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McMaster Undergraduate Chemical Engineering Society
About Us
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
The Chem Eng Society (ChES), officially known as the McMaster Undergraduate Chemical Engineering Society, is compromised of all Chemical Engineering students at McMaster. Our executive team is a group of students dedicated to bridging the gap between the student body, the chemical engineering faculty, and the rest of the Fireball Family. From academic, professional, and social events, the Chem Eng Society Executive Team strives to provide quality opportunities for our peers.
We strive to highlight the importance of community, academics, and professionalism within our department with events such as:
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2nd Year Welcome
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Meet the Profs
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Alumni Nights
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Plant Tours
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Design Competition
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Research and Industry Night
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Coffee Houses
Meet the Team
Scroll to meet this years executive team and learn about what each position does!
President
Kira White
Hi! My name is Kira and I'm in my 6th and final year of Chemical & Biomedical Engineering. I recently completed a 16-month co-op term at Septodont and I'm looking forward to being back on campus this year. This is my third year as an executive member of the Chem Eng Club, as I have previously been an AVP External and a 3rd Year Rep. As President, I am responsible for overseeing all activities of the club and supporting the executive team throughout the year. In my free time, I enjoy outdoor activities, going to the gym, spending time with family and friends, and binge-watching shows on Netflix! Please reach out if you have any questions or stop by the CSTR to say hi!
The President of the Chemical Engineering Club acts to manage and oversee the internal and external tasks of the Club and acting on any issues for the Club that may arise. In day-to-day operations they work alongside the Vice President to communicate with the student body, Club members, the McMaster Engineering Society, the Department of Chemical Engineering, and the Faculty of Engineering to organize events, coordinate meetings, and ensure the Club operates smoothly and efficiently. The President is also responsible for external operations such as coordinating with the Canadian Institute of Chemistry, the American Institute of Chemical Engineering, and the Chemical Engineering Graduate Student Society.
Vice President
Daniele Palladino
Hello! My name is Daniele, and I’m in my 4th year of Chemical Engineering and Management. This year, I am the Vice-President for the club, making sure everyone feel welcome and has a good time in chemeng! In my free time, I like reading, fencing, playing the violin, and learning languages! I moved to Canada 10 years ago from Italy, so my native language is Italian, but I also speak English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and a bit of other languages too! Feel free to approach me if you have any questions about the club, management, chemical engineering, or if you just want to chat!
The Vice President of the Chemical Engineering Club acts to manage and oversee the bulk of administrative tasks and issues for the Club. In day-to-day operations they work alongside the President to communicate with the student body, Club members, the McMaster Engineering Society, the Department of Chemical Engineering, and the Faculty of Engineering to organize events, coordinate meetings, and ensure the Club operates smoothly and efficiently. For general members (the Chemical Engineering student body), the Vice President can assist in helping handle administrative or academic issues related to Chemical Engineering courses and connecting members with other Club Executives.
VP Finance
Sarah Woods
Hello! My name is Sarah Woods, and I am a Chemical Engineering and Management student! I finished my 3rd year and am currently on a 12-month co-op at Toyota Motor Manufacturing as an Environmental Engineering Analyst. I have also worked as a Process Engineering Intern at a consulting firm and would be happy to discuss my experiences with you! I also have been a Teaching Assistant for Sustain 1S03 and will be TAing for Sustain 2GS3 this fall. This is my first year on the Chemical Engineering Club, and I am so glad to be joining as VP Finance! My professional interests include sustainability, environmental engineering, fluid mechanics, process design, and I have really enjoyed the accounting/finance aspect of the management component of my degree. In my free time, I love to read, swim, go on hikes/walks with my dog, and hangout with my family and friends! Please feel free to reach out to me with and questions/comments/concerns!
VP Finance of Chemical Engineering Club is responsible for creating a budget for the upcoming school year. The budget is based on costs and spending associated with events, activities, and initiatives throughout the school year. In addition, manage conference deposits, payments, production orders, and reimbursements. VP Finance ensures the budget is constantly up to date, accurate, and descriptive by keeping thorough book-keeping of all transaction records and statements. As well as working with the MES, MSU, and faculty to secure funding.
