Longhorn Energy seeks to leverage the world-class academic, co-curricular, and extra-curricular energy opportunities at UT for the betterment of all members of the UT community. In particular, the aim of this organization shall be to build community and collaboration between students at UT, support energy-related activities and events, and to aid members in pursuit of energy careers.

Leadership Board

Hari Keerthana Kamalakannan

Hari Keerthana Kamalakannan, an Energy and Earth Resources Postgraduate, boasts a diverse skill set encompassing Electronics, Web development, and Energy Finance. Passionate about distributed energy resources and their pivotal role in the energy transition, she's actively engaged in energy-focused groups such as LEC, Switch Energy Club, and Energy Resources Group. As a TEX-E Fellow, she's committed to driving sustainable change. Hari has demonstrated her acumen through innovative smart IoT projects, strategic solar PV planning, and more. Beyond her pursuits, she finds solace in meditation, audiobooks, anime, and a newfound enthusiasm for Archery.

Vivek Singh

Vivek is a Master’s candidate in Energy and Earth Resources at the Jackson School of Geosciences. His research focuses on predicting the impact of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging on the grid. He is passionate about solving energy access, EV, and hydrogen challenges. He aspires to become a strategic energy consultant after graduation. Apart from Longhorn Energy Club (LEC) he is also involved in various energy clubs and events, such as Switch Energy Club, KBH Energy Center, Energy Resources Group, and TEX-E fellowship with MIT and Greentown Labs. In his spare time, he enjoys performing and watching comedy shows in Austin.

Ali Kothawala

Ali has a Master’s degree from the University of California Davis, in Transportation Technology & Policy; Bachelor’s degree from the College of Engineering Pune in India in Civil Engineering with top honors. He is a transportation planner, studies the use of alternative transportation modes like e-scooters, e-bikes, rid hailing, carsharing, automated vehicles, and urban air mobility transportation system. He’s obsessed with the future of transportation and takes a broad, interdisciplinary, system-level view of the industry. Previously, he consulted clients about investments in transportation infrastructure and comply with local, state, and federal transportation planning requirements. Ali’s analysis has been used to plan multimillion dollars investments in commuter rail systems, bus transit traffic signal prioritization, mixed-use and commercial developments, and citywide plans. Ali won a prestigious fellowship to work with top Indian bureaucrats on public transit, transport electrification, rural sanitation, renewable energy, and governance issues.

Darius Hajibashi

Darius Hajibashi is an undergraduate student in the McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin planning to complete his degree under Energy Technologies along with Process Systems and Product Engineering. Having transferred from the Colorado School of Mines, Darius became an active member of the Longhorn Energy Club in 2022, igniting a strong and growing interest in the intricate economics, politics, and business aspects underlying the energy industry, particularly in the area of renewables. Beyond his involvement with LEC, Darius is a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineering (AIChE), a Head of the Longhorn Golf Club, and Captain of an intramural soccer team.

Marc Schneider

Marc Schneider is a finance and consulting professional with a diverse background. He is working towards an MBA from The University of Texas at Austin and has a Bachelor's degree in Economics from New York University. Currently employed at TP ICAP, the world's largest OTC exchange inter-dealer broker, Marc is an OTC Energy Derivatives Broker, facilitating trading activity and spearheading process optimization. He is also the owner of Schneider Consulting, providing research and bespoke solutions for family offices and funds. With experience in boutique consulting and trading, Marc brings expertise in analyzing risk, identifying opportunities, and managing projects. He is a guitarist, fluent in multiple languages, and is passionate about technology, artificial intelligence, and NY-style pizza.

Jingxin Liang

Jingxin Liang is an undergraduate in Environmental Science at the College of Natural Science at The University of Texas at Austin. She is interested in renewable energy, carbon capture and storage, Energy finance, law, and business. Jingxin is currently working for the Chinese Students and Scholars Association as a Department of Academic and Professional Development member. Jingxin really enjoys dancing, listening to the podcast, and hanging out with friends.

Karthik Menon

Karthik is a graduate student in the Energy and Earth Resources program at UT Austin with a passion for anything climate tech related. His research is focused on the application of decision science and data science to energy systems. He is interested in different areas ranging from critical mineral exploration to decarbonization and smart energy management. He is also passionate about entrepreneurship and innovation in energy and climate tech, and is a TEX-E fellow at Greentown labs. Karthik has received three gold medals for graduating at the top of his class during his undergraduate program.

Zane Zheng

Zane Zheng is an undergraduate student in the Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin. He assists as a student technician at the Aerospace Building under Pablo Cortez, fixing and troubleshooting laboratory equipment in the ASE labs used for teaching and research. Zane is currently serving as an officer for Asian American Culture Club, a team member for a few aerospace organizations, and is planning on partaking in research. Zane finds much joy in volunteering at the animal shelter, thrifting, and listening to a multitude of artists. He hopes to find a future with a paramount role in the aerospace or energy industry.

Alessandro Supriyatno

Alessandro is a Civil Engineering Master’s student in the Sustainable Systems program. He completed his undergrad at The University of Texas at Austin in Environmental Engineering with a minor in Sustainable Systems and a certificate in Humanitarian Engineering. His career interests include clean energy technologies and energy systems in buildings. Alessandro is also a member of the Engineers for a Sustainable World Organization, where he served as an officer for the past two years.

Cynthia Hernandez

Cynthia Hernandez is an undergraduate student in the Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin, focusing on energy systems and sustainable engineering. Cynthia is also pursuing a minor in the Energy Management Program (EMP), where she is gaining valuable knowledge and insights into the legal and policy aspects, as well as the business and economic side of the energy sector. With previous experience as a design engineer for the body sub-system at Longhorn Racing Electric, Cynthia demonstrates technical and engineering skills.  As an officer of LEC, Cynthia is dedicated to creating and curating engaging content for the organization's social media channels.  Outside of LEC, Cynthia is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and enjoys rock climbing with the Texas Rock Climbing community. Additionally, she volunteers her time at the Food Forest Beach Festival, where she combines her passion for environmental causes with community engagement.

Chinemerem Okezie

Chinemerem Okezie is an Energy and Earth Resources Master's Student interested in leveraging clean energy technologies to provide solutions to climate issues. He's also a Graduate Research Assistant at the Gulf Coast Carbon Center, where his current research is focused on Carbon Capture and Storage Technology. He earned a bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering and has about three years of working experience in Technology Consulting. Outside of school, Chinemerem loves listening to podcasts and participating in sporting activities, especially Tennis and Soccer.

Eliot Jiménez-Ortega

Eliot is a Ph.D. student in the Chandra Family Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin. He is part of the ASPIRES research laboratory, advised by Dr. Surya Santoso. His research interests include power quality in electric systems, and wind and solar power integration. He has been a student member of the IEEE Power and Energy Society since 2016. In recognition of overall achievements, Eliot has been honored with multiple fellowships including the George J. Heuer, Jr. Ph.D. Endowed Graduate Fellowship, awarded by the Cockrell School of Engineering, UT Austin [2023] and the ConTex fellowship for doctoral studies, awarded by The University of Texas System and Mexico’s National Council of Science and Technology (Conacyt) [2022]. In 2021 he was awarded the Fulbright-García Robles scholarship to pursue his doctoral studies in the USA.