The good Cornellians can do: Kelly Liu ’21

Two years ago, Kelly Liu '21 received an email from her high school science department, asking if she’d be willing to serve as a judge for the school’s science fair. Kelly attended Bergen County Academies, a public magnet school located in Hackensack, New Jersey, before earning a degree in materials science from Cornell’s College of Engineering.

Kelly admits that initially she was on the fence about volunteering at the fair. Then she reflected on her own mentors, and how their encouragement had transformed her experience as a student.

“At Cornell, Professor Julia Dshemuchadse made a big impact on me as a mentor,” Kelly says. “Growing up, I was very shy and had never been sure how to develop more personal relationships with people I saw as authority figures. Professor Dschemuchadse took the time to get to know me, inquiring about my career aspirations and thinking of ways to connect me to people who would have helpful knowledge. She helped me realize that talking to ‘authority figures’ really isn't that scary, that you just need to be open and curious and people are generally more than happy to offer their experience and knowledge to you.”

Kelly accepted the invitation to judge the 2024 Bergen County Academies science fair. Judging was so rewarding that she returned again in 2025.

“It's incredible to hear about the students' projects, understand their thought processes, and get a glimpse of what they hope to do in their careers or what innovations and societal improvements their project might lead to,” Kelly says. “Seeing their curiosity and dedication gives me hope for the future!”

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