Meet Jeffrey
Jeffrey’s Cornell journey is filled with exciting experiences and a passion for giving back. As a member of Colombianos Unidos, Footvolley Club, Aviation Club, and Running Club, and as an Academic Excellence Workshop Facilitator, he is deeply involved in campus life. The College of Engineering provides the support and flexibility for him to thrive as he explores his interests on campus and abroad.
What clubs/activities are you involved with on campus?
I am a member of Colombianos Unidos, Footvolley Club, Aviation Club, and Running Club, and I’m an Academic Excellence Workshop Facilitator.
Why is the College of Engineering a great fit for you?
The College of Engineering is a great fit, not only offering a variety of majors and minors to choose from, but also extensive support while I pursue my interests. From one-on-one tutoring to Academic Excellence Workshops to close contact with the academic advisors, I constantly feel supported in the direction I am headed. In addition, I get the opportunity to study abroad for a semester and graduate on time.
What is your academic passion?
One of my passions is giving back, especially via teaching or mentoring opportunities. My major/college allows me the flexibility to pursue this, and I signed up to be a facilitator for Academic Excellence Workshops and Freshman Peer Advisor during my second and third years. As a facilitator, I help guide students through the rigorous multivariable calculus course by providing extra support. As a Peer Advisor, I offer first-year engineering students practical advice on succeeding during their time at Cornell and guide them in the direction of the multiple services Cornell offers.
How did you find your friends and community at Cornell?
Even as an introverted person, I was able to find my friends and community in various ways! Not only have I remained close friends with my first roommate, but I also made friends in the various classes across the first few semesters. Outside of the classroom, I made friends through my campus jobs and while playing with the Footvolley Club.
When you were applying, why did you choose Cornell?
Not only was I attracted to the Mechanical Engineering major and the classes it included while searching online, but also the many clubs I would get to join and the diversity of the student body itself. I felt like I would really have control over how my future would look, and all those options made me excited to join the Big Red. I also liked Cornell's location on the east coast, as it would be a relatively close drive from home.
Tell us about your favorite Cornell memory.
My favorite Cornell memory is going to Boston during my first year with the Footvolley Club and competing in a weekend tournament. Not only was this a fun outing for a sport we loved to play, but my teammates and I ended up creating lasting bonds.
Hometown
Fairfield, ConnecticutGraduation Year
2026College/School
- College of Engineering
Majors
- Mechanical Engineering
What is your favorite thing about Cornell?
My favorite thing about Cornell is that there is an opportunity for almost anything imaginable. Whether it's a sport you play, subject you're interested in, or extracurricular activity you enjoyed throughout high school, Cornell's project teams, club/intramural sports, and hundreds of student-run organizations allow you that chance to get involved.
Tell us about your favorite thing to do in Ithaca.
I love getting out and exploring. Whether it's riding my bike or going on a run, there are many trails, parks, and open land to explore in the Ithaca area. One time I hiked an hour into a nature reserve just to study in the peaceful silence of the forest.
What is your favorite class so far and why?
My favorite technical class so far has been MAE2250: Mechanical Synthesis. In the lectures, we learned about product realization, documentation, fabrication processes, and how to use CAD software. Also, I had the opportunity to integrate engineering knowledge with personal experience in a semester-long design project; three classmates and I prototyped a paw cleaner that filled a gap in the current market. Outside of technical coursework, I also enjoyed my PE courses. In bowling, I learned how to bowl with proper technique and put spin on the ball, while in salsa, I learned new steps and moves to follow along with the rhythms of my culture.
Tell us about your favorite place to study.
I am most productive in the stacks of Olin Library. The silence and individual desks help me concentrate, and I still get a window to look out from.
Where is your go-to place to eat on campus, and what is your favorite thing to order?
The bowls from Terrace are second to none. Definitely my favorite spot. On North Campus, however, Morrison sweeps the floor with its many food options.