Each month, we highlight a member of the Cornell Wellbeing team to share how they assist employees and a bit about them.
Brinda Vijaya Sankar, Nutrition and Health Outreach Specialist
I am the RD (Registered Dietitian) with Cornell Wellness. I provide nutrition and general health education, food-based department workshops to the Cornell community. I enjoy talking about food and helping people meet their nutrition goals whether it is for disease prevention, management or general overall healthy
living. I love the variety in my job, meeting people in different stages of life and learning about their culture through food excites me the most.
I love cooking, spending time with family and friends and traveling. Going places helps me appreciate all the blessings in life that we take for granted.
Our Hidden Losses: Making Sense of Non-Death Grief July 15, 11am-12pm, virtual. This workshop, facilitated by Jennelle Lijlestran, LCSW, counselor with the Cornell Faculty and Staff Assistance Program, willcreate a space to name, explore, and normalize these forms of “hidden loss.” Through guided reflection and discussion, participants will learn to recognize and understand the emotions that arise in times of unsettling change.
Let's Meditate - Sound Bath Sessions
Tuesdays, 2:30-3pm, Cornell Law School. Experience an immersive sound bath with guided breathing, singing bowls, chimes, and percussion in a breezy outdoor setting. Yoga mats provided.
Financial Wellbeing
Setting Goals and Habits That Stick (Fidelity)
July 2, 10-11am, virtual. Start by identifying or revisiting what you want your money to achieve and setting up good habits to create lasting change. Learn more in this webinar designed specifically for Cornell employees.
Understanding Your Utility Bill (Cornell Cooperative Extension)
In this video, Community Energy Educator Leigh Miller helps you understand your utility bill and reasons why it may be higher than usual.
Physical Wellbeing
Can't Sleep? Here's What to Consider Before Trying Supplements(NY Times) Learn more about sleep supplements from sleep specialists, including Dr. Ana Krieger, medical director of the Center for Sleep Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian.
Wellness Workshops for Your Department Cornell Wellness staff are available upon request to deliver workshops and demonstrations on a variety of topics including stress management and nutrition for your department, unit, or division. Sessions can be offered in person or via Zoom.
Fireworks Safety(Weill Cornell Medicine) Keep the sparkle in your celebration this summer—enjoy fireworks safely by leaving it to the pros or by following these safety tips. Help your furry friends with firework fears stay calm with these ideas from the Riney Canine Health Center.
Services Provided by the Office of Civil Rights
July 22, 3-4pm, virtual. Nina Drake, Employee Accommodations Specialist within the Cornell Office of Civil Rights, will talk about the services they provide and the process required to request accommodations.
Relationships
Looking for a Cornell-Trained Veterinarian? This online map service, offered by the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, helps pet parents and animal owners quickly locate Cornell-trained veterinarians in their neighborhood.
Birds and Blooms July 17, 9-10:30am, Newman Arboretum. Join guides from the Botanic Gardens and the Lab of Ornithology for combined bird walk and plant walks.
Sustainable Computing on the Rise A new Sustainable Computing Workgroup is bringing together faculty, staff, and students to track impacts, raise awareness, and explore more sustainable approaches to technology—addressing issues like energy use, resource extraction, and e‑waste.
Perk of the Week
Apple Hardware Repair CIT offers next-day warranty service on the Ithaca campus for personal and Cornell-owned Apple desktop and laptop computers. This service is available to Cornell faculty, staff, and students.
Occupational Wellbeing
Cornell AI Initiative Office Hours
Thursdays, 10am. Join these office hours to share your ideas and explore how we can support you — from connecting collaborators and shaping teams to research development and proposal strategy.
Cornell Ombuds For more than 50 years, the Office of the University Ombuds has provided students, faculty, and staff with a completely confidential and off-the-record space to discuss problems, conflicts, or other concerns. The office operates independently of the university administration, helping members of the community seek fair outcomes in complicated situations. To make an appointment, email ombuds@cornell.edu or call 607-255-4321.
Just For Fun
Summer Wellbeing Adventure Join the Summer Wellbeing Adventure (July 13–31, 2026) to explore simple, restorative ways to recharge, reconnect, and focus on what matters most. Receive weekly emails with inspiring activities, events, and ideas centered on people, places, and the planet. Participate anytime, anywhere—and share your experience along the way with the community!
Merlin Bird ID App
This summer identify the birds you see or hear with the free Merlin Bird ID app from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Information curated by Cornell Work/Life, Cornell Wellness, and the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program with campus and community resources, programs, events, and informative articles. Explore past editions or email wellbeing@cornell.edu to ask questions or suggest a resource. Published twice per month. Information shared does not indicate Cornell endorsement.
