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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 Spring 2008

Kim Allen - UT Dallas

Kim is a senior at the University of Texas at Dallas where she is majoring in business administration with a minor in psychology. Kim was an editor and frequent front-page writer for the alternative UTD student publication, A Modest Proposal. In addition, she is a Student Ambassador and a member of the John Marshall Pre-Law Society. While in Washington, D.C., Kim will be interning for The Loeffler Group, a lobbying firm founded by former Texas Representative Tom Loeffler. After graduation, she plans to pursue a law degree and focus on international trade regulation.

Rawan Arar - UT San Antonio

Rawan is a senior in the Honors College majoring is Sociology with a double minor in Legal Studies and Women and Gender Studies. She is currently working on a documentary entitled The Westernization of Women in Jordan, which she started as her thesis project. Rawan spent the summer of 2006 in Jordan conducting interviews with women across socioeconomic classes discussing key feminist platforms which include the following: marriage, family, and relationships; women in the workplace; body image and beauty ideals; refugee immigration with a focus on Palestinian immigration; and women in Islam.  On another note, Rawan is in the planning stages of a qualitative study focusing on the negative portrayal of Arab men in the media. The goal is to explore how such a portrayal is mirrored in the identity of Arab-American men. Rawan is also working on a semester-long curriculum to introduce female high school students to another form of “pop” education. This curriculum focuses on the importance of identity and self-empowerment by touching on education, body image and beauty ideals, and sisterhood. The project explores the effects of gender ascription through literature, media resources, and hands-on activities. With a passion for human rights, Rawan hopes to pursue a Doctorate in Jurisprudence, and join the effort in promoting women and minority rights both domestically and internationally.

Jose “Leo” Barrera - UT Pan American

Leo will graduate in May 2008 with a Bachelor’s degree in the areas of Political Science, Communications, & Criminal Justice.  While attending UTPA, Leo served as a Senator in the Student Government Association, was a member of the Advanced Student Leadership Academy, served on the UTPA Cost of Education Committee, and was a Boys and Girls of America Club service member.  He is also a Certified Peer Educator with the National BAACHUS NETWORK and earned the National Certified Student Leader Award at the National Conference on Student Leadership in 2006.  Leo has served as a Resident Advisor for university housing at UTPA for the past 2 years and recently interned with the Office of Residence Life.  Leo’s career interest is in public service and housing.  As an Undergraduate Research Assistant with the Public Administration Program, Leo was able to perform research in the area he is most passionate about.  He conducted interviews and facilitated questionnaires on successful housing tax credit writers as well as developed a grant procurement model for government funding. Upon graduation, Leo plans to pursue a Master's degree in Public Administration and work for The Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Sara Clingan - UT Dallas

Sara is a junior at UT Dallas, where she is receiving a double major in political science and economics. She has served as President of Mock Trial, Head Delegate of Model UN, and is a Eugene McDermott Scholar. She enjoys teaching English to adult immigrants through Literacy Instruction for Texas and volunteering at an inner-city elementary school. Over the summer, Sara completed the Arabic Language Institute's summer program at the American University in Cairo. She hopes to apply her language skills to a career in international law.

Thomas "Tal" Debauche - UT Austin

Tal is a junior at UT Austin pursuing degrees in Sociology and Religious Studies. On Campus he is involved with Beta Upsilon Chi, a Christian men’s fraternity, and The University of Texas men’s Ultimate program. Off campus, he is involved at the Texas Freedom Network where as a Legislative intern he researched Sex education policy and implementation. He studied abroad in the fall 2007 semester where through Semester at Sea he visited 13 countries and developed a life goal of working in international civic and social development. While in D.C. Tal will be interning for Marathon Oils PAC, which he believes will give him an intimate and invaluable insight into the workings of the American political system.

