These recipients each demonstrated a sustained commitment to support of initiatives that enhance diversity and inclusion for the Cornell Engineering community. By acknowledging the recipients with this award, we exhibit our gratitude and appreciation of their invaluable contributions and the significant impact each has made within the College and beyond.
Zellman Warhaft Undergraduate Commitment to Diversity
Oluwatise Alatise ’23, Computer Science
Oluwatise has impacted the Cornell Engineering community as a student leader and mentor. As a leader with Women in Computing at Cornell and Underrepresented Minorities in Computing she has promoted equality, diversity and inclusivity. A peer writes, “she has always taken on bold new initiatives to positively contribute to diversity and inclusion. …. she has always gone above and beyond to uplift those around her.”
Zellman Warhaft Graduate Commitment to Diversity
Gustavo Alvarez, Mechanical Engineering PhD Student
Gustavo showed commitment to diversity through mentorship, service, and leadership. As a co-chair of the Multicultural Academic Council Peer Mentoring Program, he planned and facilitated workshops for new and advanced PhD student on various topics. He mentors graduate and undergraduate students on finding resources and graduate school applications. One mentee will be a co-author on a publication and was admitted to various PhD programs. Finally, Gustavo’s mentorship extends beyond Cornell through the Big Brothers and Big Sisters program in Ithaca.
Zellman Warhaft Faculty Commitment to Diversity
Julia Dshemuchadse, Assistant Professor, Materials Science & Engineering
Prof. Dshemuchadse has shown a sustained effort and commitment to diversity and inclusion in MSE. From her mentorship of her research students, to her leadership and support of MSE’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion initiative (JEDI), she works tirelessly to ensure that students in MSE are supported in their endeavors. She has shown belief in the potential within every student, no matter their identity or scientific background. Her efforts to understand student concerns and consider systemic changes have already improved communication and transparency within the graduate students and faculty in the department.
Return to 2023 Annual Awards list