Connecting students and faculty
Meet Ben Quint ’27, a global development major who studies how food systems adapt and remain resilient to climate change. He implemented climate-smart practices during his field work as a USDA Wallace-Carver Fellow. Now, Ben researches diets of the future as part of his work with Cornell Food Systems & Global Change.
Ben also volunteers with the World Food Prize and the Global Development Student Advisory Board. He is a teaching assistant for PLSCI 1300: Just Food. In his free time, Ben enjoys leading the trombone section of the Big Red Marching Band.
What has Cornell made possible for you?
At Cornell, and especially as a global development major, the network is world-class. I have a personal connection with most of my professors, and when I apply for opportunities, there is a good chance I know my interviewer, which helps tremendously. I have ready access to top climate experts and agencies, like my work with Mario Herrero and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Global development majors look out for each other, and I feel like my skills are seen and valued. One time, I told my supervisor that I was applying to research abroad with a different professor, and he said, “Well, if they don’t send you there, I will.” Only at Cornell!
Describe an experience that you know will stick with you.
I have very fond memories of my summer in Ithaca. I roomed with a plant scientist, a physicist, an English major, a computer programmer, and a development researcher.
I cooked with a pre-veterinary student who monitored newborn calves at the Dairy. Sometimes the miracle of birth delayed our dinner. We would also plan activities after work, like a swim, a night hike, or a sunset picnic. It was a coming-of-age experience, and I am grateful that our very separate journeys brought us all together.
Tell us about a time you had to try something new.
When I first came to Cornell, I had some anxieties about whether I deserved to be here. I was encouraged to join the Big Red Marching Band. At first I found it really overwhelming, but over time, I appreciated the friendly atmosphere and the break from academics.
Now, I lead the trombone section. Putting on the uniform and representing Cornell was affirming for me and improved my public confidence. When I was under the lights at Schoellkopf and I looked up at the Cornell banner, there was a sense that I had made it.
Is there a class that’s had a significant impact on you?
Just Food is probably the most engaging class so far. Professors Frank Rossi and Rachel Bezner Kerr are such a dynamic team, and they will put you on the spot asking big-picture questions.
I was forced to take positions on food justice issues, and I learned quickly how to argue a stance in a values-driven, yet evidence-based manner. On top of that, the field trips were quite grounding. It is easy to critique others from campus, but out in the community it quickly becomes evident that everyone is doing their best. The class encourages reflection, and now as a teaching assistant I get to continue those discussions.
How did Cornell challenge you to think differently?
I applied to become a global development major because I cared deeply about big-picture issues. It didn’t take long for my Introduction to Global Development class to address that intention does not equal outcome. In some cases, people with passion cause long-lasting harm. We had a much more in-depth conversation about altruism in general, and if it was even possible to be purely altruistic.
I learned many actions are better if you analyze them through one lens, and worse through another. It was almost paralyzing, which was amusing because it was also front-of-mind that inaction is a choice. I soon realized that there are no perfect answers, but we can move in the right direction if we educate ourselves and coordinate with others. In this way, Cornell helped me become a more ethical and rational person.
