Christa Hestekin to Serve as Interim Head of Chemical Engineering

University Relations

Christa Hestekin

Associate professor Christa Hestekin will serve as interim head of the Ralph E. Martin Department of Chemical Engineering. Her appointment starts June 14.

Hestekin will succeed David Ford, professor, who is leaving the university to be the dean of science and engineering at Central Michigan University.

Hestekin started as an assistant professor at the university in August of 2006, after finishing her Ph.D. in chemical engineering at Northwestern University that same year. In 2013, she rose to the rank of associate professor, and since 2017, Hestekin has served as associate department head for the graduate program in chemical engineering.

"I am extremely grateful to Dr. Hestekin for assuming this important interim role while a permanent department head is being sought," said Kim Needy, dean of the College of Engineering. "I have confidence in her ability and know that the department will continue to thrive under her leadership."

Hestekin has received many teaching and research awards at the U of A, including the Ralph E. Martin Department of Chemical Engineering Teaching Award in 2011 and 2020. In 2012, she received the Honors College Distinguished Faculty Award and was a U of A Outstanding Faculty Nominee. She received the College of Engineering Rising Teaching Award in 2017, and that same year she was inducted into the U of A Teaching Academy.

Since 2006, Hestekin has mentored and advised more than 35 graduate and undergraduate students, several of whom have furthered their careers in medicine, academia and private industry.

As a principal investigator and co-principal investigator, Hestekin has received more than $3.5 million in research funding from federal agencies. Her research has focused on early stage protein aggregation using microchannel electrophoresis and the evaluation of algal properties for biofuel production. Recently, she led a research project to develop a device that simulates the blood filtering and ion transport functions of the human kidney. The technology could transform treatment options for people in the final stage of renal disease.

Hestekin holds the Ansel and Virginia Condray Endowed Professorship in Chemical Engineering.