDF or JPEG copy of official transcripts will be accepted.  However, please keep in mind, if you submit a copy, we may ask you to submit the official transcript should we have any questions (you will be notified via e-mail after your application is received.  If asked to submit an official transcript, it does not need to be received by the application deadline).  If you are requesting your university or college to send an official transcript, you may have it sent to the address at the bottom of this page.  

Letters of Recommendation

It is important that references be carefully selected.  Use as respondents individuals who can make the most meaningful comments about your qualifications for a career in your chosen field of study.  At least two reference letters (but no more than four) should be mailed directly, or e-mailed to Janette Robbins (jmr65@cornell.edu).  Applicants may also collect letters of recommendation, in sealed and signed envelopes, and send them in with the other application materials.  

Curriculum Vitae

Please include a complete account of the following:

• Academic and Professional Honors - specify name, purpose, sponsor and date of each award.
• Work Experience - include all work experience whether part-time, full-time, or voluntary.
• Publications - it is recognized that most prospective applicants may have had little or no research experience.  But for those who have, and have published their findings, the following information is requested.  Each citation should list the authors (in published sequence), full title, journal, volume, page number(s), and year of publication.  Submit three reprints or photocopies of each.  The latter may include manuscripts accepted for publication or submitted for publication if appropriately identified.
• Personal Interests and Achievements - describe activities or hobbies in which you have participated, as well as organizations in which you have had an administrative or leadership role.

Submitting the Application

The application and all required information must be received by the February 15th application deadline for consideration.  Please do not staple the application pages or other materials together.  Applications and supporting documents should be mailed to:

Janette Robbins
Cornell University
Department of Food Science
109 Stocking Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853

All applications will be reviewed by an Admission Committee and decisions will be based on the entire application including grades, letters of recommendation, leadership qualities, and prior experiences (although prior research experience is NOT required). Successful applicants will be assigned, by the same committee, to a lab. Lab assignments will be determined by interests.

If you have questions, please contact:
Janette Robbins, jmr65@cornell.edu