Salmaa Elshanshory - UT Austin

Salmaa is a junior at the University of Texas at Austin; she is pursuing a degree in both Government and Political Communication, with a minor in Arabic. While at UT she has been active with the student government, elected as International Affairs Agency Director. She also was appointed secretary of the Azerbaijan Student and Cultural Association and is an active member of the Muslim Student Association.  She currently is a head organizer for the Student Event Center Seminar titled Act Local-Think Global. Salmaa plans on attending graduate school to attain a Masters Degree in International Relations. During her semester in DC she will be interning for the United Nations Information Center.

Bruna Estrada - UT Pan American

Bruna Estrada, a senior at The University of Texas-Pan American, plans to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and Spanish in May 2008. While attending UTPA, Estrada has been Associate Justice and Senator At-Large of Student Government, Co-President of the Pre-Law Society, Reporter of the Political Science Association, Secretary of the Golden Key International Honor Society, and a member of ACTUE (Asociacion Cultural de Teatro Universitario en Espanol). In the Summer of 2007, Estrada interned for Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-28) in McAllen. While in D.C., Bruna will intern for the United Nations Information Center and the UT Office of Federal Relations.

Dareth Finn - UT Austin

Dareth is currently pursuing a double major in government and American studies at the University of Texas at Austin.  She is an extremely active member of her sorority, Kappa Delta, and just finished her term as the 2007 University Panhellenic Council Vice President of Finance.  She is also a member of Order of Omega, a national honor society for leaders in the Greek community.  Dareth first got hooked on politics as an intern on Carole Keeton Strayhorn’s campaign for Governor.  She has also interned in Senator John Cornyn’s Austin office.  Passionate about civic involvement and education, Dareth plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Public Administration upon graduating in May of 2009.  While in Washington, Dareth will intern in Senator Joe Lieberman’s press office

Jarrett Hill - UT Tyler

Jarrett will be graduating in May with a B.S. in Political Science from The University of Texas at Tyler.  As a lifelong resident of Texas, he is very familiar with the issues that are important to the state's people and businesses.  During his time at UT Tyler, Jarrett was involved with different student organizations and interned in the Smith County Criminal District Attorney's Office in Tyler.  When not working or studying, Jarrett likes to make new friends, travel, and read.  In D.C., he will be interning with the office of Congressman Louie Gohmert (R-TX), the representative from his home district. Jarrett's professional interests include immigration reform, natural resource policy, international trade, and campaign politics.  He also hopes to be involved in both the 2008 GOP Congressional and Presidential campaigns, and plans on staying in D.C. to work after the completion of his Archer Fellowship

Drew Jacoby - UT Austin

Drew Jacoby is a graduating government senior from the University of Texas at Austin. He has been involved and held leadership positions in a number of student organizations, and he has worked throughout the Texas political arena. In his spare time, Drew likes to make new friends and hang out with old ones, and he enjoys reading a lot. While in DC, Drew will intern at Public Strategies Inc. After graduation, he plans on moving to DC.

Tony Matamoros - UT Pan American

Tony Matamoros is a Senior at the University of Texas-Pan American majoring in Political Science and History. Prior to the Archer Fellowship, Tony was elected President of the University Student Government where he became a spokesman for issues relating to higher education such as textbook prices, tuition and fee rates and the enhancement of the core-curriculum. Tony has also interned for the Office of Congressman Henry Cuellar and was competitively selected to participate in the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs Inman Scholars in the summer of 2007. Matamoros is interested in International Relations and Higher Education. He has lectured in his article titled “Asymmetric Warfare and U.S. Counter-Terrorism Measures in East Africa” and chaired the Cost of Education Committee, which set the designated tuition rates for UTPA for the 2008-2009 Academic Years. After obtaining his undergraduate
degree, Tony seeks to pursue a Masters and PhD. While in the nation’s capital, Tony will be interring for the U.S. Department of Education.

Chase Meyer - UT Austin

As a junior at the University of Texas at Austin, Chase is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Government with a minor in History. During his time at UT Austin, Chase has been involved with many organizations such as University Democrats, Longhorns Speak, Liberal Arts Honors, and Phi Sigma Pi Honor's Fraternity. He has worked to welcome new freshmen and their parents to the University with the Summer Orientation Program and Texas Parents. Being politically active, Chase has volunteered on Congressional campaigns, worked with Travis County Democrats, and moderated a Congressional debate. While studying in Washington DC, Chase hopes to intern with the Democratic Party or one of their organizations.

