DEI programs

The Department of Neurobiology and Behavior at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY welcomes members of underrepresented groups in STEM* interested in graduate school in neurobiology, behavior, and/or evolution  to apply to our Graduate School Diversity and Inclusion Weekend Tier 2. Our goal for this event is to facilitate greater access to graduate school for individuals from underrepresented groups* and diverse social identities.* In doing so, we aim to build a more inclusive environment that enhances our research and broadens representation in our current and future scientific community. 

Over the weekend, we will provide resources to prepare diverse groups in their pursuit of graduate studies. This will include workshopping application materials, networking with scientists, and discussing the graduate school process. For those who have an interest in pursuing graduate studies within our field, we are excited to provide this opportunity to workshop their applications and engage in discussions with our faculty and graduate students about careers in science.

*Underrepresented groups in STEM including African American/Black, Latinx or Hispanic, American Indian, Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, South Asian, Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern, or Northern African; First-generation college students/graduates; Individuals from other underrepresented backgrounds that have posed significant challenges including those with disabilities, LGBTQIA, low-income, and individuals granted deferred action status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

The application form asks for: basic demographic information, education and work experience, academic interests, four short prompts (1500 characters each), and contact information for one reference (a teacher, advisor, or employer, for example) who will be asked to provide a letter that supports that the applicant is interested in scientific research and pursuing a graduate degree, and would benefit from participating in this program. Upon submitting the application, the reference will be emailed a link to a form where they can submit their letter. Reference letters are due by the application deadline, so please plan accordingly.

For questions about the program or the application, please email us.

NBB DIW participants are eligible for an application fee waiver to Cornell.

To request a graduate school application fee waiver; 

1. Please first complete the online graduate application and reach the payment section.
2. Here, you will find a link to request an application fee waiver. Click on this link. Here, request a preparatory program fee waiver (not a financial hardship fee waiver). 
3. There is a dropdown menu with a long list of programs.  Scroll all the way to the end and select “other”
4. In the text box write 'NBB Diversity and Inclusion Weekend’.
5. Please be sure to submit your application a few days prior to the application deadline as it can take up to three business days for our staff to approve the fee waiver request.  
6. Your application will not be considered complete until the fee waiver request is processed.