CUPP Students Shine: A Summer of Discovery, Connection, and Celebration

Students in Columbia University’s Pathways Programs engaged in a summer of discovery, networking, and collaboration. In addition to advancing their research alongside program mentors, they took part in three events organized by the Inclusive Faculty Pathways portfolio in the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty Advancement.

LinkedIn for Students: Building Your Columbia Network

On June 25, OVPFA kicked off its 2025 CUPP Summer programming with “LinkedIn for Students: Building Your Columbia Network.” The session opened with David Beltran, Associate Director of Communications and Marketing at University Life, who shared practical tips on creating a strong LinkedIn profile and building meaningful professional connections.

Following David’s presentation, Jacques A. Calixte II (SHPEP ’22), a CUPP alumnus and current MD candidate at the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, reflected on his own CUPP experience and offered advice on how students can use LinkedIn to grow and sustain their networks. The event encouraged students to utilize LinkedIn not only as a professional development platform, but also as a way to expand their Columbia community.

Campus Hangout

On July 9, the Lewisohn Lawns came alive as the fourth annual CUPP Cookout welcomed over 200 high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. Representing 24 summer research programs, attendees enjoyed an afternoon of lawn games, music from a student DJ, classic cookout favorites, and the CUPP match game, a networking and icebreaker activity that helped students connect across programs while competing for raffle prizes.

Thanks to the dedication of Pathways program directors and mentors who volunteered their time, the cookout was once again well received by all.

Pathways Students Impress at Research Symposium

On July 23, OVPFA hosted its Pathways Programs Symposium and Mini Admissions Fair in Lerner Hall’s Roone Arledge Auditorium. The event marked the culmination of the summer CUPP programming, bringing together students, faculty, and mentors to showcase the outstanding scholarship across Columbia’s pathways programs.

This year’s symposium featured over 88 students presenting their work through posters, representing nine different programs including: SPHSP-Summer Public Health Scholars Program, YES in THE HEIGHTS, CSUREMM-Columbia Summer Undergraduate Research Experiences in Mathematical Modeling, CMUSR-Columbia Math Undergraduate Summer Research, IICD SRP-Irving Institute for Cancer Dynamics Summer Research Program for Undergraduates, GSAS SRP-Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Leadership Alliance Summer Research Program, INTEGRITY Post-Baccalaureate Program Integrating Transdisciplinary Research and Training to Eliminate Cancer Health Disparities, LEAP-Learning the Earth with Artificial Intelligence and Physics Summer REU Program, Bridge to Ph.D. Program in STEM.

Over 240 high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, along with faculty, staff, and guests, filled the auditorium to engage with research spanning disciplines from STEM to the humanities. Highlights also included a Mini Graduate Admissions Fair with representatives from 19 Columbia schools and departments, along with opportunities for students to take professional headshots.

The day also included professional development workshops tailored for both high school and undergraduate students. Sarah Campbell from Undergraduate Admissions led a session on writing the college essay, while Jenny Choy from Columbia Engineering and Amanda Carlson from the School of Professional Studies offered valuable insights into the graduate admissions process.

Thanks to the commitment of program directors, mentors, and admissions representatives, the Symposium was a resounding success that celebrated student achievement while strengthening the pathways community.