Lucy Panoyan - UT San Antonio

Lucy will be graduating in May of 2008 with an honors degree in Biology from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Lucy is a pre-med student that is interested in healthcare and research policy. She has been actively involved in research and has worked on a myriad of healthcare research projects at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio such as ethical issues related to genetic family studies, clinical and translational science and patient-provider communication. Lucy is a member of the Neuroscience Club, the Student Teacher Worker’s Alliance, the Honor’s Alliance, Alpha Chi Senior Honor Society and has been named Who’s Who at American Colleges and Universities.  She has also participated in Feeding Frenzy, a volunteer organization that collects donations for the local Food Bank of San Antonio. Lucy plans to attend medical school in the fall and continue to get involved in healthcare and research policy.

Chris Purcell - UT Dallas

Chris is a senior at the University of Texas at Dallas majoring in Political Science. He has successfully earned a position on his school's Dean's List. While at UT Dallas, Chris placed second nationwide as 'mediator' at the American Mock Trial Association's National Mediation Tournament held in Chicago, Illinois during October 2007. Chris is also a member of the university's Moot Court and Mock Trial team. Outside of school, Chris is the Democratic Chairman for Precinct 4705 in Texas and is very much politically inclined. During his senior year in high school in May of 2004, Chris ran for the Coppell, Texas Independent School District Board of Trustees Place 5 position and finished third in a four-way race. He currently works for a social security disability firm and is establishing the foundation for a successful law school experience and career in law. Chris' other interests include cars, technology, daily workouts at the gym, music, movies, and plenty of time with his friends, family, and girlfriend.

Melissa Ruiz - UT San Antonio

Melissa Ruiz is a student at the University of Texas at San Antonio and is working to graduate with a Bachelor’s in Communication. She has graduated from Lytle High School and studied at San Antonio Community College. Melissa has a passion for acting and public speaking and competed in both areas for over 10 years. In 2006 she was ranked 4th top speaker in the nation under the Phi Rho Pi National Speech and Debate tournament. Her goal is to become a broadcast journalist and has experience working behind the scenes in local news. She was employed at News 4 WOAI as an assignments editor after interning there for two semesters.  Besides her educational accomplishments and passion for broadcast journalism, Melissa is extremely proud of her Colombian heritage. She worked with her family for a number of years to help support the charity COVIC, Children Orphaned by the Violence in Colombia.  Melissa credits her accomplishment to God and the support of her family. Melissa thanks her parents for teaching her to work harder everyday, to never lose faith, and to always take the time to help others. 

Giselle Sebag - UT Austin

Giselle will graduate with a B.A. in Government and a B.S. in Architectural Studies in August 2008. During her time as an undergraduate Giselle has earned a School of Architecture Provost Scholarship to support her studies in Italy and a 2007 Consortium for Cooperation in Civil and Environmental Engineering Technologies Fellowship to support her studies in Brazil. She is active on the UT campus, and has worked with various groups such as the campus environmental center and Texas Exes, where she served as a Camp Texas Counselor teaching incoming freshman about leadership opportunities at the University. In Washington DC, Giselle plans on interning with organizations dedicated to social and environmental issues as well as foreign affairs.

Julie Shussler - UT Austin

Julie is a senior at the University of Texas at Austin.  She is a dual major receiving a Bachelor’s degree in both Public Relations and Political Communication.  Throughout college Julie has been a Young Life leader at McNeil High School in Round Rock, Texas.  Julie has been fortunate enough to volunteer for Invisible Children, a non-profit working to end conflict in Northern Uganda.  While in Austin, Julie has pursued communications internships with Texas State Representative Harvey Hilderbran and with the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum.  In D.C. Julie will intern at the Department of Commerce. 

