Jonathan Ma

Email: jjm498@cornell.edu

College and Class Year: College of Engineering - Computer Science, 2026

What drew you to attend Cornell for your university experience?

I love nature, so I was initially drawn to Cornell by its stunning campus— there's nothing quite like watching the sunset on the Slope with Cayuga Lake in the background while the chimes are playing. Besides the campus, Cornell's top-ranked CS program, renowned professors, and opportunities for hands-on experience through research and project teams stood out to me. I was also excited by the diversity of the student body and the chance to immerse myself in a completely new environment of Ithaca and the East Coast, far from my home in the Bay Area.

What is your favorite spot on campus (or Ithaca more broadly), and why?

My favorite spot on campus is the Big Red Barn. Central Campus is always super busy, but when you are in the Big Red Barn, it almost feels like you aren't in the middle of campus since it is such a tranquil place. I love the rustic and cozy vibes inside, especially on the second floor, which is perfect for studying and hanging out with friends! During my freshman and sophomore years, my friends would always come here for lunch on Friday afternoons and have deep conversations. Finally, the Big Red Barn has one of my favorite campus meals, the Chicken Pesto Sandwich!

What are some unique opportunities you have taken advantage of while attending Cornell?

One of my most exciting experiences has been conducting research in the Space Systems Design Studio, where I am the co-lead of the software team for the Alpha CubeSat mission, set to launch in the fall of this year. Inspired by the Breakthrough StarShot initiative, this project aims to test a light sail and the first holograms in space which could one day explore Alpha Centauri, and it was even featured by the Intrepid Museum in NYC! As part of this project, I’ve worked on developing and testing the CubeSat’s flight software, which has allowed me to gain crucial real world experience that I’m looking forward to applying to my internship at SpaceX this summer! Secondly, Cornell’s School of Human Ecology has allowed me to conduct unique research at the Architectural Robotics Lab by tackling the challenges at the forefront of human-computer interaction, allowing me to continue pursuing my interest in robotics from my years of FTC robotics in high school. Outside of academics, Cornell's unique location has also allowed me to join the Outing Club, where I embarked on hiking and camping trips in the Adirondacks, and participated in the Photography Club’s photo walks during the beautiful fall and winter months. This semester, I’ve been studying abroad at DIS Copenhagen in Denmark!

What are your aspirations professionally (or personally) once you leave Cornell?

Personally, I love photography, traveling, and exploring new places, so Scandinavia, New Zealand, Japan, and the Caribbean would definitely be on my bucket list!