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The Archer Center
"Where Texas meets the world."
The University of Texas System
1901 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW,
Suite 700
Washington, D.C. 20006

202.955.9091 Phone
202.955.9039 Fax
archer@utsystem.edu

Archer Fellows Fall 2007

J. Amber Ahmed – UT Dallas

Amber will graduate with a B.A. in Political Science in December 2007. At UTD, Amber is active in her sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta and served as Vice-President of the UTD Panhellenic Council. She was elected as a Senator to Student Government where she worked with the administration on the design of a multi-million dollar student dining facility and in editing the Student Fee budget. She was also a First Year Leader and a member of the Pre-Law Society and Phi Alpha Delta, the pre-law fraternity and the Collegium V Honors College. For the past year and a half Amber has interned at the Center for American and International Law. In Washington, DC Amber will be interning with the University of Texas System, Office of Federal Relations.

Veronica Benavides – UT Austin

Veronica is receiving a degree in Government and Philosophy with minors in Spanish and Communications. During school, Veronica is an active member of the Undergraduate Mock Trial Association, Bridging Disciplines Program and the Mexican American Culture Committee. This past summer, Veronica studied US- China relations in Beijing, China. She is also a Rapoport Scholar and spends a large portion of her time volunteering for various organizations. Veronica is interested in human rights domestically as well as internationally.

Jamie Bitzenhofer – UT Tyler

Jamie is a double major in English and Political Science with a minor in Theatre. At UT Tyler, Jamie participated in the National Model United Nations and worked as a tutor at the campus writing center. She has served as an officer in the Pi Sigma Alpha, Sigma Tau Delta and Alpha Psi Omega honor societies. In addition, Jamie has been involved in numerous college theatre productions and has performed at the regional level of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. In Washington D.C. she is interning at the State Department working on the Albania Desk.

Nicole Buckreis – UT Arlington

Nicole will be graduating in December 2007 with a major in Political Science and a minor in Urban Affairs. Before attending UT Arlington, she completed ten months of service work with AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps. During university, Nicole was elected a Student Congress Senator and also a Student Ambassador. She was active in Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honor Society and The Link, a program that pairs local and international students to learn of each other's cultures. As a British Council Ambassador, Nicole organized on campus events and presentations about educational opportunities in the United Kingdom. Nicole studied at the University of Leicester in England for a semester and also completed a course at the Center for Bilingual Multicultural Studies in Cuernavaca, Mexico. In Washington, DC, Nicole will be interning at the Institute of International Education.

Merrick Garb – UT Austin

Merrick is majoring in Government and is a participant in the Liberal Arts Honors Program. At UT-Austin Merrick is active in Texas Hillel, Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity, and University Democrats. Merrick, an Eagle Scout, has served as a volunteer, intern, and campaign manager for various Democratic campaigns. While in Washington, Merrick will serve as a Fellow in the Government Relations Department at Public Strategies Inc., an Austin-based firm that manages campaigns for corporations. Merrick hopes his time in Washington is just the start of a career dedicated to public service.

J. Robert Garcia – UT Austin

Robert is a junior currently pursuing a bachelor's degree with a double major in government and psychology and interdisciplinary studies coursework in ethics and leadership from the University of Texas at Austin. During his time in Austin, he has been employed with a statewide non-profit organization, the Texas Network of Youth Services (TNOYS), dedicated to improving the lives of youth throughout the state and is very active in the foster care community. He is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta and Phi Eta Sigma Honor Societies. He is an avid musician and sings in the University of Texas Men's Chorus. With an interest in social change, Robert is eager to intern as an advocate for the improvement of social policies, especially education.

Leanne Hernandez – UT Dallas

As a senior at The University of Texas at Dallas, Leanne is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Political Science with a minor in Business Administration. She's enjoys volunteering with local and national organizations such as Texas Trees, Heart House after school program, Habitat for Humanity, and Komen Race for the Cure. At UTD, she is actively involved in her sorority, Sigma Lambda Alpha, serving as a member of the charter class, president and national director of undergraduate relations. She is also a member of the young adult chapter of LULAC at the university, serving as education chair. She has participated in the Alternative Spring Break program multiple times, serving as a site leader for the World Hunger Relief, Inc. location. While at WHRI she was introduced to the Invisible Children organization, and later organized a documentary screening and presentation at UTD to bring awareness to the conditions in Uganda. While in D.C., Leanne plans to intern with an organization focused in the areas of foreign affairs and development.

