BEST Program

Our environmental biotechnology lab hosts the BEST (Biotechnology for the Environment – Showcase and Training) program (originated and supported by NSF CAREER) to increase the diversity of participants in environmental engineering through innovative approaches and strong connections with existing Cornell education programs and research centers for attracting and enlarging diverse participation in engineering research and community education outreach. The PI and BEST program will work with other existing Cornell extension and education outreach programs that involve REU students and high school students. The program offers a two-weeks remote summer program for  high school students to get experiences in participating research activities (availability may vary from year to year). BEST will serve as a vehicle and education center for diverse and multi-disciplinary students, especially underrepresented groups, to experience applying their unique contributions to helping solve critical environmental problems with interdisciplinary knowledge and tools, which will improve their self-efficacy. The BEST program will help enhance the student pipeline and DEI (Diversity, Equality and Inclusion). Please contact aprilgu@cornell.edu if you are interested.