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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 2010

Amanda Aguirre – UT Austin

A senior at the University of Texas at Austin, Amanda Aguirre is double majoring in Government and Sociology with an interdisciplinary concentration in social inequality and health policy. Amanda has interned with Austin Voices for Education and Youth, a local Austin non-profit organization that advocates equality in the Austin School District. Amanda helped create the School Inequities Project, identifying disparities in resources in order to enhance opportunities for the community’s high school students. She has also completed an Internship with the Children’s Defense Fund, doing Health Outreach in South West Houston. She helped design a toolkit for Houston’s 100% Health Outreach Campaign and assisted in the story collection for the 2009 In Harm’s Way Report. While in DC, she will be interning with the White House's Office of Public Engagement / Intergovernmental Affairs. Amanda plans to pursue a Masters degree in public policy and non-profit management.

David Alamia – UT Dallas

David Alamia is Junior at The University of Texas at Dallas in the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences majoring in Political Science with a minor in Economics. In addition, David is a member of the Collegium V Honors Program, John Marshall Pre-Law Society and the Golden Key International Honour Society. Since 2007, David has been employed with The University of Texas at Dallas, Office of Emergency Management where his job includes assisting the Emergency Management Coordinator and emergency services on campus. Moreover, David has also participated as a volunteer research assistant on the Tom Daley for US Congress Campaign and served as a Democratic Delegate to the State Party Convention in 2008. Furthermore, David is an active member of The Octavio Paz LULAC Council 4690, an affiliate of the oldest Hispanic Civil Rights Organization in the United States, and holds the position of Civil Rights Chair and Chaplin. During his Spring 2010 Archer Fellowship, David will intern with the U.S. Department of State, Secretary’s Office of Civil Rights.

Yousef Arar – UT Austin

Yousef Arar is a senior at the University of Texas at Austin majoring in Biochemistry with a special interest in healthcare and public policy.  He plans on attending medical school at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio as part of the MD/MPH program.   Yousef has taught underprivileged elementary school students science through the UTeach program. He also volunteered with a pediatric nephrologist and conducted neuroscience research on drosophila. Yousef attended the Clinton Global Initiative University program hosted by UT Austin in February 2009 and has been actively working on an interactive text addressing diabetes education in low socioeconomic areas. While in DC, Yousef will be interning with Capitol Partners, Inc.

Shannon Beckwith – UT Austin

Shannon is a senior at the University of Texas at Austin where she is double majoring in Business and Engineering.  She is a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority, where she has served as Assistant Treasurer, Financial Vice President, and on Slating Committee.  She has also given back to the community as a volunteer tax preparer with Foundation Communities.  During her time in the business school, Shannon has worked as a peer career mentor and as the logistics coordinator for the Target Your Future Program, helping out new students in the business school.  Shannon just finished an internship with International SEMATECH Manufacturing Initiative, where she worked in the ESH division researching environmental regulations and policies.  Shannon’s desire to help shape energy and environmental policy has led her to intern in D.C. During the spring 2010 semester Shannon will be interning with the White House Council on Environmental Quality.

Taylor Brigance – UT Dallas

Taylor Brigance is a junior at the University of Texas at Dallas working towards a Bachelors of Science in International Political Economy and is the recipient of the Academic Excellent Scholarship. He is a participant in many different organizations on campus including SPEAK, a student political awareness organization, A Modest Proposal, the student opinion publication,  the Student Ambassadors, which works with the office of the president to host events for both alumni and students, the John Marshall Pre-Law Society, and the Collegium V honor society. With his primary interest being in the intersection between government administration, politics, and economics, he will work this spring for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Political Affairs and Federation Relations. 

Carlos Castañeda – UT San Antonio

Carlos Castañeda is a Senior at the University of Texas at San Antonio’s Honors College. He will graduate in May 2010, after only three years in college, with a major in Political Science and two minors: Legal Studies and Spanish. He is a member of Toastmasters (a respected public speaking and leadership organization) and has been President of its UTSA chapter for two semesters. He is also part of the medical volunteer organization, “Los Quijotes” (The Quixotes), which goes to the state of Oaxaca, Mexico each year to provide free medical services to the public. In Oaxaca, he works in the ophthalmology department, using his bilingual skills to help patients select needed eyeglasses. In Washington, he will intern in the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars as a research assistant studying legal and security issues in Mexico.

