Meet Cody
Cody, a veteran student and biological sciences major from Jax Beach, Florida, finds new ways to explore environment and sustainability efforts as a Cornellian. Cody recommends students take advantage of Cornell-sponsored trips and explore Ithaca, New York. Maybe you'll also pick up a new sport to enjoy on Cayuga Lake.
What clubs/activities are you involved with on campus?
I am a member of the Cornell Rotaract Club, Cornell Admissions Veteran Ambassadors, Cornell Undergraduate Veterans Association, Veterans Social Club, and Intramural Soccer.
What is your academic passion?
I love to study marine biology, namely marine ecosystems such as coral reef systems and large marine vertebrates such as sharks and whales. I've got into bioacoustics, and I'm currently conducting independent research to outline the feeding behavior of triggerfish species in reef systems by observing behavior and linking it with acoustic signatures produced by the triggerfish and the other species they forage with.
What are your go-to campus resources?
The best resource I've found on campus is my academic advisor in the Undergraduate Office of Biology, Jeff McCaffery. I found Jeff through the Veteran Summer Bridge Program, where I met with Jeff to plan my classes for the next two semesters. Since then, Jeff and I have become friends, and I meet with him at least once a month to talk about classes and cool things going on in our lives.
How did you find your friends and community at Cornell?
I've found many friends in the veteran community; we're a social bunch. But moving past that, I've come to find friends all over by joining clubs or going on Cornell-sponsored trips, like a week-long scuba trip this past spring break. It's important to find friends outside of Cornell, which is why I go to a gym near downtown Ithaca. The owners and members are great people and provide a direct link with the Ithaca community.
When you were applying, why did you choose Cornell?
I chose Cornell because of the flexibility within my major and the breadth of courses offered. My wiggle room as a biological sciences major in CALS allows me to try classes that might not typically fit into another institution's biological sciences major. Also, Cornell has a partnership with Shoals Marine Lab on Appledore Island that allows students to take field marine courses, internships, and summer work. That was important to me as my interest lies in marine ecosystems.
Hometown
Jax Beach, FLGraduation Year
2025College/School
- College of Agriculture & Life Sciences
Majors
- Biological Sciences
Minors
- Environment and Sustainability
Pull Quote
Where is your go-to place to eat on campus?
Louie's Food Truck (across from Risley) is my favorite place to grab a quick bite. When I'm craving some junk food, Louie's has salt and vinegar fries, and my mouth is watering as I write about them.
Tell us about your favorite Cornell memory.
Over the summer, I had the opportunity to help host a few people who were seeing what Cornell was all about. We got together one evening when the sun was setting, and I took them to the slope. We watched one of the most incredible sunsets I've seen while making lifelong friendships. Truly an unforgettable moment.
What is your favorite class so far?
The Conservation Bioacoustics class (NTRES 3150) is hands down my favorite class. It was challenging as it pushed the boundaries of what I thought I could comprehend. Still, it was rewarding as I had a direct impact on the conservation of the animals we recorded in Hawaii (yes, the course took a two-week field course to Hawaii). Not to mention that the instructors are consummate professionals, personable, and will talk about bioacoustics with you for hours. I loved it so much that I'm currently conducting independent research with one of the instructors and plan on finding a career where I can implement bioacoustics.
Tell us about your favorite place to study.
One of the best places to study is Cornell's best-kept secret, the second story of the Lab of Ornithology. It's a quiet spot with beautiful lake views and incredible birds to gaze at when you need a quick break. Not to mention, there are always at most ten people there (unlike the libraries).
Tell us about your favorite spot on campus or in Ithaca.
My favorite spot in Ithaca is Cayuga Lake. I've made some friends here who love water sports more than I do, and they have been exposing me to new activities. Recently, I've taken up wing foiling as a friend has introduced me to the sport. We also go out on a boat where we wakeboard, wake surf, and foil. I look forward to spending more time on the lake in the summer.