Dr. Lori Leonard

Professor

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Biography

Lori Leonard is a Professor in the Department of Global Development at Cornell University, where she also serves as the Senior Associate Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Her research is centered on the social and environmental implications of consumption, disposability, and the global circulation of secondhand items. Leonard has been involved in various research projects, addressing issues such as food waste recycling in upstate New York and the repair and recycling of used cars in West Central Africa. She is a prominent scholar on extractive industries and has conducted a long-term study on a pipeline project in Chad, examining it as a model for oil-as-development. Leonard's interdisciplinary work bridges Gender, Waste, and Environmental studies, and she has received multiple accolades, including the Outstanding Faculty Award from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Alumni Association at Cornell University in 2023. She has also participated as a scholar in residence at the Rockefeller Foundation in Bellagio, Italy, and is a two-time recipient of the J. William Fulbright Fellowship. Leonard’s teaching portfolio includes critical courses that explore the intersections of gender and global change, waste management, and qualitative research methods in the social sciences, equipping students with essential analytical and research skills.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2025-07-01 — Present

Cornell University • Ithaca, NY

Serving as professor and Senior Associate Dean, leading academic programs and initiatives in Global Development.

Awards

#2023

Outstanding Faculty Award

#2019

Faculty Fellowship

#2016

Academic Writing Residency

#2016

CALS Innovative Teacher Award

#

Residential Fellowship

#2009

Canada Research Chair

#2008

Margaret Bright Award for Excellence in Teaching

#2007

Advising, Mentoring, Teaching Award (AMTRA)

#

Faculty Innovation Award

#

New Century Scholars Award

Courses

UNILWYL 1120: Wonder Women GDEV/FGSS 3230: Gender Global Change GDEV 2030: Global Garbage GDEV 6150: Qualitative Research Methods

Requirements for Cornell University

Master Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Listening
Required:15
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:22
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Architecture or related field
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Portfolio (SlideRoom)
  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Personal Statement
  • Transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

Department of Architecture