Dear Friends of CIHF,

We hope everyone had an interesting summer filled with a balance of relaxation and productivity! Classes have begun for the Fall semester at Cornell and at CIHF we are happy to welcome students and faculty back to campus.

This past August, the PBS News Hour posted a story titled "Why Doctors Are Increasingly Prescribing Nature." The segment covers the necessity and the challenges of accessing the outdoors for the modern family, and the ways in which certain clinics and hospitals are trying to address this need. This report echoes many of the thoughts and concepts communicated during the CIHF Spring 2019 Roundtable, "Nature, Health and Wellbeing." If you would like more information on this story, please visit pbs.org/newshour.

Turning now to our future gathering: the CIHF team is steadily planning the next Roundtable, scheduled to take place this October. More details will follow, but we can share the theme of the Roundtable, which is "Workplace Well-Being." We are looking forward to getting together once again to share ideas and policies for better health.

Thank you to all our supporters. We are excited to begin another academic year filled with productive conversations and collaborations!

Friendly reminder: please do not hesitate to contact us if there is news you wish to share with the CIHF community. Feel free to send an email to Ellie Mendoza at ev227@cornell.edu.
CIHF Leadership Team
Improving service excellence in healthcare, senior living, and wellness related organizations
Teaching | Research | Engagement | Membership
NEWS
CIHF Photo Contest:
Healing Through Photography

It's time for the yearly CIHF photo contest! The contest is open to all Cornell undergraduate and graduate students. Submissions are due October 11, 2019 by 3:00PM.

Prizes:
$300 First Place
$200 Second Place
$100 Third Place

We're looking forward to witnessing the creativity of the Cornell student community!
"Eyes in a Green Ocean" (seen above) was last year's first place photo by Physics/Economics major, Benjamin Shapiro
Welcome Mixer for Healthy Futures: Graduate Chapter
On September 12, 2019 the Healthy Futures Graduate Chapter held a welcoming event to share information about the Institute and greet new students to campus. Refreshments were served and introductions made! It was an excellent start to a new semester with CIHF.

Special thanks to the President of the Healthy Futures Graduate Chapter, Brandon Okezie, for organizing the event!
Brooke Hollis Attended NIC 2019 Fall Conference: Investing in Seniors Housing and Care Properties
September 11-13, 2019
Chicago, Illinois
The Fall 2019 NIC Conference brought together industry professionals to discuss challenges and solutions for creating and sustaining senior housing. CIHF hosted a reception for associates attending the conference. The days were filled with meaningful connections and exchanges of ideas.
Friends of CIHF Gathering at NIC Conference
September 12, 2019
The Bellwether Meeting House and Eatery
Chicago, Illinois
Friends of CIHF and fellow Cornellians were invited to a reception taking place during the NIC Conference. Refreshments and drinks were provided for those able to meet and connect. Thank you Brooke Hollis for hosting!
CIHF Fall Faculty Fellows Luncheon
October 3, 2019
Ithaca, New York
This luncheon brought together our Faculty Fellows and was an opportunity to welcome new members to the Institute. Don Rakow, Associate Professor of Horticulture, presented on his Nature RX projects. Following the presentation, Faculty Fellows had the opportunity to meet, discuss research, and share ideas for collaborative efforts!
CIHF Reception & Roundtable
October 27-28, 2019
Ithaca, New York
This year's Fall Roundtable will focus on "Workplace Well-being." This theme invokes issues related to the quality and safety of the physical environment as well as the culture of the work organization.

We will have a reception at the Statler Hotel the evening before the Roundtable.

Hope to see you there!
Industry Thought Leadership Roundtable
Innovations in Healthcare, Wellness, and Hospitality: Bring Global Lessons to Vietnam and Vice Versa
October 16, 2019
Hanoi, Vietnam
Rohit Verma, Founding Director of CIHF and recently named Founding Provost of VinUniversity Project, is heading a Thought Leadership Roundtable this October; the gathering is in collaboration with CIHF as well as the Penn Center for Global Health.

One of the main goals is to develop strong relationships with Healthcare and Wellness industries for long-term collaboration for teaching, research, and career management at VinUniversity.