Rebecca Larsen – UT El Paso

Rebecca is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Journalism with a minor in Political Science. She volunteers with Christian Ministries Center, a Texas non-profit food and medical distribution organization. She has also aided in disaster relief in Mexico after severe flooding. She is a member of the National Communications Association Student Club, The Golden Key International Honour Society, The National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and Lamba Pi Eta. She has made the College of Liberal Art's Dean's List and the National Dean's List since she enrolled at UTEP. The genocide occurring in Darfur has become a key issue to her, and she will spend her time in D.C. interning with an organization that is working to end this ongoing human rights violation.

Christine Louca - UT Dallas

Christine Louca is receiving a degree in Government and Politics from the University of Texas at Dallas. She is a 2004 Academic Distinction Scholar and was on the 2005 Dean's List. During her attendance at UTD, Christine has been actively involved with the Student Ambassadors organization, working closely with the President's office since 2006. She is also a member of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation Committee, which works with UTD's Office of Public Affairs to encourage the involvement and representation of the University's staff and students in the community. Christine plans to pursue a Master's Degree in Foreign Affairs upon graduation in May 2008. While in Washington, DC, she will be interning at the Terrorism Research Center, focusing on North Africa, the Persian Gulf, and the Horn of Africa.

Robin McIlhenny - UT San Antonio

As a fifth generation Texan, Robin McIlhenny is looking forward to representing Texas in Washington, DC, during the Archer Program. She will graduate from the UT San Antonio in 2008 with a degree in History and Anthropology and a minor in International Studies. She also will receive Tier II Honors from the UTSA Honors College with the completion of her thesis. Robin is a graduate of the nationally recognized Law and Public Affairs Pre-Law Academy at UTSA and will start pursuing a law degree in the fall of 2008. At her home campus, Robin is active in the Honors College, serving as president of the University Honors Student Association. In the community, she is a member of several social advocacy groups, with emphasis on immigration issues and San Antonio's East Side. While in the nation's capital, Robin hopes to learn more about US foreign policy, international organizations, and human rights.

Katie Naranjo – UT Austin

Katie Naranjo is a native Texan currently enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin. She's a double major in Government and Public Relations and is interning in Rep. Lloyd Doggett's Office. Katie serves as the National Programs Director for College Democrats of America and is responsible for co-creating and coordinating the 2008 DNC Youth OutReach Strategy. Throughout 2006-2007 Katie organized and executed the following programs: Reverse the Raid on Student Aid, Treats and Votes, National Student Advacacy Day at U.S. Capitol and more.

Michelle Vo Nguyen – UT Austin

Michelle is receiving her degree in Government with a minor in Communications. During school, Michelle was active in the Texas Union Student Events Center, where students were responsible for planning events for the UT Austin community. In Washington, DC, Michelle is interested in public affairs and speechwriting.

Krupa Patel – UT Austin

Krupa Patel, a Liberal Arts Honors student, is working toward a Bachelors of Arts in Government with a concentration in Business Foundations. While at UT Austin, Krupa has been active in the Student Events Center as the Chair of the Asian-American Culture Committee, and with the Student Chapter of Americans for Informed Democracy. In Washington, DC, Krupa will be interning at Marathon Oil's Office of Federal Government Affairs.

Marc K. Paulsen – UT Arlington

Marc is a senior at the University of Texas at Arlington majoring in Modern Languages (German/Spanish), and will complete a minor in Political Science upon graduation in May 2008. Marc's love for languages began at a young age and continued through high school when he spent a semester as a Youth for understanding foreign exchange student to León, Spain. He continued his study of languages in college and completed a semester at the Universität Salzburg in Salzburg, Austria. At UT Arlington, Marc has worked as a Maverick Orientation Leader and in the Office of Undergraduate Recruitment as a campus tour guide. He was elected in the fall of 2004 as a campus Ambassador, a group which promotes and maintains new and old Maverick traditions, and is active in the Honors College and the German Language Society. Marc served as the Philanthropic Chairman of his fraternity, Sigma Chi, and organized the chapter's 18th annual Fight Night in which he completed over five hundred hours of community service and raised $10,000 for the Boys and Girls Club of Arlington. Marc is interested in international affairs and will complete an internship in foreign relations.

