POSITIONS @ CORNELL UNIVERSITY HYBRID BODY LAB

For all positions: REquired materails FOR INQUIRY

To discuss opportunities, in your introductory email, please include the following materials to Prof Kao (cindykao AT cornell DOT edu).

• If you identify as a designer, artist, craftsperson, or maker, please include (1) your CV, (2) online or digital portfolio, (3) a description of key skillsets, and (4) a list of 3 references that can be contacted via email.

• If you identify as an engineer, scientist, or researcher, please include (1) your CV, (2) representative papers and/or projects, (3) a description of key skillsets, and (4) a list of 3 references that can be contacted via email.

Feel free to include all of the above if you are a hybrid of both.

PHD and Masters Program Application Info

At Cornell University, Prof. Kao can directly advise graduate students (PhD and Master’s) in human-centered design, information science, fiber science and apparel design, and electrical and computer engineering. Each program has its own application requirements and admissions process; please refer to the program webpages below for details.

Candidates should identify and apply to the single Cornell graduate program that best matches their background and research interests. Cornell permits applicants to apply to only one graduate program (you may list a secondary program of interest).

How to Be Considered

We receive hundreds of inquiries each year from prospective PhD and Master’s students. While we appreciate introductory emails, because of the volume of inquiries, we may not be able to respond to all individual emails about admissions. Please do not let this discourage your application!

If you would like to be considered for a graduate student position in the Hybrid Body Lab, please apply directly to one of the programs listed below. In your application and/or Statement of Purpose, please list Prof. Cindy Hsin-Liu Kao as a faculty member of interest. This will ensure that your application is brought to Prof. Kao’s attention for review.

We can only begin reviewing applications after you have formally applied to a Cornell graduate program.

Please note that PhD applications cannot be considered after the application deadline. Application deadlines and requirements may vary from year to year, so please carefully consult the official webpage for your selected program.

PhD Programs

All PhD positions are fully funded.

• Ph.D. in Human Behavior + Design: Emerging Technology for Design

• Ph.D. in Information Science

Important: Prof Kao is not admitting students from the Information Science PhD Program in the 2026–2027 application cycle. Please see the FAQ below for the latest information.

Master’s Programs

Prof. Kao can advise students in the following Master’s programs:

• M.S. in Human Environment Relations: Emerging Technology for Design

• M.A. in Design: Emerging Technology for Design

• M.Eng in Electrical and Computer Engineering

• M.S in Design Tech

• M.A. in Apparel Design

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is Prof. Kao accepting PhD students for the 2026–2027 application cycle, to begin in Fall 2027?

A. Yes! Please apply!

However, there is an important exception for PhD applicants in the 2026–2027 application cycle:

Prof. Kao is not admitting PhD students through the Information Science program for this application cycle.

If you are interested in pursuing a PhD with Prof. Kao and working in the Hybrid Body Lab, please apply to the Ph.D. in Human Behavior + Design: Emerging Technology for Design program.

If you nevertheless choose to apply through the Information Science PhD program, you may list the Ph.D. in Human Behavior + Design: Emerging Technology for Design as your secondary program of choice so that your application may receive secondary consideration by Prof. Kao.

Please carefully review the requirements and deadlines for your selected program before applying.

Q. Is Prof. Kao accepting Master’s students for the 2026–2027 application cycle, to begin in Fall 2027?

A. Yes! Please apply! Prof Kao is accepting applicants from all master's programs listed above.

Please carefully review the requirements and deadlines for your selected program before applying.

Cornell University Undergraduate/Graduate Students: Independent Study Opportunities

Prof. Kao has opportunities for Independent Study credits for students of all levels at Cornell University. Please email Prof Kao with the required application materials to discuss taking the credit.

Internships / VISITING SCHOLARS

We have the capacity to host a limited number of internships and visiting scholars each year. Please email Prof Kao with the required application materials listed above to discuss this opportunity.

POSTDOCS

Please view our postdoctoral scholar openings page.