Lawrence “Larry” Dechant – UT Austin

Lawrence “Larry” Dechant is a Broadcast Journalism Senior at The University of Texas at Austin. He is from Corpus Christi, Texas and is the oldest of three children. He feels honored to be an Archer Fellow and knows that the time he will spend in Washington D.C. unforgettable. This semester, Larry will be interning at ABC as a news intern. His favorite pastimes include hanging out with friends, enjoying fine dining, listening to music, reading a good novel, and being with family. Journalism and music are his two passions. In the future, he hopes to become an on-air news reporter. After reporting, he hopes to anchor for a major television news station.

Angelica Dominguez – UT Austin

Angelica was born in El Paso, Texas. She is a fourth year government, sociology, and Spanish student at the University of Texas at Austin.  While at UT she founded an organization, Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha Inc., which is a unique Latina-based sorority dedicated to educating the community on the diverse Latino cultures as well as promoting awareness about social issues.  She strives to help young women at the university to develop leadership and sisterhood and she currently serves as Vice- President of the organization.  Angelica is a Rapoport Service Scholar, and spends her summers as a college tutor at her local high school in Socorro, Texas mentoring at-risk high school freshmen.  After graduating in May 2011, Angelica would like to become a Peace Corps volunteer and work for international development with a specialty in education. She plans to return to graduate school to obtain a doctorate degree and one day write her own book.  This spring 2010, she will be interning at the office of Congressman Silvestre Reyes (D-TX 16th District) in Washington D.C.

John Egan – UT San Antonio

John is a junior pursuing a degree in Political Science with a minor in Legal Studies from the Honors College at the University of Texas San Antonio. John is very involved in the UTSA community and has served as a University Ambassador, Student Government Association Senator, and President of his fraternity, Lambda Chi Alpha. He has also received many honors and awards including: University of Texas San Antonio Alumni Association Scholar, Great Conversations Scholar, and Ray Coleman Jr. Award of Excellence.  Along with his campus activities, John interned for Congressman Charles A. Gonzalez during his sophomore year, and was hired on as a permanent staff member after four months. After graduation, John plans to attend law school and earn a Juris Doctor degree as well as a Masters in Public Policy and pursue a career in public service. During his time as an Archer Fellow John will serve as an intern in the Office of Senator Harry Reid.

Jaime Fink – UT Austin

Jaime Fink is a 5th year at UT-Austin majoring in Finance, French, and Government.  During her freshmen and sophomore year she was an active member of Student Government, working under the Executive Director and later the President when she directed Keep UT Hate Free Week.  Spring break of her freshmen year she traveled to New Orleans to help clean up the damage from Hurricane Katrina.  She also traveled to Belize in March of 2009 with the University Catholic Center to build a house for a family in need.  In addition to volunteering, Jaime was a Resident Assistant for two years at the Dobie Center Dormitory and this past summer she worked at the Alaska State Legislature for Congressman Bob Lynn.  Jaime will be interning for the Center for Strategic and International Studies during her Archer semester.

Teodoro Garcia – UT El Paso

Teodoro “Teo” Garcia is a senior at the University of Texas at El Paso majoring in Political Science with a minor in History.  While at UTEP, Teo has been very involved on campus from an Orientation Leader for New Student Orientation, Campus Activities Board Clubs and Organizations Chair, and a Residence Life Assistant at Miner Village.  While at Miner Village, he worked closely on starting a Living Learning Community as the programs pilot Residence Life Assistant.  At Miner Village, he has been instrumental at working with residents resolving issues along with taking key positions as a representative for students living on campus.  While in DC, he will be interning at the office of Senator John Cornyn (R-TX).

 

Todd Hill – UT Arlington

Todd is a senior at the University of Texas at Arlington pursuing a B.A. in Political Science.  He was recently selected a University Scholar and is a member of the Pi-Sigma-Alpha Political Science Honor Society.  He has been involved in local and statewide politics in Texas for 10 years working on and advising candidates at various levels.  In 2005, Todd helped found the Mid-Cities Democrats, a Political Action Committee, which is one of the more active and influential PAC’s in North Texas politics. Todd is very active in his community having fundraised for the United Way, taught financial literacy through Junior Achievement, and was an active volunteer for Jonathan’s Place—an emergency shelter for abused, abandoned, and neglected children. Todd will be serving at the Financial Services Roundtable as a Government Affairs and Communications intern.  Upon graduation he hopes to pursue career opportunities in politics and/or career opportunities in Government Affairs in the corporate world. 

