AIChE Board 2026-2027
Meet this year’s AIChE Board members! The American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) UC San Diego Chapter Board is a dedicated group of students committed to supporting and representing the chemical engineering community through professional, academic, and social initiatives. Be sure to also explore our AIChE Board Alumni to see where past members are now and the exciting paths they’ve pursued after their time at UC San Diego.
Executive Board
Co-President
Rajat Kharel
AIChE has helped me develop professionally & make new ChemE friends! I aim to carry on that spirit and expand AIChE in the upcoming year.
Fun Fact:
I was born in Kansas (Go Chiefs!)
Co-President
Sunny Lee
I really love being a part of AIChE and working to strengthen our community of chemical engineers here at UCSD!
Fun Fact:
I have a dog named Latte.
VP Internal
Brenda Widjaja
I’m excited to lead Internal Committee this year! Looking forward for all the upcoming events and programs AIChE will have to offer.
Fun Fact:
I love crafting, hiking, & jamming with friends!
VP External
Kyle Okino
Everyone I've met within AIChE is so supportive. I'm excited about the community we're building and the opportunity it gives to students.
Fun Fact:
I once ate an entire Costco pizza by myself.
VP Operations
Chelzee Nicole Yu
As VP Operations, my job is to support AIChE behind the scenes and manage event logistics. I've enjoyed being a part of the chapter and I'm looking forward this year.
Fun Fact:
I can solve a Rubik’s cube under a minute.
VP Finance
Izzy Kikoshima
AIChE has given me invaluable support & opportunities throughout my college experience. I'm super excited to serve as VP Finance this year :)
Fun Fact:
I love trying new cafes and hikes in San Diego!
VP Publicity
Olivia Rogers
I’m a cool guy, therefore AIChE is cool.
Fun Fact:
Blue Period.
General Board
Department Chair
Brayden Jones
I joined AIChE in September 2025 after transferring to UCSD as a junior. I'm involved with the Chem-E sports team and a research lab focused in Chem/Biochem.
Fun Fact:
I competed in gymnastics until middle school.
Industry Chair
Carlos Postlethwaite
First year. External Comittee General Board Member
Fun Fact:
I'm very good at GeoGuessr!
Outreach Chair
Anna Pham
Hi, I’m Anna! Serving as your Outreach Chair, I look forward to hosting events for AIChE & creating a tight community for Chemical Engineers at UCSD!
Fun Fact:
I dye my hair so often my headshots are often outdated. :,)
Sponsorship Chair
Angela Tan
Hi everyone! I'm Angela, and I've met so many cool people through AIChE. Come check us out!
Fun Fact:
I'm from Toronto, Canada!
Co-NChE Chair
Kelsey Jennings
I'm very excited for the opportunity to work alongside the rest of this team and put together an excellent NCHE fair in the fall!
Fun Fact:
I can play both the harmonica and accordion.
Co-NChE Chair
Athena Contos
I love AIChE! This club has really helped me feel at home at UCSD, and I'm super excited for next year's NChE!
Fun Fact:
I love collecting vinyls.
Co-Competition Chair
Astra Tulac
I’m incredibly excited to spend my fourth year in AIChE as your Co-Comp Chair!
Fun Fact:
As I kid, I had a phase where I shamelessly wore head-to-toe leopard print 🐆
Co-Competition Chair
Giselle Vargas
I joined AIChE to find a sense of community after transfering to UC San Diego and it’s safe to say that I’ve found it! Not too long after joinging I became a part of the Chem-E-Cube competition team and am excited to do more with my new role as your Co-Competition Chair!
Fun Fact:
I've played four different instruments!
Co-Projects Chair
Megan Caramat
I've met so many kind and great people in my time in AIChE and I wanted to join Board to contribute more for the org that's given so much to me! As Co-Project Chair I help facilitate communication and manage all of AIChE's project teams!!
Fun Fact:
I'm double jointed in all my fingers!!!
Mentorship Chair
Annabella Samad
Hi! I'm Annabella. I take care of the FamilE program where mentors & mentees bond and meet new people. I've gotten so much experience and new friends joining AIChE. I'm excited to be apart of this amazing community!
Fun Fact:
I almost fell off a cliff while hiking...
Co-Projects Chair
James Harriman
Hi! I help faciliate our project teams here at AIChE Projects!
Fun Fact:
I can't swim 💀💀
Social Chair
Benjamin Goei
My time in AIChE has been a great opportunity for me to connect with other chemical engineers, and as Social Chair I hope to help strengthen our community by organizing fun events that bring members together.
Fun Fact:
My birthday is on 9/11
Past AIChE Board Alumni
AIChE is an organization that prides itself on progress and improvement. Below are some members that have helped develop and turn AIChE at UCSD into an amazing organization with various programs. Read about their amazing accomplishments and current endeavors below. If you are a past alumni and want to be included on this page, please contact us at aiche@ucsd.edu or fill out the form below!
Hailey Tran
President 2024-2025
After finishing her B.S. in 2025, Hailey moved to UCLA to pursue her PhD in Chemical Engineering as an NSF Graduate Research Fellow. She is interested in developing bioinspired polymers to create sustainable and/or biocompatible materials. Hailey’s proudest accomplishments are leading volunteer efforts for the 2024 AIChE Annual Student Conference and meeting amazing people through AIChE!