VP Events
Maliha Khan Kollins
​Hey! My name is Maliha and I'm one of your VP Events this year. I am responsible for planning all the classic chem eng events such as Smokers, Roast the Profs, and many more. I enjoy playing volleyball, listening to music, watching TV, and love trying new food. Hope to see you at our events this year :)
VP Finance of Chemical Engineering Club is responsible for creating a budget for the upcoming school year. The budget is based on costs and spending associated with events, activities, and initiatives throughout the school year. In addition, manage conference deposits, payments, production orders, and reimbursements. VP Finance ensures the budget is constantly up to date, accurate, and descriptive by keeping thorough book-keeping of all transaction records and statements. As well as working with the MES, MSU, and faculty to secure funding.
VP Events
Leah Blancher
Hey everyone, I'm Leah! I am in my 4th year of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering. As one of your VP Events, we organize Meet & Greet the Department, Smokers, E = Mc^2, and Roast the Profs.
When I'm not in the CSTR, I like to cook and go on walks. I am also co-pres for McMaster Gymnastics & Parkour.
If you ever see me on campus feel free to say hi, I'm always happy to chat!
VP Finance of Chemical Engineering Club is responsible for creating a budget for the upcoming school year. The budget is based on costs and spending associated with events, activities, and initiatives throughout the school year. In addition, manage conference deposits, payments, production orders, and reimbursements. VP Finance ensures the budget is constantly up to date, accurate, and descriptive by keeping thorough book-keeping of all transaction records and statements. As well as working with the MES, MSU, and faculty to secure funding.
AVP Productions
Melanie Chung
Hi! I’m Melanie and I’m finished my third year of Chem and iBio. I’m currently on a 16 month coop at Celestica. I am the AVP Productions for the Chem Eng Club this year, meaning I will be working with Lucas to design some fun Chem Eng merch for you all! I’m really excited to see what we can accomplish this year :) Outside of school, I love watching medical dramas and I’m a huge Taylor Swift fan!
The AVP Productions of the Chemical Engineering Club acts to manage and oversee Chemical Engineering themedand branded merchandise (merch), catered tothe staff and students of the Department of Chemical Engineering. They work alongside AVP Media and other various positions to develop and advertise merchwhich is available for purchase on Redbubble throughout the year, along with large drops each semesterto reduce shipping costs. Each item is designed with affordabilityand aesthetics in mindto better serve all general members.
AVP Productions
Lucas Jarrett
Hey! I'm Lucas and I'm one half of the AVP Production team. Along with Melanie, I'll be responsible for coordinating merchandise for the Chemical Engineering faculty this year. Our plan for the year is to completely revamp the merchandise so that our students can be proud to represent the faculty!
Outside of school, I love playing tennis, playing guitar, and skiing with my friends!
The AVP Productions of the Chemical Engineering Club acts to manage and oversee Chemical Engineering themedand branded merchandise (merch), catered tothe staff and students of the Department of Chemical Engineering. They work alongside AVP Media and other various positions to develop and advertise merchwhich is available for purchase on Redbubble throughout the year, along with large drops each semesterto reduce shipping costs. Each item is designed with affordabilityand aesthetics in mindto better serve all general members.
3rd Year Rep
Kirsten Espe
Hello! I am excited this year to represent the Third Year class by ensuring that everyone's academic needs are being met to the best of my abilities. Please let me know if you have any class conflicts or concerns by text or come talk to me in person. In my free time, you might find me working at the Drain, desperately trying to book buses for this year's Fireball, or yelling at Matlab for taking so dang long to load. I'm ready for a year of fun, friends, and Fick's First Law :D
The 3rd year rep is the liaison between their peers and the Chem Eng Club. They aim to create a strong community amongst their cohort. This is done by informing the class of upcoming events and attending weekly meetings to update the club on concerns of the class. The rep is also responsible for relaying classmate’s academic concerns to the club and professors. Concerns can be addressed by directly talking to the 3rd year rep or with anonymous feedback forms.