Carlos Miguel Ramirez – UT Pan American

My full name is Carlos Miguel Ramirez. I was raised in South Texas and attend the University of Texas Pan American or UTPA for short. I am a Criminal Justice Major with the passionate goal of becoming an attorney. I plan to graduate from UTPA in the Spring of 2008 and soon after I plan to attend law school in the Fall of 2008. I am actively involved in my campuses Student Government and Pre-Law Society organizations. My previous work experience include volunteering in a organization called Helping Hand which worked with first-time DWI offenders in efforts to sway them from repeating the offense. I also interned with Congressman Ruben Hinojosa. As an intern I dealt with office politics and policies. I was active in all the offices day-to-day activities and I was given responsibilities that proved beneficial to the Congressman. Lastly, I desire to intern with the Committee for Justice while I am attending the Archer Fellowship. I have not committed to any agency, but I am confident I will have an internship position shortly.

Juan Ramos Jr. – UT Pan American

Juan Ramos Jr. is a senior at the University of Texas Pan American in Edinburg, Texas. He is pursuing a bachelors of Arts with a double major in Political Science and History, and plans to attend graduate school and law school in the near future. He is a member of the Political Science Association, Golden Key Club, Pre-law Society and the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Juan has served as an intern at the Law Offices of Flores and Sanchez the past two years and has gained an interest in minority legal issues. In his pastime Juan promotes political involvement, serves as mentor for 4-H and FFA members, and participates in recreational cycling. During his semester in Washington, Juan hopes to intern at an organization centered on international political issues or grassroots policies.

Daniel Romine – UT Dallas

Daniel is receiving a degree in government and politics, with a minor in criminology. During the school year, Daniel is active in the CV Honors Program, Pre-Law Society, and UTD Mock Trial. In his free time, Daniel plays percussion and volunteers at a Spanish-speaking elementary school. While in Washington D.C., Daniel will be interning for the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Representative Ike Skelton.

Allison Tisdale – UT Austin

Allison is a JR at UT Austin , where she is majoring in Government with a minor in American Studies. She is a member of the Bridging Disciplines Program, specializing in Ethics and Leadership. In addition, Allison is a member and officer of Alpha Phi Omega a campus service fraternity. While attending UT, she has been involved in campaigns in her hometown, Corpus Christi, as well as an intern for United States Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison. She is interested in gender politics as well as the future of women's rights. While in Washington, Allison will be interning at The Loeffler Group, a lobbying firm founded by former Texas Representative Tom Loeffler. Upon the completion of her undergraduate studies, Allison intends to pursue a law degree with an emphasis on Federal Election Law.

Leila Wright– UT Austin

Leila is a graduating senior majoring in political science with a Spanish minor. She also completed the business foundations program at UT. Her freshman year, Leila was selected as a freshman web journalist to write for the University of Texas homepage. Leila pursued her passion for the legal profession and advocacy as the closing attorney and co-captain of the UT mock trial team, competing in tournaments across the country. Her team consecutively placed 9th in the nation in the 2006 and 2007 National tournaments and Leila won the honor of the top attorney award as well as winning the national top witness award. Leila also pursued her passion for education by participating in the UTeach program and served as a mentor to high school students at an academic enrichment camp, teaching forensic science and leading outdoor adventures. She has lived and studied in Spain, participating in a language enrichment program as well as a government program focusing on the European Union. Additionally, she is a founding member and marketing director of the Global Investment Group at UT. She intends to spend the next year in D.C. before heading to law school. As an Archer Fellow, Leila will be interning with the American Bar Association Media Relations and Communications Services.

Ben Yelverton – UT Dallas

Ben is receiving his degree in Government and Politics. At UT Dallas, Ben is active in Mock Trial and the College Republicans, as well as many public service projects. Ben is interested in international law and international affairs.