Professor Aparna Thomas arrived on campus in 2004 with a joint appointment in politics and gender, sexuality, and women’s studies. On this particular day she is teaching her Block 7 advanced politics course, Perspectives on Global Health.
It’s one of the last days of the block, and students are presenting their research in class. Professor Thomas introduces the first student presenter.Thomas frequently makes time for lunch in Cornell’s Hilltop Café with colleagues. Today she is dining with David Yamanishi, professor of politics, and Meghan Yamanishi, social sciences librarian.Following afternoon class, Katherine Baker ’19 comes into Thomas’ South Hall office for an advising session on several post-graduation options. Baker was assigned to Thomas when she arrived on campus and stayed with her all four years as an international relations major.After their advising session Thomas leaves for a meeting, and Katherine Baker ’19 walks with her along the Ped Mall.All faculty provide service and self-governance to the college through committee work. Thomas is serving an elected term on the Retention, Tenure, and Promotion Committee, which meets once a month with Dean Joe Dieker in Cole Library.
