Dear Colleagues,
As Department Extension Leader, it is my pleasure to make a few special announcements in our Fall 2009 Human Development Newsletter: First, I would like to welcome Karl Pillemer as the new Associate Dean of Extension. Karl brings his significant experience in translational research and extension to lead the outreach efforts of the College. We are looking forward to Karl's support as we build on our successful track record of integration of outreach, research, and undergraduate education.
Second, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the tremendous expertise in research and scholarship represented by faculty in Human Development. Our world class research and scholarship is evidenced by the growth in our external funding portfolio. Featured in this issue are award announcements for highly competitive grants supporting innovative research and partnerships, with important real world applications in the areas of poverty and early brain development, cognitive impairment in aging, pain management in later life, adolescent risk taking and health, earth science education, and improving food choice in school cafeterias. Congratulations to all of you who have contributed to these projects!
We also highlight in this issue the undergraduate extension internships sponsored by the College of Human Ecology. Involving undergraduates in research and in the translation of such research fosters students' experiences in outreach and develops leadership competencies. Summer funding enables students to participate in community-based experiences across New York, and to learn how critical thinking, data collection, and research translation and application can address human needs. Ask one of the 14 students we have funded about the necessity for evidence-based practice, and you will be impressed by their vision and commitment to improving human welfare. As always, I remain inspired by the staff, students, community partners, and administrators who make Cornell's special brand of research-community partnerships possible.
Happy Holiday wishes!
Valerie Reyna