Executive Director, Brooke Hollis, will be in attendance to further cultivate an Institute relationship with VinUniversity and affiliates. Safe travels Professor Hollis!

For more information, please contact Ellie Mendoza at ev227@cornell.edu.
Executive Director, Brooke Hollis, and Founding Director, Rohit Verma
Global Wellness Summit
October 15-17, 2019
Grand Hyatt Singapore
Brooke Hollis will be representing CIHF at the 2019 Global Wellness Summit.

This year's summit will examine collaborative business models, trends and growing needs in the field, and recent innovations.
Corporate Membership

Composed of senior-level leaders in industry from around the globe, Advisory Board members are representatives from Corporate Members. This diverse network collaborates with CIHF academics on projects and initiatives with a focus on integrating the fields of hospitality, health management, policy, and design.

Advisory Board members participate in bi-annual meetings and conferences, as guest lecturers, speakers, and mentors to students, and as collaborators with Cornell faculty, researchers, and student groups. Membership provides a platform for industry professionals to connect, build lasting relationships, and collaborate across academia and business.

Ruth C. Browne, SD
President and CEO
Ronald McDonald House New York
Ruth C. Browne, SD, is President and Chief Executive Officer of Ronald McDonald House New York (RMH-NY), which provides temporary housing and support for pediatric cancer patients and their families in a caring and
secure environment, close to the essential care and resources they need most. Prior to RMH-NY, Dr. Browne was CEO of the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health (AAIUH), a best practice catalyst for interventions that advance health and educational equity solutions for culturally diverse populations locally and nationally. Dr. Browne is a founder and a past Principal Investigator and Director of the Brooklyn Health Disparities Center, an NIH funded Center of Excellence.
 
She is an Associate Clinical Professor at SUNY Downstate Medical Center, and holds academic appointments in the Schools of Medicine, Health Related Professions and Public Health.
 
Dr. Browne is the recipient of numerous honors, including the Lewis and Jack Rudin New York Prize for Medicine and Health (2013), the JW Differenter Innovator of Change Award (2014), the Towsley Policymaker in Residence (2015) at the University of Michigan Gerald Ford School of Public Policy, the Packer Collegiate Institute Alumni Award of Honor (2017), the President's Award , SUNY Downstate Medical Center (2017), the 1199SEIU Impact Award (2018), an inaugural honoree on the Crain’s NY list of Notable Women in Health Care (2018), a 2019 recipient of the Women in Development’s Woman of Achievement Award and is the recipient of two Fulbright Scholar Awards.
 
She is an active member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Manhattan Chapter, advancing leadership opportunities for African-American women of all ages and an immediate past board member of the full-service,   non-profit   community hospital , Interfaith Medical Center, in Brooklyn New York .
 
Dr. Browne earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Princeton University, a Master of Public Health and Master of Public Policy from the University of Michigan, and a Doctor of Science from Harvard University School of Public Health.
Joseph Jedlowski, President of Milestone Retirement Communities, LLC
Joseph Jedlowski currently serves as the President of Milestone Retirement Communities, LLC “Milestone” since 2011. Joseph directly collaborates with Milestone's Executive Leadership Team, as well
as Milestone’s dedicated Community Partnership Team’s to effectively facilitate the daily operational efforts and Milestone’s strategic vision. He also champions the success of Milestone’s communities through developing and implementing expertly tailored solutions that continually optimize operational performance, cost controls, and overall organizational initiatives. Above all else, his innovative leadership combined with his extensive expertise have enabled him to spearhead cutting-edge senior housing initiatives, ultimately paving the way to next-level success.

Throughout the course of his decade and a half career, Joseph’s accomplishments have led him to becoming a trusted expert in the areas of operational and financial executive management countrywide. To date, he has been responsible for an array of integral senior housing projects, including but limited to new construction developments, acquisitions, change management, turn-around leadership, human resources, revenue development, net-income maximization and managing strategic relationships.
 
