Engineering Professor Elected Vice President of AES Electrophoresis Society

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Christa Hestekin

Christa Hestekin, associate professor of chemical engineering, was named vice president of the AES Electrophoresis Society at its annual meeting on Nov. 3-6 in San Francisco. Hestekin will serve a two-year term in this position.

AES is a professional organization for biochemists, chemists and chemical engineers who work in the field of electrophoresis, or the movement of ions using electricity. In her research, Hestekin applies this technique to Alzheimer's research. She uses a technique called microchannel electrophoresis to analyze the amyloid beta proteins that are associated with Alzheimer's disease. By separating and studying the oligomeric forms of these proteins, Hestekin hopes to learn more about how they contribute to the disease.

As vice president, Hestekin will oversee annual AES meeting planning, lead workshop development, organization, and execution, participate in committees and coordinate monthly communications to members.

"Dr. Hestekin is doing a great job representing our department, college, and university," said Robert Babcock, head of the department of chemical engineering. "Her leadership and enthusiasm are contagious in this important professional organization and her electrophoresis research projects are valuable contributions to the field of chemical engineering."