Mentor Biography

My name is David Jensen, and I am a junior majoring in Materials Science and Engineering. I grew up in Clearwater, Florida, and graduated from Osceola Fundamental High School. I enjoy science, math, and explorative reading classes. Although I have enjoyed and benefited from all my professors, Dr. Crawford stands above the rest. She taught my favorite class at UCF—polymeric engineering—where she introduced me to the surprisingly complex and intricate world of plastics. Outside of the classroom, she loved mentoring students, whether it was workshopping our résumés or offering career advice. She genuinely cared about her students and wanted to help them reach their goals. 

I decided to get involved in the COMPASS mentoring program because I want to share the tips and tricks I wish I had known when I started. I hope to elevate the COMPASS students’ career readiness and hone my leadership skills. I look forward to getting to know the COMPASS students, answering all their questions, and sharing what I wish someone had told me. “Better now than never,” is what a professor once told me when I was nervous about reaching out to join a research lab. Ever since then, this phrase has held true for any task or goal I find myself procrastinating about. 

Outside of academics, I love to spend time outdoors with friends. Whether it’s intramural flag football, pickleball, or backpacking, I can’t get enough.