The person behind THE PROJECT
My name is Gabriella Velandia, and I am a student in the Honors Program at Jacksonville University. By May 2026, I will graduate with two Bachelor of Science degrees, one in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Engineering Management, and another in Physics with a minor in Applied Mathematics. I am also a proud member of Sigma Pi Sigma, the national physics honor society, which reflects my dedication to both academic excellence and my passion for discovery.
I grew up in South Florida, where curiosity and compassion were part of daily life. From a young age, my family instilled in me the importance of helping others whenever possible. Some of my earliest memories include volunteering with Toys for Kids Miami Foundation, where we supported community events by distributing school supplies, toys, food, and even helping connect families with other needed resources. These experiences shaped the way I see the world and deepened my commitment to uplifting others through both service and science.
In high school, my love for physics and interest in helping people naturally evolved into a passion for physics, medicine and community service. When I began my studies at Jacksonville University, I discovered how engineering in the medical space could bridge these interests, allowing me to combine problem-solving with purpose.
Outside the classroom, I love traveling, exploring new restaurants and activities with friends, running with friends, dancing bachata, and taking walks on nature trails. These experiences keep me grounded, curious, and open to new perspectives.
At the heart of everything I do is a simple motivation to use my knowledge, skills, and opportunities to help improve the quality of life for others.
The blueprint of tomorrow
I am eager to begin my engineering career and apply my skills to projects that create meaningful impact. While I have gained experience in process, manufacturing, and civil engineering, my strongest interest lies in contributing to the medical field, particularly through the design of medical devices and equipment or by improving the processes that bring such innovations to life. Above all, I want to work on projects that make a difference in people’s lives.
I am especially drawn to design innovation and process efficiency, where creativity and problem-solving intersect. Earning my Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt introduced me to new approaches for guiding projects toward success, and in the future, I aspire to become a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt. My long-term vision includes not only developing solutions but also leading teams to create engineering advancements that prioritize innovation, accessibility, and collaboration.
As I enter the workforce, I also plan to build on my experience through graduate education. After gaining industry knowledge, my goal is to pursue both an MBA and a master’s degree in engineering, refining my expertise and strengthening my ability to lead within technical and interdisciplinary teams.
Service has always been a guiding part of my life, and I intend to continue uplifting my community wherever I go. In the future, I hope to join or create a mentorship program to support college students, helping them navigate challenges and pursue their goals with confidence. I know firsthand how mentorship can transform someone’s life, and I am committed to sharing my knowledge and experiences so others can find an easier path forward. Beyond mentorship, I am also passionate about connecting people with essential resources, whether food, education, or legal support. For me, service is inseparable from engineering; both reflect my purpose of using skills, opportunities, and leadership to help others thrive.
How they see it
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“Gabriella is a highly motivated, self-driven, detail-oriented person who strives to learn continuously. She works very well both in a team environment or on her own, to produce work that is of highest quality.”
Dr.Murat Tiryakioglu
Professor of Engineering at Jacksonville University
FICME CQE Foundryman Aluminum Casting Expert and Researcher
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“I have enjoyed having Gabriella in my classes and serving as the faculty advisor during her time as chair of our ASME student chapter. She stands out as a strong leader and a dependable team member, demonstrating the ability to organize, motivate, and collaborate effectively with her peers. Gabriella consistently brings energy, maturity, and professionalism to her work, and she sets a positive example for other students in our program. I look forward to seeing all that she accomplishes.”
Dr.Emre Selvi
Director of the School of Engineering and Technology at Jacksonville University
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"Gaby is determined to deliver exceptional results, and doesn’t rest until she’s confident that she has produced her best work! They are an excellent scholar, mentor, and worker, and they are distinguished amongst their peers! "
Alexandria Branstetter, M.S.
Residential Life Coordinator of North Hall at Jacksonville University
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"Working with Gabriella has been an exceptional experience. Her professionalism, creativity, and deep commitment to excellence shine through in everything she does. Through her work with the Community Excellence Alliance, Gabriella applied Lean Six Sigma principles to drive meaningful process improvements that delivered real impact for our organization and the community it serves."
Larry Arceneaux, MBA, C.M., PAHM
CMMS Administrator at the Jacksonville Aviation Authorityes and Community excellence alliance board member
