Name: Eve Iulo
Year: Third year, Class of '26
Major/Minor: Majoring in Feminist Media Studies & Technologies with a minor in Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Hometown: Sag Harbor, NY
1. Why did you choose Cornell?
Before I even knew about Cornell, I knew of Ithaca, my mother’s hometown and where my grandfather has lived for over 50 years. As a child, I dreaded the six-hour car rides, but as I grew, I developed a deep appreciation for Ithaca’s natural beauty and unique charm. Alongside a desire for academic challenge and growth, Cornell emerged as the ideal destination, perfectly blending these personal and intellectual pursuits.
2. How did you decide to major/minor in FGSS?
Through my time here at Cornell, I have fully embraced the philosophy of “any person, any study.” I initially enrolled as a Communication major, underpinned by a commitment to advocacy and social justice, especially concerning feminist issues. The Communication department’s theoretical emphasis sparked my interest in media and cultural studies, particularly as a site for exploring platform governance, gendered labor, and algorithmic inequalities. However, as I considered my goals, I realized the requirements of the major didn’t entirely align with my niche interests and ever-evolving aspirations. This led me to CALS' interdisciplinary studies program, where I designed my own major, “Feminist Media Studies and Technologies.” This program synthesizes my interests in feminist studies, sociological theory, and media’s role in shaping labor, governance, and biases. To deepen my theoretical foundation, I added a minor in Feminist Studies, allowing me to build a critical base for applying these concepts in future work– in academic and/or legal capacities.
3. How does FGSS compliment your major field of study?
I’ve been asked this question quite a few times—often with a tone of doubt rather than genuine curiosity. My response is that Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies goes far beyond what the name might suggest. The theories and discourse within FGSS are grounded in critical thinking, multidimensional perspectives, analytical writing, and a heightened awareness of social dynamics. The courses and pedagogical spaces in FGSS offer a unique environment for open and empowering dialogue. Most of the classes I’ve taken in this program have been intimate and intellectually invaluable, like sitting around a dinner table where thoughts, perspectives, and experiences are exchanged freely without judgement. These discussions and insights stay with me, and I know I'll carry them forward, both in heart and practice, in all the endeavors I pursue beyond Cornell.
4. What are your future career and/or educational goals?
Upon graduating from Cornell, I aim to pursue a master’s degree overseas, using this time to determine whether my next step will be a Ph.D. or law school—both of which would build on my foundation in feminist theory. I remind myself to stay grounded in the present, but I’m already exploring master’s programs that align with my interests. Ideally, I hope to find an interdisciplinary program that examines the gendered and regulatory dimensions of media, whether through a focus on media, gender, and culture or a more governance-centered approach. While law school is a possibility, I don’t necessarily see myself as a practicing lawyer. Rather, I envision using the skills and insights from legal studies to enrich my academic exploration of media, gender, and sociology. My common thread is a commitment to advancing social awareness and change, especially regarding the regulatory mechanisms surrounding the female body—whether through media governance or real-world implications.
5. What has been your favorite FGSS class?
Currently, I’m enrolled in Gender and Media, a course that perfectly aligns with my academic passions. Taught by Professor Duffy, my advisor, it has profoundly deepened my focus on feminist media studies, particularly concerning platform labor and governance. This course has allowed me to engage with foundational and contemporary scholars who shape this field, expanding my understanding of how gendered dynamics play out across digital platforms. Through the readings, discussions, and my first research paper in this area, I’ve been able to explore and critically analyze key issues that lie at the intersection of gender, media, and regulatory mechanisms, setting a solid foundation for my future research.
Last spring, I also took Embodiment of Inequality, a seminar initially listed as Anthropology but approved as FGSS. While much of the course centered on bioarchaeological approaches to inequality in historical contexts, I was drawn to our discussions on power structures and their impact on marginalized groups, agency, and value. The weekly 2.5-hour sessions fostered insightful dialogue and helped me refine my analytical writing and time management skills through weekly discussion papers and a culminating research project. This seminar broadened my approach to examining inequality, informing my current focus on the regulatory dimensions of gender in media.
6. Favorite memory or experience at Cornell?
In my first semester, I opted for random rooming and ended up with an exchange student here for just the semester. Through her, I found a best friend and connected with several other international students, who are now friends I can happily say are spread around the world. We couldn’t have had a more fun semester together.
7. What student clubs or student organizations have you participated in?
I have previously written for the Arts and Culture section of The Cornell Sun (though my schedule this semester has limited my contributions due to my workload). I'm also a research assistant for Professor Duffy, where I’m currently supporting a project pertaining to platform labor. Additionally, I’ve produced podcasts for Cornell’s State of the Pod (SOTP), focusing on the exploitation of women in media within the contexts of consumerism, capitalism, and 'post-feminist' discourse. I’m a member of Cornell PPGA and, upon returning from my study abroad program, plan to become more involved in law-related circles to further integrate my academic interests with legal perspectives.
8. What positive advice would you give to a new student?
My advice would be this: embrace Cornell’s motto, any person, any study, and know that it really is possible to shape your academic path according to your own vision. Don’t worry about having everything figured out right away—your undergraduate years are a time to explore broadly and lay a strong foundation.