Hisham Srour - UT Austin

Hisham is currently pursuing a B.A. in Government and Spanish with a minor in Philosophy. At UT Austin, he is an At-Large Member of the Senate of College Councils. He is a Rapoport Scholar who enjoys volunteering as an Advocate at the National Domestic Violence Hotline, and during the fall 2007 semester, he studied abroad in Argentina where he was able to work on human rights issues at the Institute for Legal and Comparative Studies. He hopes to become an educator in every sense of the word, where he will be able to make a positive impact in the lives of those knocking at his door.

Raquel Stringer - UT Austin

Raquel will be graduating in May from the University of Texas at Austin with honors earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, and a Minor in Government. While at the University, Raquel has been an active member in various organizations, such as Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity, the Undergraduate Forensics Organization, and Alpha Chi Omega sorority, in which she served as Chaplain and Chapter President. Furthermore, Raquel has served the Austin Community as a Spanish Mentor at Metz Elementary School, served the homeless through Church Under the Bridge, and been an advocator in the prevention of domestic violence through various charity events benefitting the local women’s shelter, Safe Place. Raquel has a growing passion for international affairs that were furthered through her 8-month Study Abroad Program in Spain, as well as, her association to the Invisible Children Campaign Austin Team for the child soldiers of Uganda. Raquel’s career plans include attending law school in the Fall of 2008, followed by pursuing a career in the Federal Bureau of Investigation and/or International Criminal Law.While in Washington, DC, Raquel will be interning in the Department of State, Office of the Chief of Protocol.

Sadie Weiner - UT Austin

Sadie, a junior at the University of Texas at Austin, is majoring in Government and is a part of the Liberal Arts Honors Program. Since the summer of 2006, she has worked in the energy department of an Austin-area law firm. Sadie served as the 2007 Vice President of Standards for her sorority, Alpha Epsilon Phi, during which time she co-authored a constitution for the chapter. As a volunteer at Dress for Success Austin and a former NARAL Pro-Choice Texas intern, Sadie has been able to pursue her passion for women's advocacy. While in D.C., she will be working in the Government Relations department of Public Strategies, Inc., an Austin-based firm that manages campaigns for corporations.

Sarah Worsham - UT Tyler

As a junior at The University of Texas at Tyler, Sarah is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism with an emphasis in Public Relations and a minor in Political Science.  She plans to graduate in May 2009.  At UT Tyler Sarah is a charter member of Delta Gamma Women’s Fraternity where she serves as an officer and volunteers her time helping visually impaired children and adults.  She is a member of the Greek Honor Society, Order of Omega, and Alpha Chi National Honor Society.  In addition, she interned with Congressman Louie Gohmert (R-TX) in his district office last summer. Sarah plans to use the Archer intern experience to further enhance her communication and public relation skills to better prepare her for future career goals and opportunities.  

Anthony Walker - UT San Antonio

I am an Air Force brat who grew up at Kelly A.F.B. My dad is a twenty-one year retiree of the Air Force. My mom was discharged from the Army and I have a grandfather who was a marine. My dad is now both an associate pastor and the dean of a college, and my mom used to help run a bookstore. For the last three years have been going to San Antonio College (SAC). There I became a member of Phi Theta Kappa  and even got honored with SAC's Fall Honor's List and  Spring President's Honor List for 2005. I chose Political Science as a major because I am immensely concerned with the events of our government. I became interested in politics first through talk radio by hearing of the arguments that shape our nation’s policies. Then, I volunteered to help a civil coordinator of a non-profit organization so that I could see political actions firsthand. After graduation, my goal is to become a political strategist, studying voting trends, conducting political analysis, and defining social issues. My next goal is to work as a political Think Tank, advising, educating, and communicating economic and social issues to both political candidates and their constituents. My next goal would be to run for a seat on the San Antonio City Council. I believe that San Antonio has the strong potential for being an economic powerhouse and leading city in our nation. And I would thoroughly enjoy being able to represent voters in helping our city to that goal.