John Keefe

Why did you choose to study engineering?

It was during middle school where the most fun I had in class was working on a model+ bridge building project. When I told my parents about it, they mentioned how it sounded like civil engineering, so I decided to stay on that path throughout high school.

Are you involved with any campus clubs?

Currently, I’m the student chapter president of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). I’m also a member of the chapter’s seismic design team.

What projects are you working on?

I’m doing undergraduate research with Professor Mettupalayam Sivaselvan relating to earthquake response for tripod systems that are used for large scale buildings that wouldn’t work the same way as engineering response systems for skyscrapers.

With the seismic design team, we’re working on the design tower for the 2027 ASCE competition. Our team is doing geotechnical research for foundation design and earthquake history.

What have you done that you are most proud of?

Probably the seismic design team’s success with competitions and the contributions I have made. I have helped organize and promote volunteer events for organizations like the American Red Cross and Buffalo Engineering Awareness for Minorities.

What are you passionate about?

Success and winning the design team competitions; it’s a good motivator. With ASCE, one of the things I want to see happen is other people also feeling encouraged to continue to be a part of the club.

Has there been a particular faculty or staff member that has been influential during your time at UB?

In January 2025, I did the study abroad on sustainability in Costa Rica with Professor John Atkinson. The most impactful thing that was said to me was by Professor Atkinson: “Don’t be boring and let yourself be bored.” It helped motivate me to do a lot more things.

One of the major choices I made after that trip was to apply to a lot of scholarships, which ended up being successful.

What are your future plans?

I plan to pursue a master’s degree in structural engineering. Beyond that, I’m debating if I want to go into the private sector to work for a contractor or further my education for a PhD.

What is your advice for prospective students?

Go to office hours. I remember I took a physics class, and I would be the only student to attend office hours most of the time. I would finish the homework during those hours. That helped me a lot with the class. Not a lot of students take that opportunity when it’s a good resource.