3rd Year Rep
Allison Simpson
Hey! My name is Allison and I am in my 3rd year of Chemical Engineering. I am a 3rd-year rep for the Chem Eng Club. As a rep, I want to ensure everyone's’ opinions are heard to make this year the best it can be. I have completed co-ops in both the construction and plastics manufacturing industries. I completed my plastics manufacturing co-op with a company based in Vancouver, so if you have any questions about moving away from home for a summer feel free to reach out! I am also a part of the McMaster Gymnastics team and a mentor in the Women in Engineering club. I love to live an active lifestyle, travel and hang out with friends. Please reach out as I am always happy to chat!
The 3rd year rep is the liaison between their peers and the Chem Eng Club. They aim to create a strong community amongst their cohort. This is done by informing the class of upcoming events and attending weekly meetings to update the club on concerns of the class. The rep is also responsible for relaying classmate’s academic concerns to the club and professors. Concerns can be addressed by directly talking to the 3rd year rep or with anonymous feedback forms.
Upper Year Rep
Sheel Ayachi
Hi everyone! Excited to be an upper year rep this year. We’re here to communicate between our ChemE students and the club, and faculty. If you need someone to talk to, we’re here for that! I hope to see you at the events the club runs this year. In my free time I like to read, care for my houseplants, eat tons of mint chip ice cream, and bake.
The upper year rep is responsible for communicating the events put on by the Chem Eng. Club and Chemical Engineering department to the upper year students in Chemical Engineering. They also act as the liaison for the student body and bring forward any concerns or feedback to the club and faculty.
Upper Year Rep
Evelyn Cudmore
As one of your upper-year reps, my role is to act as a liaison between upper-year students and the club and program. We will seek to be in tune with fellow students and the conflicts they may be facing in their classes, and we will advocate for the class accordingly. We also hope to plan events focused on the interests of upper-year students. Alongside ChemEng club, I'm also a member of McMaster's recreational dance team, and I love music, hiking, and cooking.
The upper year rep is responsible for communicating the events put on by the Chem Eng. Club and Chemical Engineering department to the upper year students in Chemical Engineering. They also act as the liaison for the student body and bring forward any concerns or feedback to the club and faculty.
Director of Photography
Leah Blancher
Hey guys! I'm Leah. I'm in my 3rd year of Chem Eng and iBio. I am the Director of Photography for the club this year. I am excited to get to document all of the events this year, including the Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference in Vancouver! Over the past couple of summers, I have done research on electrochemical wastewater treatment processes. A few of my other professional interests include pharmaceuticals, food processing and polymers. I also have an interest in the business management and policy aspects of the industry. Aside from Chem Eng, I am also a member of the McMaster Gymnastics executive team and a mentor for Women in Eng, Mac Eng Society and the iBioMed Society. In my little bit of free time I love to stay active, go on adventures, cook and hang out with friends. If you have any questions about Chem Eng Club or just want some upper-year advice please reach out, I always love to chat!
The Director of Photography for the Chemical Engineering Club manages the documentation of Chem Eng Club events through photos and videos. They are responsible for attending each event or finding another member attending the event to capture photos of the events for the website, social media, and the year-end Roast the Profs event. They are also responsible for editing and keeping an organized drive of the photos and videos. General members can also submit their photos through a Microsoft Form organized by the Director of Photography
VP Sports
Frank Serafino
I am the sports coordinator and my main duties involve signing up intramural teams and using sports as a bonding tool for the department. I have been coaching American football for the past 3 years and have experience in sporting event planning.
My hobbies include, sports card collecting, playing basketball and listening to music.
The Sports Director organizes community building initiatives that are related to sports. These events and teams are made to foster community within the Chemical Engineering Student body and introduce people with a shared interest. Throughout the year, the Sports Director will help to organize intramural teams and special events. If you want to see a sport team or activity organized by the Chemical Engineering Club or are wondering what initiatives we have going on, feel free to reach out.
