Cresten Mansfeldt

Why did you choose Cornell?

My professional answer is Cornell University has an incredible reputation in the department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, my adviser, Ruth Richardson, is a well-respected and talented researcher, and the financial package the department offered was unmet by other universities.

However, the strongest element that swayed my decision to attend Cornell was meeting the current students. Recent graduates Annie Rowe and Cloelle Giddings were responsible for showing me around the campus. During the tour, they made me feel more like family than a visitor. I think that is what truly makes Cornell unique is the people and the community.

What did you want to know about Cornell before you came here?

Basically, I was applying to graduate schools at a very young age and did not have much in the way of inquisitive expectations. I was caught up in finishing up my undergraduate degree so was surprised at every turn by what Cornell had to offer.

Why are you pursuing a Ph.D. degree?

The answer to this question evolves with time. Over my tenure at Cornell, I would say my main motivation was to allow myself to continue to mature and gain confidence in how to think and present myself. A professor during undergrad once said you get a Bachelors in order to discover how to learn and you get a PhD to learn how to think. This distinction has proven itself in my own career.

Pursuing a PhD at Cornell University also provides an environment that allows me to experiment and grow in my personal life. Everything from the way I cook to the way I handle my finances has improved and matured while here.

What is your research project?

I research the bioremediation of common groundwater chlorinated contaminants using the organism Dehalococcoides ethenogenes strain 195. Overall, I have become a hybrid Environmental Engineer, Microbiologist, and Bioinformatician.

Who is your adviser? How has he/she influenced your graduate educational experience?

My adviser is Ruth Richardson. The relationship that I have with her serves as a source of motivation and challenge that ensures my professional career will continue to develop. We have shared moments of jubilation and frustration over research. I would say a good adviser will be able to assist me with my research project, a great adviser will be able to guide me in the transition from student to researcher, and Ruth was able to propel me from a young twenty-one year old to a more confident, more understanding of my strengths and limitations, mid-twenty-something who may be ready to step into a responsible position. Beyond guiding me to become an expert in the field, she has guided me to become an all around professional (who is able to have a balanced life outside of academia). I am very thankful to her for that.

What other activities are you involved in?

At Cornell University, I have had the opportunity to diversify immensely. I have been active in the Graduate and Professional Student Assembly (student governance) for four years and served as the Student Advocacy Chair, Co-Chair of the Charter Review Committee and President along the way. After retiring as President, I now serve on the National Association of Graduate and Professional Students Communications Committee.

In the CEE department, I have served as the CEEGPSA Social Chair and Vice President over three years. I am an active member of the Biogeochemistry and Environmental Biocomplexity Group at Cornell and serve on its Seminar Committee to invite and host different speakers to speak on relevant scientific topics.

Within the broader Ithaca area, I helped organize two Ithaca Ignite talks in which Ithaca residents are invited to speak on issues pertinent to the Ithaca Community. I am a shareholder and future volunteer at Buffalo Street Books. I participate in multiple farm-shares. I also DJ several times a year under the name DJ DIY at bars and dance floors across Ithaca.

Throughout my tenure at Cornell, I have also continued improving my physical activity by participating in intramural basketball, softball, volleyball and inner-tube water polo. Last year, I completed my first marathon and will be running 4 or 5 more this season. I bike long distance and have fallen in love with the Lansing area because of it. Being in upstate New York, I also have become a hiking addict and am on track to hike down all of the major creeks in Ithaca (Six Mile being my favorite so far). I also participate in pick-up games of ultimate Frisbee and soccer from time to time.

Finally, to balance my scientific life, I try to balance my endeavors with expressing my creative side. I am submitting several short stories for publication, have started on a massive collage project to potentially hang in Gimme Coffee and I restore old furniture. I really have started investing time in learning how to cook and my friend group also brews our own beer, wine, and hard cider. With hope, one day I will learn how to make cheese.

There are probably many activities that I have neglected to list (like my recent travel bug and photography phase) but overall, I try to enjoy and stay active in the community. This way, I can grow as a person and not just as a scientist.

What has been your greatest moment or accomplishment so far at Cornell?

Wow. This is something that I haven't really considered. There are many ups and downs along the way, so maybe surviving?

What do you like about living in Ithaca?

Almost everything. Once you get a community established, Ithaca starts taking on a life of its own. Many aspects of Ithaca are unique, but I think I am most content reading a book or a playing a board game at Gimme Coffee. Life is pretty luxurious in Ithaca.

How do you make it work financially?

Overall, I have been lucky to receive fellowships for the first four years of my career. My final year will be supported by my adviser for my research work. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to act as a Teaching Assistant in a grader capacity for multiple semesters to earn extra money. However, the cost of living in Ithaca is fairly low, so with the provided stipend, graduate students can live quite comfortably in the community.

What are your plans after graduation?

Be a beach bum? In seriousness, I am going to apply for multiple positions in academia, government and industry to see what options I have and select from there. I have become increasingly interested in the interface of science and engineering with policy decisions. I may pursue something along that avenue.