Joseph proudly serves as an active member of the Arizona Assisted Living Federation Association (Board Chair), Florida Senior Living Association (Board Member), the American Geriatrics Society, the National Association of Health Services Executives, The American College of Healthcare Administrators, and The American College of Healthcare Executives. Furthermore, he is an advocate of the Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Society, and American Red Cross.
 
In addition to his in-depth experience and community involvement, Joseph Jedlowski obtained both his undergraduate and Master’s degrees in Healthcare Administration and Business Administration from American University. He also holds a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) designation from the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners.


CIHF affiliates with Faculty Fellows from various Cornell colleges and departments, Industry Scholars from corporations and nonprofits, and Visiting Scholars and Academic Scholars from other academic institutions. Affiliates participate in collaborative activities, lead research or curriculum projects, provide feedback on strategic priorities, and create industry-focused deliverables that link hospitality, health, and design.

We are pleased to welcome new affiliates who recently joined CIHF.      
Kelly Brennen Abramson, Executive, International Business Development, Penn Medicine
Kelly Brennen Abramson is Executive, International Business Development for Penn Medicine, overseeing new Business opportunities in current or new markets; developing new business relationships
and sustaining current relationships; identifying areas to broaden Penn Medicine’s Brand on Global stage with Strategic Partnerships; co-branding select initiatives incountry such as conferences, knowledge exchange, strategic leadership programs, amongst other business initiatives.

With over 30 years working in the International and Domestic arena, Kelly was responsible for starting a business development office in London, England as well as international strategic partnerships in UAE and other markets. Domestically, working with premier health systems to network to create the first consortium, whereby financial donors have personalized services in coordination with clinical teams at Penn Medicine.   Kelly has worked with Ministries of Health, International Insurance Executives, Embassies, multinational companies and other Dignitaries collaborating on contracts and initiatives to support advancing Healthcare in the home country.
 
 Kelly received her undergraduate and graduate degree from University of Pennsylvania Nursing School and The Wharton School of Business.  She is a Fellow at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia. She currently chairs the National Global Executive Council with Vizient and works closely with US Commerce Department.
 
Prior to her tenure in International Business Development, Kelly started Penn Medicine’s Signature Services Department, having responsibility for navigating complexities of healthcare, coordinating multidisciplinary teams to provide personalized patient experience for individuals and families traveling the globe; supporting philanthropic initiatives and new programs of Executive Health; Penn Global Medicine patient programs; Penn Passport and Corporate Health.
 
Earlier in her career, she trained as a cardiac nurse and created the Department of Managed Care at Penn Medicine, negotiating multimillion dollar provider contracts for all entities at Penn Medicine as well as Affiliate partners, establishing Departments of Provider Relations Department, Quality and Disease Management Risk Programs. 

Saleh Kalantari, Assistant Professor of Design and Environmental Analysis
Saleh Kalantari, Ph.D., EDAC, is an assistant professor in Cornell University's Department of Design and Environmental Analysis. He is the director of the Design and Augmented
Intelligence Lab (DAIL) at Cornell, where his research group investigates human-technology partnerships in the design process, and the resulting opportunities for innovation and creativity. Dr. Kalantari’s work promotes generative-design approaches and the adoption of new design technologies to improve the relationship between people and their created environment. He takes an interdisciplinary approach to developing innovative AI-aided design tools with two main focus areas: (1) developing cyber–human systems to improve the application of designers’ ingenuity, skills, and competencies in the creation of a unique product; and (2) using biometric sensory data (EEG sensors, heart-rate monitors, motion-capture technology, etc.) and novel computational techniques to more effectively understand human responses to architectural intervention during the design process. Dr. Kalantari has previously taught at the University of Houston, Washington State University, and Texas A&M University.

Donald A. Rakow, Associate Professor of Horticulture in the School of Integrative Plant Science
Dr. Donald A. Rakow is an associate professor, Section of Horticulture, in the School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, and co-director of the Cornell Graduate Program in Public Garden Leadership.
He is the co-author with Sharon Lee of the first-ever text in the field of public horticulture, ‘Public Garden Management’ (Wiley & Sons, 2011), and together with Ms. Lee and Prof. Meghan Gough of an upcoming book on social outreach by public gardens, ‘Public Gardens and Community Revitalization’ (Cornell University Press, 2020).