CSTR Co-ordinator
Heidi Abdilla
Hello! My name is Heidi, and I am a final year Chemical and Bioengineering student. If you have any questions about co-op, I have professional experience in product development of point-of-care medical devices, immunoassays, and manufacturing. Professionally, I am interested in medical devices and cosmetic chemistry. In my spare time, I like reading, K-pop and keyboards!
CSTR Coordinator organizes plant tours, Alumni Nights and facilitates activities to keep the undergraduate student lounge organized and resourceful.
AVP Media
Sara Razzaghi
My role in the club includes running the social media accounts and increasing community engagement! I love to work out, draw and read manga in my free time.
The roles of the AVP Media team are:
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Managing the official Mac Chem Eng Club social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Tiktok)
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Posting upcoming events
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Making deadline reminders
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Spreading news
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Promoting other chem eng related stuff (like the Heat Exchanger podcast)
Follow us so you can stay up to date!! @macchemengclub
AVP Media
Anika Preema
I am one of the AVP Medias for the McMaster Chemical Engineering Club for 2023-24, our role in the club is to keep everyone updated about the events going on through the socials (Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Avenue to Learn). We do this by creating an eye-catching graphic and posting that with attractive captions so that students are eager to come to the events. My role in the club coincides with my hobbies quite well, as I love spending time on social media, watching reels, and posts, and following celebrities and their lifestyles.
The roles of the AVP Media team are:
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Managing the official Mac Chem Eng Club social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Tiktok)
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Posting upcoming events
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Making deadline reminders
-
Spreading news
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Promoting other chem eng related stuff (like the Heat Exchanger podcast)
Follow us so you can stay up to date!! @macchemengclub
AVP Media
Katherine Janavicius
Hi I'm Katie! My role in the club this year will be running our ChemEng Club socials by keeping all the platforms up to date with up and coming events! Stay tuned for all the engaging, fun content that is to come this year! In my free time (when I can take a break from studying), I love to hike & go on long runs!
The roles of the AVP Media team are:
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Managing the official Mac Chem Eng Club social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Tiktok)
-
Posting upcoming events
-
Making deadline reminders
-
Spreading news
-
Promoting other chem eng related stuff (like the Heat Exchanger podcast)
Follow us so you can stay up to date!! @macchemengclub
Wellness Co-ordinator
Meghna Saha
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The wellness co-ordinator organizes self-care events to reminder students to take mental health breaks and provide support during stressful times.
VP Academic
Krishna Prakash
Hello Chem Eng! My name is Krishna Prakash and I’m a 4th year Chemical Engineering student. I have completed 3 co-ops within the corporate sector within supply chain, process engineering and robotic process automation. I thoroughly loved each of these experiences and would be happy to talk about any aspect of co-op. Some of my professional interests include process engineering and product management. This will be my third year on the club, and in previous years I have acted as a year representative and AVP External. Don’t hesitate to reach out regarding any academic concerns, inquiries or just to chat!
The Vice President Academic of the Chemical Engineering club acts as a liaison between the Chemical Engineering undergraduate student body and the faculty. The VP Academic is the “go-to” person to handle any student academic concerns, criticism, and questions to relay to faculty. The VP Academic is responsible for hosting review sessions prior to midterms and assessments to help better prepare students. In addition, the VP academic aims to engage the student body in understanding more about the faculty and to apply Chemical Engineering knowledge. Some events include popcorn pop-ins, Research Night, and Chemical Engineering Design Competition. Reach out to the VP Academic for any academic questions/concerns.
MES Rep
Nicole Liut
Hello! My name is Nicoleand I’m a 4thyear Chemical and Bioengineering student.Ijust finisheda summer co-op with HATCH as aWater & Wastewater Engineer.I have had a lot of different clubs and teams experienceswithin my Mac Eng experience including: Troitsky, FYIC, Redsuits, Student Ambassadors, WIE, Mentorships, Chem Eng Club and ChemE Car.My love for the Chem Eng department motivated me tobe class rep for second and third year and I have moved on up to MES rep. I am currently the Co-President for ChemeE Car so feel free to ask me any questions! I love to do the other basic hobbies like running, cooking, and painting, but I will say that I am anything but basicJPlease feel free to contact withany questions or concerns!
