ccesma@cougarnet.uh.edu http://www.linkedin.com/in/chrystelle-faith-esma Chrystelle is a senior in the UH Bauer College of Business double-majoring in Management Information Systems and Finance, with a specialty track in Global Energy Management. In school, Chrystelle is the current Vice Chair for the University of Houston Energy Coalition alongside a spring '24 mentor for the UH Asian Business Student Association, promoting student involvement for the energy industry, and guiding her mentees through professional and academic guidance. She is also a part of the JAVA and database committee at the management information systems student organization, focusing on developing technical skills for herself, and for other students. Currently, Chrystelle is a sustainability intern in the university where she self-directs project "Waste-Not", a program that aims towards decreasing waste and carbon emission within the food industry. Here she is responsible for collecting and tracking data to find sustainable practices to implement to on-site workers. Dedicated to reducing business production costs, company supply chain , and decrease environmental impact, she strives to improve sustainability efforts within the school. Recently, Chrystelle accepted an Internal Auditing internship at Calpine Corporation, an electrical power generation company based in Houston, and will be working for the summer of '24. Committed to making strides toward advancing energy sustainability and efficiency, she embodies her dedication with each endeavor.

Vice Chair of Education
PhD Physics

pbyaruha@cougarnet.uh.edu https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-byaruhanga-22195a17b/ Paul Byaruhanga, a dedicated 4th year physics graduate student at University of Houston (UH) specializing in electrode dynamics, is at the forefront of energy science innovation. Much of their work revolves around revolutionizing fuel cell cathode materials, precisely honing PtCo catalysts, and advancing water splitting techniques through developing nickel ferrites in water electrolyzers. This critical research, driven by a relentless pursuit of sustainability and innovation, hints at a promising energy conservation and utilization future. As the Vice Chair Education for the UH Energy Coalition, he continually fosters a community dedicated to nurturing responsible energy practices, aligning with their steadfast commitment to shaping a sustainable energy landscape. Outside the laboratory, Paul finds equilibrium through the spirited worlds of soccer and ping pong. These energetic pursuits embody his competitive nature and serve as a rejuvenating break, fostering a focused and agile mind adept at navigating the intricacies of energy science. These activities, a testament to his belief in a well-rounded lifestyle, perfectly complement the rigor and dedication demonstrated in their academic pursuits, blending analytical precision with vibrant energy. Moreover, he seamlessly intertwines their passion for science with a deeply rooted Christian faith, attending church services every Sunday. This spiritual grounding offers inspiration and steadfastness, infusing their professional journey with grace and wisdom. His approach, a harmonious blend of science and spirituality, shapes them into a researcher of depth and vision, steadfastly committed to benefiting society.

Vice Chair of Alumni Relations
Major: MS Supply Chain and Logistics Technology

sabdull9@cougarnet.uh.edu https://www.linkedin.com/in/suhaibkaissi/ Suhaib Kaissi began his career in the oil and gas industry in 2011, at the Iraqi drilling sites of MOL Group – an integrated Hungarian oil and gas company with operations in 30 countries and a workforce of 25,000. Suhaib progressed in the company in various domains and leadership roles both in Upstream and Downstream until he became member of the Petrochemicals Business Management Board in 2021. His work focused on value chain optimization, economics, digital tools, and project management. Suhaib has received numerous awards and accolades, to include the Golden Barrel Award, an honorary citizen award from the Mayor of San Diego, acknowledged as the most active alumni in the world by the Department of State in 2010, he is also a recipient of the Houston Transportation club and HCSB scholarships. He is committed in mentoring programs and empowering youth in their careers development. Suhaib received his bachelor’s degree in business and economics, and an Executive MBA from Central European University. He also finished this year a post Graduate program in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Texas at Austin. Suhaib currently began his master’s program in Supply Chain and Logistics Technology at University of Houston. He moved to Houston, giving a helping hand in the energy expansion.

Vice Chair of Marketing
PhD Physics

vvidhi@uh.edu https://www.linkedin.com/in/vidhi96/ Vidhi is a third-year Ph.D. Candidate in Physics at the University of Houston. Her research focuses on advancing sustainable hydrogen production through water electrocatalysis to develop innovative, cost-effective solutions for green energy, contributing to the future of renewable technologies. Vidhi's academic journey is supported by extensive teaching experience, including her role as a Teaching Assistant for undergraduate physics labs at the University of Houston and her prior work as a high school physics lecturer in India. She has a proven ability to communicate complex scientific concepts effectively, preparing students for academic and professional success. Vidhi serves as the Vice Chair of Marketing on the Energy Coalition Board, where she plays a key role in formulating public relations strategies, managing outreach, and driving initiatives to promote energy sustainability. Additionally, she is the Co-Chair of the Student and Post-Doc Seminar at the Texas Center of Superconductivity, where she contributes to the development of future scientists and researchers. Vidhi's commitment extends beyond academics to her passion for animal welfare. She volunteers with the Houston SPCA and founded Paw-sitive, a welfare society supporting street animals in India. She also brings a well-rounded perspective with interests in dancing, shopping, and traveling, balancing her professional achievements with personal passions.

Vice Chair of Student Organization Relations II
PhD Chemical Engineering

ha20@cougarnet.uh.edu Hariharan Annadurai is a third-year PhD candidate in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Houston, where he is co-advised by Professors Jeremy Palmer and Peter Vekilov. His research focuses on computational modeling and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to understand molecular interactions, with a specific emphasis on antimalarial drug discovery and the inhibition of hematin crystals. Hariharan has demonstrated expertise in structure-based virtual screening techniques, molecular mechanics simulations, and coarse-grained modeling of crystalline structures. Prior to his doctoral studies, Hariharan earned his Bachelor of Technology (Honors) in Chemical Engineering from SASTRA Deemed University, where he worked on nanoparticle synthesis mechanisms in dendrimers using population balance models. His interdisciplinary experience spans molecular dynamics, biosorption kinetics, nanoparticle synthesis, and computational chemistry, contributing to a broad understanding of materials science and chemical engineering. Throughout his academic journey, Hariharan has been actively involved in mentoring and leadership roles. He serves as the Vice Chair of Student Org Relations for the UH Energy Coalition and has mentored fellow students in research methodologies. His work has been presented at prestigious conferences such as the AIChE Annual Meeting, and he has published research in reputable journals, including Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery. Additionally, he has contributed to open-source software projects, providing computational codes for educational tools.

The Energy Coalition

The Energy Coalition

2024-2025 Board Members