Meet Blair Ribeiro, Lizbeth Soto, and Jake Zweiback who are new staff members in the Albert Nerken School of Engineering Dean’s Office.

Blair Ribeiro, Research Grants Administrator
Blair Ribeiro is a research grants administrator with extensive experience in both the fields of intellectual property law and state, federal, and non-profit research grants administration for universities. Most recently, she provided support in the field of research grants and contracts negotiation at Cornell University and Georgetown University, Ribeiro is excited to bring her skills to the design and inception of a comprehensive research grants department for The Cooper Union that will contribute to the continued growth and success of faculty and students. In her spare time, she enjoys watching movies and TV shows with her cats, Sonny and Vito, singing, and acting in both theatrical and feature films.

“In this role, I am excited to challenge myself while helping to build a successful and efficient research grants administration department for The Cooper Union. I look forward to applying the strategies, techniques, and innovative ideas on grants review, submission, management, and procurement that I have learned in my positions with other universities, as I work with the incredible faculty and staff of Cooper. A big thank you to Cooper Union for offering me this wonderful opportunity.” – Blair Ribeiro

Lizbeth Soto, Administrative Manager
Lizbeth Soto is the new administrative manager at Cooper Union School of Engineering. With over six years of experience in high-level administration, including most recently as a senior administrative manager at Weill Cornell Medicine, Soto brings a wealth of expertise to her new role. She holds dual degrees in English and forensic psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. When she's not busy at work, Soto enjoys reading, spending time with her dog, Chloe, and cooking up a storm in the kitchen. She loves horror movies and true crime shows and podcasts. She is an avid traveler and has visited over 20 countries, including Thailand, Japan, Cuba, the United Kingdom, and Colombia, to name a few. She's always up for new adventures and loves exploring and learning about different cultures around the world.

"In this role, I am excited to be a part of making the students feel engaged and welcome. I am most looking forward to the start of new semesters and fresh new faces, as well as being able to bring a fresh take and perspective to Cooper Union. I am excited to be a part of the School of Engineering and look forward to all the great things we will accomplish together." - Lizbeth Soto
 

Jake Zweiback, Exams Scheduler
Jake Zweiback, who is originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, serves as the exams scheduler in the Engineering Dean’s Office. He recently moved to New York City after graduating with a B.A. in sociology from Oberlin College. In addition to several years of experience in administrative support at a doctor’s office, Zweiback has a background in strategic corporate and occupational health research at labor unions. In these labor advocacy experiences, he pursued a love for solving problems as part of a team and achieving tangible steps for social justice. Having recently been a student, he also brings an understanding of the challenges and rewards of student life to his job. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, making music with others, and finding bargains on second-hand clothing. 

“In this role I’m excited to be a positive part of students’ time at Cooper by keeping the exams process as stress-free as possible. I’m eager to learn from my colleagues while surrounding myself with some of the most creative and innovative experts in their fields.” – Jake Zweiback