The MES Rep of the Chemical Engineering Club acts as a liaisonbetween the Club and McMaster Engineering Society. In day-to-day operations they work alongside the President,Vice-President, and MES to communicate with the student body, Club members,the McMaster Engineering Society,the Department of Chemical Engineering, and the Faculty of Engineering to organize events, coordinate meetings, and ensure the Club operates smoothly and efficiently. They are also responsible for presenting macLab funding on behalf of the department and helping with department funding with SAGM. For general members (the Chemical Engineering student body),the MES Repcan assist in helping to hear theissues for classes, events etc. related to Chemical Engineering and the MES.
AVP External
Alex Jucan
hotel motel Hi! My name is Alex and I’m a 5th year student in Chemical Engineering & iBioMed. During my time at McMaster, I’ve held a few research positions in the department and have held a few teaching assistant positions as well. I was also the Chem Eng Rep on the MES during the 2021-22 school year. In my free time, I snowboard, play tennis, read, and hit the gym. Please feel free to reach out to me for anything AVP external related, chem eng related or just to chat! inn
The AVP Externals of the Chemical Engineering Club are responsible for organizing the McMaster delegation to the Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference (CCEC) every year as well as our annual industry night. We work behind the scenes with the members of Chem Eng Club to coordinate these two large and staple events within the club. The goal of both these events is to connect the Chem Eng Club to the wider chemical engineering community and network with students and companies. At conference, students get the chance to learn about advances in the chemical engineering field, network with students from other universities, and meet professionals in the field. At industry night, we invite companies in the chemical engineering field to meet and network with chem eng students in hopes of making connections for co-op and job opportunities.
AVP External
Daniele Palladino
Hello! My name is Daniele, and I’m in my 3rd year of Chemical Engineering and Management. I just came back from my co-op where I was Product Management Assistant at Habitart Group. This year I am a teaching assistant for ENG 1P13, and I love teaching and helping out! In my free time, I like reading, playing the violin, learning languages! I moved to Canada 9 years ago from Italy, so my native language is Italian, but I also speak English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and a bit of other languages too! Feel free to approach me if you have any questions about the conference, industry night, management, chemical engineering in general, or if you just want to chat!
The AVP Externals of the Chemical Engineering Club are responsible for organizing the McMaster delegation to the Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference (CCEC) every year as well as our annual industry night. We work behind the scenes with the members of Chem Eng Club to coordinate these two large and staple events within the club. The goal of both these events is to connect the Chem Eng Club to the wider chemical engineering community and network with students and companies. At conference, students get the chance to learn about advances in the chemical engineering field, network with students from other universities, and meet professionals in the field. At industry night, we invite companies in the chemical engineering field to meet and network with chem eng students in hopes of making connections for co-op and job opportunities.
AVP External
Kira White
Hi! My name is Kira and I’m in my 5th year of Chemical Engineering & iBioMed, and I’m currently on a 16-month coop at Septodont. This year in addition to being AVP External, I am also a co-chair for a provincial engineering conference, the First Year Integration Conference, being held in November. During my time at McMaster, I have also been the MES VP External, 3rd year rep for the Chem Eng Club, and a teaching assistant. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with friends, spending time outdoors, and binging shows on Netflix. Please reach out if you have any questions related to CCEC, industry night, chem eng, or if you have any good show suggestions!
The AVP Externals of the Chemical Engineering Club are responsible for organizing the McMaster delegation to the Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference (CCEC) every year as well as our annual industry night. We work behind the scenes with the members of Chem Eng Club to coordinate these two large and staple events within the club. The goal of both these events is to connect the Chem Eng Club to the wider chemical engineering community and network with students and companies. At conference, students get the chance to learn about advances in the chemical engineering field, network with students from other universities, and meet professionals in the field. At industry night, we invite companies in the chemical engineering field to meet and network with chem eng students in hopes of making connections for co-op and job opportunities.
