Noah Courtney

Meet Noah

Noah finds that Cornell’s founding principle that “... any person can find instruction in any study” resonates with his non-traditional journey to education as a veteran student. On campus, Noah takes advantage of veteran support resources and an intellectually stimulating atmosphere to grow his knowledge of the biological sciences.

What clubs/activities are you involved in?

I'm part of the Cornell Undergraduate Veterans' Association and Cornell Undergraduate Student Assembly.

Why is the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) a great fit for you?

CALS allows me to combine my passion for science and education in a way that best supports my future goals.

What is your academic passion?

Science is all about asking questions; those who know me will tell you I ask a lot! I like that Cornell allows me to ask questions, explore possible solutions, and create a path for my future.

What are your go-to campus resources? How did you discover them?

My professors and advisors. The Office of Undergraduate Biology has been incredibly supportive through my transfer from community college to Cornell. While they were technically assigned to me, I know I can go to them if I need support during stressful moments.

What is one piece of advice or something you wish you knew when you were applying?

My best advice is to be yourself in your essays. It sounds cliché, but be confident that you bring your own mix of qualities to a school that embraces growth and passion.
 

Hometown

Bel Air, Maryland

Graduation Year

2025

College/School

  • College of Agriculture & Life Sciences

Majors

  • Biological Sciences

Minors

  • Education

Pull Quote

Cornell's founder created this university for "any person." My life is unique, my academic path is non-traditional, and Cornell University was the one place that made me feel like my story was a strength, not a weakness.

How did you find your friends and community at Cornell?

Living in the Veterans' Program House, I found like-minded individuals with shared experiences. The other people in the house became fast friends, and I am thankful for them daily.

When you were applying, why did you choose Cornell?

Cornell's founder created this university for "any person." My life is unique, my academic path is non-traditional, and Cornell University was the one place that made me feel like my story was a strength, not a weakness.

What is your favorite class so far, and why?

Advocacy and Debate (ILRLR 3300). Professor Sam Nelson approaches argumentation in a way that is captivating and thought-provoking. The course is outside my major, but it helped me become a better problem-solver in all aspects of my life.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in biology and would like to research how biology is taught and learned at the college level.