The ESPOL chapter of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) held its executive board transition meeting for the 2026–2027 term on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, in the Conference Room of the Faculty of Geosciences Engineering (FICT). The event marked the beginning of a new phase for this student organization, aimed at strengthening leadership, academic engagement, and the professional growth of its members.
During the ceremony, the outgoing board, chaired by José Miranda, was recognized for its contribution to the development of academic activities and student engagement within the chapter. The new board, led by Francis Cabrera, was also officially introduced; Cabrera will assume leadership of the chapter with a vision focused on collaborative work and institutional strengthening.
The event was attended by Paul Carrión, Ph.D., dean of FICT; Cecibel Castillo, M.Sc., coordinator of the Petroleum Engineering program; faculty members from the program; and students from the school, all of whom supported this important institutional event.
“It is a pleasure and an honor to continue guiding these dedicated students in this valuable club. I want to reiterate to the new Board of Directors that they can count on me for whatever they need, and I will support them in any way I can,” said Andrés Guzmán, M.Sc., who will continue to serve as the chapter’s Faculty Advisor, providing guidance and advice on the activities and projects led by the students.
As part of the event, FICT students were invited to join the SPE student chapter, which is considered a space for complementary training that fosters the development of leadership skills, teamwork, and connections with the professional energy industry sector.
Through initiatives like this, FICT strengthens student engagement and fosters opportunities that contribute to the well-rounded education of future professionals committed to the country’s technical, academic, and human development.
SPE ESPOL Student Chapter Executive Board 2026–2027
Ing. Andrés Guzmán – Faculty Advisor
Francis Cabrera – President
Raúl Castro – Vice president
José Miranda – Secretary
Lissette Pita – Treasurer
Jesús Zambrano – Awards & Recognition Chairperson
Paula Rojas – Communications & Outreach Chairperson
Marco Aspiazu – Membership Coordinator
Esther Guananga – Officer
Juan Carlos Barro – Program Chairperson
Jaime Aguilar – Social Activities Chairperson
Luis Rivadeneira – Web Master
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
