Karlah Culver

Meet Karlah

Karlah pursues Biology & Society at the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences (CALS), where she loves delving into the societal implications of healthcare. Karlah's post-graduation plans include applying to medical school to become an OBGYN, and her goal is to work specifically in infertility treatment and open an IVF clinic. On campus, she stays engaged in various clubs and activities while enjoying all that Ithaca and Cornell offer. 

What clubs/activities are you involved with on campus?

I am involved with:

  • Sitter & Treasurer for Guiding Eyes for the Blind
  • Cornell Days Chair, Big Red Ambassadors
  • Student Manager, Catering & Concessions
  • Vice President, Weill Ithaca Network
  • Diversity & Equity Intern, Dean of Students Marla Love
  • Member of Student Advisory Committee for Cornell Tradition

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

CALS grants so much flexibility in graduation/academic requirements. Out of the 120 credits I must complete for my BS, I only need 55 credits to be CALS-specific, giving me the freedom to complete over 60+ credits in the other six colleges at Cornell. I learn new things about all academic sectors outside of my primary concentration in pre-health, which is instrumental in making me a well-rounded person and learner. 

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

Enjoy the application process! Many people think it is the most stressful time of the year, but try not to stress over whether your application is "good enough" for a specific college or school. Everything happens for a reason. You will end up where you are meant to be, so don't stress and enjoy your senior year!

What is your academic passion?

Biology & Society is a Cornell-specific major that helps me fulfill my pre-health requirements and allows me to indulge in my interests in the societal aspects of how healthcare and biology intertwine with society. Courses specific to my major, such as BSOC 2468: Medicine, Culture, and Society; BSOC 3111: Social Studies of Medicine; and BSOC 2051: Ethical Issues in Health and Medicine, allow students to learn from the undergraduate level the societal issues that impact medicine and the distribution of healthcare which is my primary reason for wanting to enter the healthcare field. 

Tell us about your favorite thing to do in Ithaca.

My friends and I avidly explore the Ithaca Commons and shop at the stores. We love Apple Fest and enjoy all the festivities surrounding the festival. It has everything apples that you could think of. Apple Fest is a great weekend to have fun, enjoy the Ithaca and Cornell community, and debrief from classes and my hectic academic/extracurricular load.

Hometown

Bronx, New York

Graduation Year

2026

College/School

  • College of Agriculture & Life Sciences

Majors

  • Biology and Society

Minors

  • Health Equity

After graduation, I plan to apply to medical school. My goal is to be an OBGYN, and I hope to complete a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology to work specifically in infertility treatment and open an IVF clinic.

What is your favorite class so far, and why?

PE 1500: Introduction to Bowling! It was my first PE class at Cornell and a great way to relax after a long day of classes. I enjoyed the course, and the instructor, John La'Rock, is highly skilled at professional bowling. I've been able to beat my friends and family whenever we go bowling because of the tips and tricks I learned in the course. 

My favorite major-related class has either been BIOMI 2900: Microbiology or CHEM 3570: Organic Chemistry I. These courses have challenged me to learn, study, and explore highly complex material that is truly interesting to understand. I have become a better learner and student from studying in these courses. 

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to apply to medical school. My goal is to be an OBGYN, and I hope to complete a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology to work specifically in infertility treatment and open an IVF clinic. 

Tell us about your favorite place to study.

A.D. White Library, located in Uris Library, is a go-to. During finals and prelim season, I always find myself nestled in the stacks of A.D. White Library. It is designated as a quiet zone, so it is the perfect place to relax and lock into your studies. 

Where is your go-to place to eat on campus, and what is your favorite thing to order?

Either Mac's Café in the Statler Hotel or Martha's Café in the Martha Van Rensselaer Building! It depends on where I am on campus, but if I'm near Statler, I usually order either the pasta with the sauce of the week, grilled chicken, and a garlic breadstick at Mac's Café. At Martha's, my go-to is a bowl with power greens and red lentil pasta with quinoa, broccoli, citrus lemon and herb chicken, carrots, olive relish salsa, cucumber salsa, feta cheese, lemon tahini dressing, and sumac croutons for crunch (extra of course).