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Our Officer Team

2025-2026 AIChE @ TTU Officer Team

Kirsten Kuper, president

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! 

Caio Cestari Menegusso, vice president of finance

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.

Blair Dodge, external vice president

External Vice President

Blair Dodge

Hometown: McKinney, Texas

Classification: Senior

Joined AIChE: Freshman year
Experience: Two internships at Whittmore Manufacturing & I
nternship 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.

Job Sa Vasconcelos, internal vice president

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. 

Eldana Gebremichael, conference coordinator

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.

Raquel Vera, research coordinator

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.

David Wilkinson, SORC representative

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.

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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.

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