AVP External
Maliha Kollins
Hey!! My name is Maliha and I am in my 3rd year of Chemical Engineering & iBioMed. On top of being one of your AVP Externals, I am currently working as a Research assistant with Professor Sarrah Lal. Going forward into my career I am looking to work in the pharmaceutical or environmental engineering sectors. Additionally, whether its playing intramural sports or just going for a walk, I am a social butterfly and love hanging out with my friends in my spare time. I am passionate about mentorship and involvement with the McMaster and Chem Eng community so feel free to stop for a chat if you see me!
The AVP Externals of the Chemical Engineering Club are responsible for organizing the McMaster delegation to the Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference (CCEC) every year as well as our annual industry night. We work behind the scenes with the members of Chem Eng Club to coordinate these two large and staple events within the club. The goal of both these events is to connect the Chem Eng Club to the wider chemical engineering community and network with students and companies. At conference, students get the chance to learn about advances in the chemical engineering field, network with students from other universities, and meet professionals in the field. At industry night, we invite companies in the chemical engineering field to meet and network with chem eng students in hopes of making connections for co-op and job opportunities.
Co-op Ambassador
Hannah Gillgrass
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2nd Year Reps
Meghna Saha
Hello! My name is Meghna and I’m in my second year of Chemical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering (iBioMed). Last summer, I worked in industry as a Technical Specialist for an engineering consultation service company. I’m really interested in tissue engineering, computational medicine, and innovative biotechnologies. Outside of school, I love to dance, play volleyball & frisbee, and learn about classical history! My messages are always open if you have questions or concerns related to the Chem Eng Club or Chem Eng in general!
The second year representatives of the Chemical Engineering Club act as the liaison between the club and the second year Chemical Engineering class (amongst different streams). They meet with the Chemical Engineering Club to discuss and help plan/run chemical engineering events and conferences. They receive input from second year general members about event ideas, courses, concerns, or initiatives, and relay the information back to the Chemical Engineering Club and to professors and faculty members. Additionally, the second year representatives perform other duties assigned by the President or other executive members to help the club run smoothly.
2nd Year Reps
Jay Botham
Hey! My name is Jay Botham, I am from Vancouver, BC, and I am in my second year of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering. My interests include outdoor activities (especially camping and hiking) and crocheting/knitting. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work in a biophysics lab at UBC on an NSERC USRA after my first year and would be happy to discuss my experience with that or anything else Chemical Engineering related. I am excited to be joining the Chemical Engineering Club executive team this year!
The second year representatives of the Chemical Engineering Club act as the liaison between the club and the second year Chemical Engineering class (amongst different streams). They meet with the Chemical Engineering Club to discuss and help plan/run chemical engineering events and conferences. They receive input from second year general members about event ideas, courses, concerns, or initiatives, and relay the information back to the Chemical Engineering Club and to professors and faculty members. Additionally, the second year representatives perform other duties assigned by the President or other executive members to help the club run smoothly.
2nd Year Reps
Katie Janavicius
Hi! My name is Katherine (Katie) Janavicius and I am in my 2nd year of Chemical Engineering! I am very passionate about engineering and have a personal interest in sustainable development! Outside of school; I love going on long runs as well as walks, and also baking desserts! I am always happy to discuss chemical engineering or any other questions you may have! Please feel free to reach out!
The second year representatives of the Chemical Engineering Club act as the liaison between the club and the second year Chemical Engineering class (amongst different streams). They meet with the Chemical Engineering Club to discuss and help plan/run chemical engineering events and conferences. They receive input from second year general members about event ideas, courses, concerns, or initiatives, and relay the information back to the Chemical Engineering Club and to professors and faculty members. Additionally, the second year representatives perform other duties assigned by the President or other executive members to help the club run smoothly.
