Solomon Sesesie Ajasa is a second-year Ph.D. student in the Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering Department. He earned a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Civil Engineering from Yaba College of Technology in Lagos, Nigeria, and a Master’s degree from The University of Alabama.

Solomon currently serves as the President of the Graduate Student Association. He is the inaugural University of Alabama Graduate School GAIN Influencer member. He also holds a leadership position in the International Peer Advisory Council (IPAC). Solomon has previously served as the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Graduate Student Association, where he represented graduate students on several university committees, including the International Education, Campus Safety and Security Committee, and Dining Service Development. Additionally, he is an active member of the African Student Association. Solomon’s dedication to service is evident, as he strongly commits to community involvement, particularly among underrepresented ethnic groups.

Solomon doubles as a graduate teaching and research assistant in his department. He aspires to become a professor after completing his Ph.D. and has a keen interest in using advanced technologies to improve occupational safety and health within the construction industry. He has completed the OSHA 30-Hour Outreach Training for the Construction Industry as part of his profession. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE).

Vamsi, a dedicated aerospace engineer, is currently pursuing his PhD at the UA Department of Mechanical Engineering. His unwavering commitment is evident in his research at the Engines and Combustion Laboratory (ECL) under the guidance of Dr. Khandelwal. His research is centered around fuel-flexible, low-emission technology for jet engines and gas turbines, and sustainable fuels.

Vamsi’s leadership roles in various engineering societies are a testament to his drive and dedication to the engineering community. As a member of prestigious societies such as ASME, AIAA, NPSE, and the Royal Aeronautical Society (RaeS), he is making a significant impact. Currently, he serves as the Chair of the Student Review Initiative of TurboExpo 2024.

Vamsi aspires to be a propulsion engineer, contributing significantly to designing sustainable and efficient energy systems that will help meet the world’s energy requirements with less environmental impact.

Oluwafunmilayo Akinpelu (Funmi OmO Moji) is a doctoral candidate in Contemporary English Literature at the University of Alabama. She earned her master’s degree in Comparative (Literary) History at Central European University (CEU), Vienna, and obtained a BA in Literature-in-English from Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria.

Funmi has a longstanding history of secretarial roles, starting from her student council days to serving as communications officer at CEU. At UA, she has been the two-time general secretary of the African Students Association and has worked as a communications associate at the College Relations department for three years.

Davin, originally Kurdish, is a third-year PhD student in the Educational Psychology program. Over the years, he has accumulated extensive experience working as a graduate research assistant and as an administrative assistant at the Center for the Study of Ethical Development. His diverse background includes seven years of community college teaching, serving as a technical director, and working as a mental health professional.

Caroline Quinn is a second-year MBA/MFA Candidate from Huntsville, Alabama. She graduated from the University of Alabama in May 2023, majoring in Accounting, Finance, and Theatre. During her time at the Capstone, she served as the Vice President of Finance for Alpha Chi Omega and is currently a GRA for UA Theatre and Dance as the Box Office Manager.

Amber Todd is a second-year MBA candidate from Bessemer, AL. During her undergraduate years, Amber served as the President of the Black Student Union and a member of the Student Government Association DEI cabinet.

As a graduate student, she is President of the National Black MBA Association and owns a business specializing in brand strategy. She plans to work in corporate banking following graduation in May 2025.

Diweng Mercy Dafong is a second-year Ph.D. Student in the Department of Modern Languages and Classics. Her research focuses on migration writings with emphasis on African female migration writers from Burkina Faso.

Diweng has served as Treasurer of the UA International Students Association (ISA) and President of the Living International Fellowship (LIFe). She is a campus ambassador for Gift of Life and president of the UA Language, Literature, and Linguistics Organization.

Gabi Gonzalez is a second-year Masters candidate pursuing her MFA and MBA in Arts Management. She is involved in many aspects across campus, working with the Department of Theatre and Dance as Project Manager, serving as a GAIN Influencer, and as an Officer of Financial Affairs for Manderson Women in Business.

Heaven Cauble is a fourth-year doctoral student in the psychology department studying cognition. Her primary research interests focus on decision-making and health and cognition in older adults. Outside of research, Heaven is an avid instructor and academic advisor. She previously served as the Vice President of Operations for the GSA from 2023-2024.