Strategy Team

led by Sam Mercer

Damjan Zechevikj
VP of
Research

  • Damjan Zechevikj is a Ph.D. student in Electrical and Computer Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin, specializing in power systems and power electronics. His research investigates the grid impacts of large electronic loads, including AI data centers, with an emphasis on power quality. He is currently contributing to an Energy Institute–funded project with his lab, where the team is developing flexible generation solutions – such as gas turbine generators – for reliably supplying large AI data center loads. Beyond research, Damjan helps organize interdisciplinary, energy-focused events through the Longhorn Energy Club and is involved in energy entrepreneurship through TEX-E (Texas Exchange for Energy & Climate Entrepreneurship). 

PhD in Electrical Engineering ‘29

Angel Zepeda
VP of Entrepreneurship

  • Angel is an undergraduate majoring in Economics with a minor in Computer Science. He is a TEX-E Innovation Fellow and is actively involved in the startup and climate tech communities. Angel has founded and worked with early-stage startups, where he’s led growth strategy, developed internal tools, and built app features from the ground up. He combines technical skills in data analysis, financial modeling, and coding with a passion for helping ventures scale. He aspires to pursue a career at the intersection of entrepreneurship and technology-driven innovation.

BS in Economics ‘27

Sophia Shi
VP of Sponsorships

  • Sophia is a PhD candidate in Chemical Engineering, co-advised by Dr. Brian Korgel and Dr. Michael Baldea. Her research applies optimization methodologies to energy systems to conduct techno-economic analyses on infrastructure planning and operation scheduling, specifically, on the long-term design and dynamic operations of hydrogen gas pipeline networks. Currently, Sophia is a TA for the Energy Ventures Practicum. Sophia worked as an summer intern (2024) at the National Renewable Laboratory (now the National Lab of the Rockies) and investigated the role of hydrogen in the future power sector for continental U.S. She also participated in a variety of international projects that are energy-related, including projects in renewable generation in Iceland (2022), solar microgrid installation in Nepal (2023), carbon credits and climate finance in Indonesia (2025), and desalination in Singapore (2025). Other than energy, Sophia is passionate about being active and spending time outdoors. She loves to dance, paint, snowboard, and is a member of the Texas Triathlon Team and the Texas Wake Surf & Wake Board Club.

PhD in Chemical Engineering ‘27

AJ Cott
VP of Sponsorships

  • AJ is a sophomore majoring in finance at the McCombs School of Business. He serves as Vice President of Sponsorships and is actively involved in UT’s energy and finance communities. Passionate about the intersection of technology and finance in energy, AJ actively tracks new startups and financial trends driving the industry. Outside of class, he enjoys exploring Austin’s running trails and playing golf.

BBA in Finance ‘29

Kamp Davis
VP of Sponsorships

  • Kamp is a student majoring in Petroleum Engineering with a Business minor. With a strong passion for the intersection of energy and finance, Kamp is pursuing a career in energy investment banking, where he hopes to have an active role in the energy industry through financial strategy and advisory work. On campus, Kamp is involved in several academic and professional organizations, including Texas Energy Capital, Longhorn Banking Group, and Engineers in Business. Through these groups, he continues to develop his understanding of both the technical and financial aspects of the energy industry, while also mentoring younger students and building relationships with professionals across sectors. Outside of school, Kamp enjoys playing golf, watching sports, and spending time with friends.

BS in Petroleum Engineering ‘28

Hamad Alsaiari
VP of External Relations

  • TBD

MS in Operations Research ‘27

Sam Rogers
VP of External Relations

  • Sam is an undergraduate Plan II Honors major in the College of Liberal Arts. He is currently interning at Fulcrum Capital where he assists in the trading of distressed debt claims. He also serves as the President of IPO Investing at UT, where he leads discussion of Initial Public Offerings and is involved in the UT Finance community. He is interested in working at the intersection of capital raising, growth strategy, and energy innovation.

BA in Plan II Honors ‘28

Christina Al Tawil
VP of Professional Development

  • Christina is a PhD candidate in Chemical Engineering advised by Dr. Brian Korgel. Her research focuses on the development and optimization of perovskite-based solar cells, with an emphasis on improving stability, scalability, and performance for next-generation renewable energy technologies. Prior to UT Austin, she earned her M.S. in Chemistry from the American University of Beirut, where she conducted research on perovskite nanocrystals. She is passionate about advancing clean energy solutions through material innovation and sustainable processes. As a TEX-E Fellow, she is part of a network driving innovation and entrepreneurship in energy and climate technologies. She is also actively involved in promoting a strong culture of laboratory safety through leadership roles and initiatives at UT Austin. Outside of her academic work, she enjoys cooking, traveling, weightlifting, and spending time with family and friends.

PhD in Chemical Engineering ‘27