About Timothy Chen

Profile

I am a rising sophomore at Cornell; my major is hotel administration. I was born and raised in the San Jose Bay Area of California with my three siblings. Back home, I attended Homestead High School and played volleyball for the school team and for a private organization. One of my other passions during high school was sustainability—specifically, how business could and should integrate it. I assisted the research and development team in my environmental science course with an initiative called “Eco-eateries,” which aimed to measure and improve the level of sustainability in local foodservice operations. I am currently involved in Cornell Hospitality Consultants, Hotel Ezra Cornell, the Rawlings Research Program, and Cornell University Emergency Medical Service. I decided to attend the Hotel School for two major reasons: I have always been interested in running a business and I have a passion for sustainability. I came to the Hotel School wanting to focus on sustainable hospitality and was lucky enough to meet Kristin Boekhoff at the 85th Hotel Ezra Cornell. Kristin’s innovative vision for Panigram Resort—along with her commitment to make it a socially and environmentally responsible company—immediately sparked my interest. I am now blessed with the opportunity to work with Kristin and five other talented interns in Bangladesh.