Since its inception in 2015, the Energy Coalition at the University of Houston (EC) – the nation’s largest energy-centric student organization – has worked relentlessly to connect students with peers, industry, and key learning and professional opportunities. These efforts help establish UH as leading source of future leaders for the energy sector.
Though the EC aspires to provide its members a path to lead decision-making and strategy in energy, it also shows that students don’t have to be in a traditional energy-related discipline to make a difference in an industry that touches all walks of life.
Juniors Gerardo Angulo, majoring in political science, Chrystelle Esma, majoring in management information systems, are proof of that. Angulo will enter the 2024-25 school year as the 10th chair of UH’s largest student organization, while Esma will take on the role of vice chair. Both are keenly aware of the coalition’s potential for influence in the world of energy. Angulo is focused on leading the EC toward realizing the limitless potential of its ability to change the future.
“Energy itself is its own school of thought, and the EC is a bridge that helps unite people from all different perspectives into understanding the greatest feat that humanity has achieved,” Angulo said. “There is power that comes with being a student in an organization of this scale. We want to empower student welfare and creativity, sponsor the growth of aspiring young energy leaders, and be not just a steppingstone, but a partner in each student’s path to success.”
To achieve their goals, Angulo and Esma have identified corporate relations and hands-on industry exposure as key action items for the upcoming year. Beyond that, the duo is eying opportunities for real-world impact through student project initiatives, student-led research and development, and through the coalition’s support.
“As the world continues to face issues from global reliance with non-renewable resources that have been fueling our energy for decades, we have to shift toward adaptation and innovation with the energy transition,” Esma said. “There’s a global urgency surrounding the switch from non-renewables, and that emphasizes mitigating geopolitical, environmental, economic, and societal issues. Coogs should be ready to address integrating renewables, technological advancements, and the enhancement of energy efficiency during this transition.”
Angulo concurred, adding that while the destination is set in stone, there’s more than one way to travel it. In his words, there won’t be any needed progress during the energy transition without achieving a middle ground between needs and wants.
“The energy transition is undeniable, as is the need for sustainable access to and within energy,” Angulo said.
“Students should understand that energy is not a one-sided topic. The future of energy is not uncertain. It has a set path and it will be followed. How the path is paved and approached, however, is its own mystery that will be carved by leaders able to understand the past, present, and future of energy.”
In a Q&A, both Angulo and Esma shared more about their motivations and guiding principles:
In your own words, what is the Energy Coalition?
GA: It’s not just a student organization. I think of it as a much bigger investment that my comrades, our members and I are making in our own future. EC teaches you so much more than just what energy is. It shows you the multi-faceted context that energy has on our world. The EC is a home for thoughts, discussion and understanding – not only of ourselves, but of energy and what it holds for our future and prosperity.
CE: The Energy Coalition is the map for students to navigate through the world of energy, guiding them towards innovation and collaboration. This diverse cohorts are the energy leaders and representatives of today, driven by a shared interest of energy.
What made you want to get involved with the Energy Coalition?
GA: I saw the EC as an investment in myself and in UH. This organization can help bridge the gap between the largest industry in Texas and the university. Students come out of EC with success, new experiences, and a better understanding of the industry they will lead. I want to share that experience further and help the EC reach new avenues of growth as well.
CE: Seeing unity in a multidisciplinary sea of students with a passion for the energy industry. Coming in with open-arms, I’ve encountered the most driven and brightest students here at UH. This organization stresses the importance of integrating various fields of studies while engaging in energy discussions, and it allows us to explore the different dimensions of energy through others.
What is your number one rule of thumb?
GA: Talk less, listen more. In any and all situations.
CE: ‘One man’s trash is another man’s treasure’ is a statement that re-wired my thought process on people in society, their personal interests, values, and individuality. It’s beautiful to see such multi-faceted people with unique perspectives and minds, and it encourages me to maintain an open mind and heart. I have a deep admiration for UH’s diverse student population, differences between cultures, beliefs, and ideas.
What’s something that people may be surprised to learn about you?
GA: I am the self-proclaimed #1 swimming fan in the world. Any swimmer who is big on the world or Olympic stage, I can guarantee you I know either their times, country, or who they swim for. I used to be a swimmer myself, and watching swim competitions was my #1 hobby!
CE: I have a deep passion for music. I have been playing the guitar for the majority of my life and was part of a band until a little over a year ago, having performed at the Houston rodeo in 2023. I decided to take a break to focus more on my education and pursue my career goals. Also, I really enjoy watching horror movies, true crimes, and conspiracy documentaries!
Any advice for students interested in getting involved with or learning more about the EC?
GA: The EC is all about learning, getting people interested, connected, and developed within the energy industry. I hope we can meet every UH student interested in energy, and that we can demonstrate that energy goes far past the norm of engineering or physics and has a reach into all sectors of industry.
CE: No matter what you study, or what your degree is in school, you play a role in the energy industry. Whether that be as a consumer or contributor, we all have a part in the world of energy.