Leah Holder – UT Austin

Leah Holder is a junior at the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in Plan II Honors/Pre-Law with a minor in Business Foundations.  As an executive officer in Alpha Lambda Omega Sorority, she is involved in a wealth of activities on campus.  In her hometown of Houston she volunteers with one of the city’s largest churches, Sugar Creek, which sponsors camps for disadvantaged, minority children.  Through her mentoring experiences at these camps, she discovered her passion for the youth of America’s underserved communities.  Her greatest desire is to see these young people receive the same quality education as their more affluent counterparts.  Upon graduation, she aspires to participate in Teach for America.  Directly following that undertaking, she will pursue both a Juris Doctorate (concentrating on Education Law) and a Masters in Public Affairs.  While in DC, Leah will be interning with the NAACP.

Andrew Lindsey – UT Austin

Andrew Lindsey is a senior at the University of Texas at Austin majoring in Government and minoring in Spanish. In addition to his degree, Andrew is an "Ethics and Leadership"student in the Bridging Disciplines Program and has consistently received University and College honors for academic excellence. Andrew also has a background in student governance through his participation in the Liberal Arts Council as a member of the Academic Affairs Committee, and the Senate of College Councils, where he rose from the position of  At-Large to hold the appointed position of Curriculum Committee Chair, UT Libraries Committee Appointee, and Research Policy Committee Appointee. Off campus, Andrew has interned at the law firm of Pham and Associates, the Travis County District Attorney's Office, and the Texas Attorney General's Office. Andrew will hold the only undergraduate position with the American Bar Association Section on Individual Rights and Responsibilities during his semester in D.C.

Jordan Magee – UT Tyler

Jordan Magee is a senior at UT-Tyler, majoring in Political Science with a minor in pre-law. While at UT-Tyler, Jordan has served as Vice President for the Pre-Law Society which sponsored an on campus mock trial that he participated in. Jordan is also a member of UT-Tyler’s Model United Nations Club and will participate on the delegation of El Salvador in the National Model United Nations Conference in New York during the spring semester. Jordan is the recipient of the Ambassador Scholarship as well as the Stella Crews and Erwin Douglas Dyer Endowed Scholarship for his service to his community through programs such as Special Olympics and the Salvation Army. During the fall ’09 semester, Jordan participated on a campaign for the Texas Legislature 4th district. Jordan has displayed an interest in comparative politics and will obtain a graduate degree in Political Science followed by a J.D. and pursue a career in international relations. While in Washington, Jordan is pleased to be interning with Congressman Louie Gohmert (TX-1).   

     

Jaclyn Markovich – UT Austin

Jaclyn is a senior at UT Austin majoring in Political Communications and studying Social Inequality, Health, and Policy through the Bridging Disciplines Program. Since her sophomore year, she has been on staff at The Austin Stone Community Church as the local missions intern where she connects college students and adults to mentoring, volunteering, and other outreach opportunities in the East Austin neighborhood of St. John. Jaclyn has traveled extensively to Sub-Saharan Africa over the last two years and since developed a passion for issues related to economic development, HIV/AIDS, education, and women’s empowerment. Upon graduating in May, she will join Teach For America as a corps member in the Mississippi Delta. In DC, Jaclyn will be the Government Relations Intern for International Justice Mission.

Anna Markowitz – UT Dallas

Anna Markowitz is a junior at the University of Texas at Dallas where she is majoring in sociology. She is on the Academic Excellence Scholarship at UTD and has been actively involved with student life. As a Student Ambassador, Anna works closely with the Office of the President. Her other favorite activities include intramurals and working at the community garden. Anna studied abroad in Hong Kong in the fall of 09. There she spent her time learning about Chinese culture and exploring Asia. She began studying Mandarin and hopes to continue in the future. This spring Anna will be interning at the Health and Human Services Office of Health Reform.

