Founded in 1865 in Ithaca, New York, Cornell University is a leader in combining rigorous academics with practical solutions. Known for its diverse programs spanning engineering, agriculture, business, and hotel management, Cornell nurtures speakers who are not only experts but also innovators and problem-solvers.

Cornell’s culture blends traditional Ivy League scholarship with a pioneering spirit — producing speakers who inspire through a balance of deep knowledge and real-world application.

Cornell University: A Campus Where Ideas Become Impact

Notable Figures and Speaker Highlights

Cornell has produced leaders like Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Supreme Court Justice), Bill Nye (science communicator), and E.B. White (author).

Faculty and alumni include pioneers in AI, sustainable agriculture, and entrepreneurship. Speakers from Cornell often bring expertise in emerging tech, environmental policy, and leadership.

For example, David Einhorn (investor and author) and Kate McCue (first American female cruise captain) illustrate Cornell’s breadth — from finance to trailblazing careers.

Why Cornell Speakers Resonate With Your Audience

Cornell speakers offer a unique combination of academic rigor and practical insight. Whether discussing climate innovation, leadership, or STEM breakthroughs, they connect complex topics to everyday impact.

Their credibility and relatable style make them excellent for conferences, corporate events, and educational forums.

For speakers who combine tradition with trailblazing vision, Cornell is a powerhouse. Booking Cornell talent ensures audiences leave inspired with actionable knowledge.

Featured Cornell University Speakers

• Deborah Estrin (Ph.D. ’85, MIT) – Professor at Cornell Tech; MacArthur Fellow; Pioneer in Mobile Health & Embedded Sensor Networks. Book Deborah Estrin to explore the future of personalized healthcare through “small data” and sensor technology — ideal for audiences passionate about digital health innovation.
• Eric Betzig (Ph.D. ’88, Applied Physics) – Nobel Laureate in Chemistry (2014); Inventor of PALM Super-Resolution Microscopy. Invite Eric Betzig for a groundbreaking talk on how cutting-edge microscopy is transforming our understanding of life at the cellular level.
• John David Reppy (Ph.D.) – Cornell Faculty Emeritus; Expert in Superfluid Helium Physics. Book John David Reppy for a deep dive into quantum physics and the experiments that have advanced Nobel-winning science.
• Swati Mohan (B.S. ’04, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering) – NASA’s Guidance, Navigation & Controls Lead; Voice Behind Mars 2021 Perseverance Rover Landing. Bring Swati Mohan to inspire audiences with stories of leadership and precision from the front lines of space exploration.
• Trent Preszler (Ph.D., Dyson School) – Professor of Forest Bioeconomy; Former Winemaker CEO; Emmy-winning Documentary Subject. Book Trent Preszler to share a unique blend of entrepreneurship, sustainability, and personal transformation through nature and craft.
• Pamela Marrone (B.S. ’78, Entomology) – Award-Winning Biopesticide Entrepreneur; Cornell Inventors Hall of Fame Inductee. Invite Pamela Marrone for a visionary talk on eco-friendly innovations transforming agriculture and protecting the planet.
• Thomas W. Jones (B.A., MBA) – Former CEO, Smith Barney Asset Management & Citigroup Global Investment Management; Senior Partner, TWJ Capital; Cornell Trustee Emeritus. Book Thomas W. Jones for expert insights into global investment strategy, leadership, and navigating financial markets.
• Hugh Hayden (B.Arch. ’06) – Nature-Inspired Sculptor; Exhibited at MoMA PS1, Princeton University Art Museum. Bring Hugh Hayden for a captivating exploration of art, architecture, and the natural world that engages creative and environmental audiences alike.
• Craig Dewey (B.S. ’06) – Hollywood Film Editor; Credits Include World War Z and The Darkest Hour. Invite Craig Dewey to share insider stories of storytelling, film editing craft, and transitioning from academia to major motion pictures.

» READ MORE: Top Academic Keynote Speakers at Brown

💡 Want Cornell expertise at your event? From Nobel-winning scientists and pioneering entrepreneurs to cultural icons and global leaders, Cornell speakers deliver knowledge with impact. We’ll help you find the right voice to inform, inspire, and move your audience.

Email us at hello@getapeptalk.com, send us a message in chat, or call +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US). Let’s put Cornell’s ideas into action at your event.