Institute for African Development
N’Dri Thérèse Assié-Lumumba
Professor, African and African Diaspora
Additional Information
Program
Role
- Faculty
- IAD Core Faculty
- IAD Advisory Council
Contact
Email: n.assie-lumumba@cornell.edu
Phone: 607-255-7839
IAD Graduate Fellows
The Institute for African Development invites graduate students to apply to become an IAD Graduate Fellow for AY Fall 2026–Spring 2027. The fellowship offers opportunities for engagement and collaboration within a community committed to the study of African development.
Graduate Fellows will participate in activities to enhance interdisciplinary dialogue and strengthen the intellectual community around African studies at Cornell. Fellows are expected to:
- Attend and actively participate in IAD seminars and public events
- Support selecting IAD programming and community-building initiatives
- Contribute to outreach efforts across campus
- Engage with visiting scholars and affiliated faculty
- Provide input on future programming and student engagement activities
Benefits of the Fellowship include:
- Opportunities to connect with faculty and scholars working on African development
- Professional development through event coordination and academic engagement
- Recognition as an IAD Graduate Fellow for the academic year
- Potential eligibility for small research or programming support (if applicable — only included if true)
Eligibility:
- Open to currently enrolled Cornell graduate students
- Demonstrated interest in Africa and/or African development
- Ability to commit to regular participation during AY 2026–2027
Time Commitment:
Fellows are expected to participate in regular meetings and events throughout the academic year. Estimated commitment is approximately X hours per month.
Application Process:
To apply, please submit [materials — CV, short statement, etc.] via https://cornell.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b9qjIXRGKSM3ivQ
Additional Information
Why Grocery Prices Are Rising Again on Long Island
Chris Barrett, IAD/SEAP
Chris Barrett, a Cornell University professor of agricultural economics, explains the rarity of food deflation and the long-term ratchet effect of food price inflation.
Additional Information
A Summer of Conservation in Zimbabwe
Brenna Lashbrook DVM '26, Travel Grant Recipient
“I began the month sitting in classrooms at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM)… and ended it out in the Zimbabwean bush, drawing blood from a sedated lion under a nighttime African sky,” writes Brenna Lashbrook DVM '26, travel grant recipient.
Additional Information
Rwanda Audio Lab EP Listening Party
May 8, 2026
2:00 pm
Join us in listening to the musical EP created by our student in the Cornell Spring Break Program in Rwanda - African Popular Music. Our students worked with artists and professionals throughout the semester and onsite in Rwanda over spring break to make a multi-track EP and will be presenting the tracks live on WVBR 93.5 FM this Friday at 2pm ET along with a jam session to follow. We're excited to celebrate all their hard work and the wonderful intercultural collaborations with our partners in Rwanda.
Additional Information
Program
Institute for African Development
"A Nation of Immigrants" NYS Curriculum
The purpose of this curriculum unit plan is to explore the current migration of African citizens to the United States.
Learning Context:
Students will:
• Discuss how one’s cultural identity or ethnicity shapes who you are
• Identify reasons for immigration to America in the past, such as economic
(seeking work) or political reasons, by force (as slaves) and as refugees fleeing war or persecution
Applicable NYS Learning Standards:
NYS English Language Arts Standards:
Standard 1: Students will read, write, listen, and speak for information and understanding.
Reading:
• Collect and interpret data, facts, and ideas from unfamiliar texts
• Use text features, such as captions, charts, tables, graphs, maps, notes, and other visuals, to understand and interpret informational texts
• Use graphic organizers to record significant details from informational texts
Writing:
• Take notes to record data, facts, and ideas both by following teacher direction and by writing independently
If you are interested in learning more, please visit our website here.
Additional Information
In Memory of Erik Thorbecke
H. E. Babcock Professor of Economics Emeritus
The Einaudi Center mourns the passing of Professor Erik Thorbecke, H. E. Babcock Professor of Economics Emeritus. A pioneering scholar of poverty, inequality, and development economics, he leaves a lasting legacy through his scholarship, teaching, and mentorship. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and former students.
Additional Information
Hip-Hop Collective Students Showcase
Wednesday, April 29, 2026 @ 6:00pm Africana Studies Auditorium (310 Triphammer Rd).ResKp directs the Cornell Hip Hop Collective (MUS 3616), a for-credit, auditioned ensemble of Cornell students who gather weekly to work on collaborative hip hop performance.