POSITIONS @ CORNELL UNIVERSITY HYBRID BODY LAB
For all positions: REquired materails FOR EMAIL 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.
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.
Research areas of interest and required skill set: See FAQ below.
Master’s Programs
Prof. Kao can advise students in the following Master’s programs:
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. What research areas and skill sets is the Lab looking for in PhD applicants? Any advice on what the application should cover?
PHD APPLICANT RESEARCH INTERESTS
We seek PhD applicants who are excited to advance the Hybrid Body Lab’s vision of Hybrid Skins: culturally inspired, conformable interfaces that enhance human experiences. We are particularly interested in candidates who can contribute to both (1) the fabrication of these interfaces and (2) their application in research domains aligned with the Lab’s interests.
In your application, please identify the areas in each category below that you would be interested in pursuing as part of your PhD research. You are welcome to select multiple areas across both categories.
1. Fabrication Approaches
2. Application Areas
Women’s Health OR Other Health and Wellbeing (Example: 1 , 2)
Democratizing Prototyping of Emerging Technology (Example: 1, 2 )
HANDS-ON PHYSICAL PROTOTYPING
The Hybrid Body Lab strongly emphasizes hands-on making, physical computing, and developing functional physical prototypes. In your PhD application materials, please highlight relevant experience, technical skills, and projects that demonstrate your ability and enthusiasm for hands-on prototyping. We are particularly interested in your experience with Physical computing (i.e., the combining of software and hardware to build interactive physical systems), as well as your willingness and capacity to develop and master new fabrication skills to support your research and prototyping needs in the Lab.
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.