Our Officer Team
2025-2026 AIChE @ TTU Officer Team

President
Kirsten Kuper
Hometown: Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Classification: Senior
Joined AIChE: Spring semester of freshman year
Experience: Process engineer intern at Pantex & Process engineer intern at Guardian Industries
Goals: As this year’s president, I’m excited to grow committees like K-12 and WICC, build new industry connections, and lead planning for the 2026 AIChE Southwest Regional Conference. I look forward to a year full of growth and opportunity for our chapter!

Vice President of Finance
Caio Cestari Menegusso
Hometown: Sao Jose Dos Campos, Brasil
Classification: Senior
Joined AIChE: Fall semester of sophomore year
Experience: Internship at Celanese
Goals: Ensure strong financial support for the conference to make it the most successful regional event to date. And organize creative, engaging fundraisers that set a new standard.

External Vice President
Blair Dodge
Hometown: McKinney, Texas
Classification: Senior
Joined AIChE: Freshman year
Experience: Two internships at Whittmore Manufacturing & Internship at ExxonMobil
Goals: My goal as the External Vice President is to widen the breadth of our volunteering and events planning committees. I feel that the success of our organization is directly tied to how well we engage with the broader community, both within and outside our university. I plan to strengthen our relationships with industry partners, expand our alumni connections, and increase collaboration with other student organizations.

Internal Vice President
Job Sa Vasconcelos
Hometown: Luanda, Angola
Classification: Senior
Joined AIChE: Fall semester of Freshman Year
Experience: Internship at Baker Hughes Angola
Undergraduate Research Under Dr. Kristufek
Goals: My goal as Internal Vice President, is to motivate chemical engineering students to reach their full potential by showcasing the resources AIChE has to offer for professional development. I want to be able to be a communicator and close the gap between the administration and students, as well as fostering a welcoming environment to all.
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Conference Coordinator
Eldana Gebremichael
Hometown: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Classification: Sophomore
Joined AIChE: Fall semester of freshman year
Experience: Chem-E car team & Shadowing professionals in the medical device field
Goals: As Conference Coordinator, I aim to strengthen our chapter’s presence at conferences by ensuring a smooth, engaging experience for attendees. I’m especially focused on supporting Chem-E-Car and promoting involvement across the board, while fostering a culture of collaboration, leadership, and curiosity. I want every student to leave feeling inspired and proud to represent Texas Tech AIChE.

Research Coordinator
Raquel Vera
Hometown: Cypress, Texas
Classification: Junior
Joined AIChE: Sophomore year
Experience: Production Engineering Intern at Arkema & Undergraduate research assistant in a bioengineering lab
Goals: One of my biggest goals is to help more students get involved in undergraduate research by making it easier to connect with faculty and lab opportunities. I also want to help improve resources for students interested in applying to graduate school by sharing advice, tools, and workshops. Most importantly, I hope to create a stronger research and professional development culture within our chapter so that students feel supported no matter what path they choose after graduation.

SORC Representative
David Wilkinson
Hometown: Manhattan, Kansas (The Little Apple!)
Classification: Sophomore
Joined AIChE: Fall semester of freshman year
Experience: Undergraduate research assistant in Marston Laboratory
Goals: As the AIChE SORC Representative, my goal is to create opportunities for our members to connect outside the classroom. Events like football tailgates and intramural sports offer a fun and relaxed way to take a break from homework and build stronger bonds within the AIChE community.

Freshman Year Representative
Oluwaseunfunmi (Esther) Olatoye
Hometown: Katy, Texas
Classification: Freshman
Joined AIChE: Fall semester of freshman year
Experience: Girls In STEM Treasurer, Debate Association VP of Communications,
Involved in ChemE Car, Jeopardy, & K-12 Committee.
Goals: As Freshman Representative, my goal is to make AIChE a space where first-years and transfers feel at home. I want to create events that help students adjust to their new lives at Texas Tech while also connecting them to opportunities in our chapter. Whether it’s supporting Chem-E-Car, encouraging conference involvement, or just building community, I want everyone to feel inspired and proud to be part of TTU AIChE.
