The AI Undergraduate Fellows Program brings together undergraduate students from across Cornell to explore how AI technologies are shaping student learning and experiences both inside and outside the classroom. Fellows receive training in research methods, develop an IRB-approved mixed-methods study, and collaborate on a year-long research project examining student perspectives, practices, and needs related to AI use in an educational context.

Throughout Fall 2026, the Fellows will conduct research with Cornell undergraduates to gather important insights related to the use of AI across campus. These findings can help inform and inspire teaching, learning, and academic innovation at Cornell.

Program findings will be shared with the Cornell community at a culminating event in Spring 2027.

The AI Undergraduate Fellows Program is a grant-sponsored initiative funded by Empire AI and supported by the Center for Teaching Innovation (CTI) and the Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Innovation.

Study Focus

The study explores how Cornell students are using generative AI technologies and how those technologies are influencing learning experiences across disciplines. Areas of inquiry include student perceptions of AI effectiveness, the impact of course policies and expectations, preparation for future careers, and opportunities and challenges related to the responsible use of AI in higher education.

Program Timeline

• Spring 2026: Senior Fellows recruited and trained; research planning begins.
• Summer 2026: Study design and preparation.
• Fall 2026: Junior Fellows recruited; IRB-approved research conducted with Cornell undergraduates.
• Fall 2026 & Winter 2026-2027: Data analysis and development of findings.
• Spring 2027: Findings shared with the Cornell community through a public event.

For Instructors

Faculty and instructional staff can support the AI Undergraduate Fellows Program by sharing information about the study with students who may be interested in participating and contributing their perspectives on the role of AI in teaching and learning.

Students have two options to participate in the study. They can fill out a survey related to their AI use, or participate in an interview with an AI Undergraduate Fellow. Faculty who are interested in sharing this opportunity with their students can contact the Fellows at the email below in order to receive recruitment materials that they can share with their classes.

Instructors who would like to attend the Spring 2027 event may request to be notified when registration becomes available.

To join the event notification list or obtain official participant recruitment materials, please contact GenAIFellows@cornell.edu.

For Students

Cornell undergraduate students interested in participating in the study and sharing their experiences with generative AI in teaching and learning are encouraged to contact GenAIFellows@cornell.edu for more information.

Meet the CTI AI Undergraduate Fellows

Senior Fellows

• Emily Fang '29, Statistical Science
• Arianna Cheyin Hsu ‘28, Information Science, Systems, and Technology
• Hayley Marino ‘27, Human Development
• Nancy Qiao ‘28, Economics & Statistical Science
• Jin Ren ‘28, Information Science
• Rohan Mamun Tonmoy ‘28, Biomedical Engineering

Junior Fellows

• Rodas Yonas Geberhiwet '29, Computer Science
• Maha Khan ’29, Computer Science
• Stella Ma ‘28, Statistics, Economics
• Braddy Maria ‘28, Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Maeve Adeline McCarthy ‘ 28, Human Development
• Gianna Yicheng Ou ‘27, Information Science
• Mabel Momo Qiu ‘28, Computer Science
• Claire Wu ‘27, Education x Information Science