Meet the Executives
President
Kasthuri Pillapalayam | Industrial Engineering | Brentwood, Tennessee
kpillapa@vols.utk.edu | LinkedIn
Hi friends & PNMs! I'm Kasthuri, a senior majoring in Industrial Engineering with a minor in Data Science! When I graduate, I hope to join the aerospace industry and work in an analytics role. I've previously interned for Collins Aerospace, Keurig Dr. Pepper, and will be interning with PepsiCo this summer in Chicago!
On campus, I am also involved with the Tickle College of Engineering as Vice Chair, getting to give tours and show future engineering students what it means to be a Vol! I am also a member of the Society of Women Engineers & the Cook Grand Challenge Engineering Honors Program. In my free time, I love visiting local coffee shops (ask me for recs!), watching Ted Lasso with my roommates, listening to Bad Bunny or Dua Lipa, and hanging out with sisters!
Vice President
Melissa Willis | Biomedical Engineering | Lenoir City, Tennessee
Hi everyone! My name is Melissa, and I’m a junior majoring in Biomedical Engineering and minoring in Materials Science Engineering. I’m really interested in 3D printing and biomaterials, and I’m currently involved in undergraduate research here at UTK.
I’m also involved in the Biomedical Engineering Society, Tau Beta Pi, and the Chancellor’s Honors program. When I’m not in class or the lab, you can usually find me studying at Uperk, climbing at the Vol Wall, or getting coffee with my friends. I also love hiking and swimming, and I’m always down for an adventure. I’m very excited to be overseeing recruitment this year, so if you have any questions, A.O.E. or otherwise, please reach out!
Membership Educator
Piper Sauerbrunn | Aerospace Engineering | Cincinnati, Ohio
Welcome everyone!! I’m Piper, a senior majoring in Aerospace Engineering. I’m especially interested in aerodynamic design and propulsion. I’ve interned with Jacobs this past summer, with the electrical engineering group! On campus, I am a member of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).
Off campus, I enjoy painting pottery, watching sports, and exploring Knoxville. I also love hanging out with sisters! I’m so thrilled to be running candidacy this year, and I can’t wait to meet all of our PNMs!
Secretary
Mary Grace Graddy | EEB (Pre-Dental) | Tullahoma, Tennessee
Welcome! I'm MG, a senior studying Ecology & Evolutionary Biology with a minor in Social Entrepreneurship. I'm on the Pre-Dental Track and currently in the process of applying to dental schools for the upcoming cycle. If all goes well, I hope to start dental school in 2024 (fingers crossed!). I'm also working as an undergraduate research assistant in the EEB department, specifically in a mycology lab and an animal behavior lab. In addition, I'm actively involved in the Student Dental Association, where I serve as the Secretary, and Advocates for Autism.
Whenever I get a chance to take a break from my academic lifestyle, I enjoy reading, foraging, and spending time with friends. Lately, I've been exploring yoga and baking as well. I love venturing Knoxville and discovering new coffee shops and eateries, and I’m seldom seen without my bestie dog, Luci.
Treasurer
Lucienne Reinhard | Industrial Engineering | Goodlettsville, Tennessee
I am so excited you’re here and welcome! I am Lucienne, a rising senior in Industrial and Systems Engineering! Upon graduation, I plan to pursue an IE role within the defense industry and eventually navigate into project management. I have had engineering internships with Electrolux and the Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) where I was able to gain applicable, real-world experience within my field! I am also a member of Society of Women Engineers (SWE), Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE), and Tau Beta Pi at UTK! I am extremely passionate about promoting STEM education among today’s youth through volunteer events with these organizations.
In my free time, I enjoy trying new workout classes, studying at local coffee shops, taking trips to the beach whenever possible, and spending time with friends and family!