From 1996 – 2013, Dr. Rakow served as the Elizabeth Newman Wilds Executive Director of Cornell Plantations (now Cornell Botanic Gardens), the 4,300 acre public garden of Cornell University. For the past thirteen years, he has also taught ‘Public Garden Management,’ focused on all aspects of the design, establishment, management (including collections development, budgeting and programming), and further development of botanical gardens, arboreta, and conservatories.

Dr. Rakow is the director of the Nature Rx@Cornell program, whose goals are to “reduce stress and thereby increase physical and mental health in students through their engagement with nature, and to cultivate in students an increased appreciation of nature.” Dr. Rakow and Dr. Gregory Eells are the co-authors of the text, ‘Nature Rx: Improving College-Student Mental Health’ (Cornell University Press, 2019). Dr. Rakow is also involved with a number of research projects examining the benefits of time in nature.

Dr. Rakow continues to be very active in the American Public Gardens Association, for which he has chaired numerous committees. The Association has recognized his contributions to this field with its Service Award (2009) and Award of Merit (2015).

In addition to his teaching, research, writing, and advising activities, Dr. Rakow has also served as a consultant for such public gardens as the Morris Arboretum, the Houston Botanic Gardens, the Delaware Botanical Gardens (Dogsboro, DE), and Waterfront Botanical Garden (Louisville, KY).
Brad Wellstead, Faculty, School of Hotel Administration
Brad Wellstead has gathered several careers on his way to becoming a faculty member at the School of Hotel Administration. In 1983, he graduated from the Cornell School of
Architecture, Art and Planning and worked as an architect for several years as a design-build developer and as a Senior Design Architect with Group 70 International in Honolulu, Hawaii. The work in Hawaii awakened a passion for hospitality and resort design.

He re-engineered his career towards Project and Construction management with an MPS/MS degree from the Cornell School of Hotel Administration in 1996. That degree afforded him the opportunity to explore some of the early research forays into sustainable development resulting in a thesis on Sustainable Tourism Development. Wellstead relocated to Portland, Oregon to pursue his dream of founding Ethos Development , a project management services firm. Over 18 years, Ethos managed over $2.1 billion in projects across numerous sectors including Hospitality, Healthcare, Research, Government and Higher Education.

Wellstead returned to the School of Hotel Administration to initiate his third career re-engineering in academia. His academic research interests include new trends in Hospitality design, exploring the dynamics of the feasibility/physical development nexus, the art and organization of Project Management, the value of sustainability practices and participation in the continued status and excellence of the School of Hotel Administration as the ultimate hospitality business school.
CIHF + DEA Minor in Healthy Futures
CIHF and the Department of Design and Environmental Analysis offer a minor in Healthy Futures open to all Cornell undergraduate students. This innovative minor— the first of its kind — provides a high caliber, trans-disciplinary education in the fields of health, hospitality, and design, and may be of particular interest to students enrolled in health, wellness, policy, and hospitality related majors, or students interested in applying their education to problem-solving in the population health and wellness space.

If your organization is interested in sponsoring a three week or longer internship for CIHF minor students, please contact us at healthy-futures@cornell.edu to learn more.

Innovating Wellbeing in Hospitality
Caitlin McKenna, Senior Director of Strategic Innovation Delivery at Hilton Worldwide , gives a talk at the CIHF seminar course (HADM/DEA 3033/6055). The speaker series provides an unique opportunity for students to learn from industry leaders.

CIHF CornellCast Videos
View 39 informative, forward-thinking, engaging interviews with industry leaders in health, hospitality & design, and roundtable discussions. CIHF CornellCast Link

CIHF Webinar Series eCornell Channel
Innovations in Health, Hospitality, Design, and Senior Living features webinars by Cornell faculty speakers on CIHF Innovations in Health, Design, and Senior Living. eCornell Subscription Link
Caitlin McKenna, Senior Director, Hilton Worldwide, CIHF Advisory Board Member