Alexandra Medack – UT Austin

Alexandra “Allie” Medack is a junior at the University of Texas at Austin where she is majoring in both Plan II Honors and Middle Eastern Studies with a concentration on International Terrorism. While at UT-Austin, she has served as the social officer for Kappa Delta sorority and has competed on the University of Texas Speech Team. Allie is also a member of the Phi Beta Kappa academic honor society and has been selected as a distinguished college scholar every semester. Prior to her Archer Fellowship, she has interned with political campaigns, state representatives, and a news agency. During her time at Texas, Allie has developed a passion for the Middle East and is working towards becoming fluent in Persian and Arabic and after graduation she hopes to pursue a career dealing with counterterrorism. In Washington, Allie will be interning for the Department of State’s Near Eastern Affairs office.

Eric Morris – UT Dallas

Eric Morris is a junior at the University of Texas at Dallas majoring in Finance with a minor in Political Science.  Before enrolling in school, he served for four years in the United States Marine Corps as an infantryman and later as a member of a reconnaissance team.  During that time he made two deployments to Iraq.  Since leaving the military, Eric has been a research assistant at the Center for Behavioral and Experimental Economic Science, an intern at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, and a skydiving coach.  Previously, Eric composed business plans for a Dallas-based investment banker.  He is an active member of several campus organizations, including the Financial Leadership Association, the Dean’s Council, and two honor societies.  Eric will take the first of three examinations necessary to become a Chartered Financial Analyst in December 2010 and plans on pursuing an MBA or law degree after graduation. While in DC, Eric will be interning with the UT System Office of Federal Relations.

Ezinne Okpo – UT San Antonio

Ezinne Okpo is a senior at the University of Texas at San Antonio, majoring in Political Science with minors in International and Legal Studies. While at UTSA, she was a four-year letterman and captain of the Women’s Soccer Team. Ezinne has also been an active member of Student Government, serving as a Justice for the Judicial Committee and served in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. She has also had the opportunity to intern at the Kronkosky Charitable Foundation in San Antonio, an organization responsible for funding numerous programs and services throughout Greater Bexar County. Following her graduation in May 2010, she plans to pursue a law degree.  While in Washington, DC, Ezinne will be interning at the Center for American Progress External Affairs Office.

Ashley Olivas – UT El Paso

Ashley is a junior at the University of Texas at El Paso pursuing a degree in Organizational and Corporate Communication with a minor in Ethics. She is a member of  Alpha Lambda Delta academic honor society and is part of the UTEP Honors Program. During her time at UTEP, she has actively engaged within the community by volunteering  through the Center for Civic Engagement and also becoming a Sunday School Teacher. As an active Executive Board Member  of Alpha Xi Delta, she has served as Panhallenic Delegate and works with the other sororities on campus to actively promote Greek life and her sorority’s philanthropy Autism Speaks. Her strong interests in Victims Rights has been a motivating factor in her pursuit in politics. She has received academic honors every semester. Ashley will be interning in the office of Congressman Ted Poe (R-TX).

Nancy Palencia – UT Tyler

Nancy Palencia is a senior at the University of Texas at Tyler where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a Pre- Law minor. Nancy served as Chair of the Economic and Social Commission for West Asia at the National Collegiate Model United Nations.  She also served as Co-chair for the Student Government Association Communications Committee, student representative for the University Judicial Affairs Committee, Co-Chair for the Student Life Committee, and the Logistics Chair for “Turf Wars” Special Olympics Fundraising Event. Nancy has been named to the President’s Honor Roll, the Dean’s list, and she was named an Academic All-ASC Honoree as a part of the UT Tyler cross-country team.  She is an active member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society, and Alpha Chi National Scholar’s Honors Society.  

Laura Pereyra – UT Austin

Laura is senior at the University of Texas at Austin double majoring in Government and Psychology and pursuing an interdisciplinary certificate in the Ethics and Leadership of Politics, Law, and Social Justice through the Bridging Disciplines Program. During her time at UT, she has embarked on her own research about the Merida Initiative, the drug war in Mexico, and on domestic poverty issues affecting the development of children. During her college career, Laura has worked as a peer advisor for the Undergraduate Psychology Department, as a senior legal assistant at the Martinez Jones Law Firm, and as a fitness instructor for UT RecSports. She plans to pursue opportunities that will help her deal with poverty issues in America. Thus, Laura will be interning at the Center for American Progress in the Office of External Affairs working on the new Half in Ten campaign, which will be dedicated to work with multiple organizations to help cut America’s poverty in ten years.     

Vince Radulov – UT Dallas

Ventsislav Radulov is double majoring in Finance and Accounting in the School of Management at the University of Texas at Dallas. During the 2008 fall semester, he served as an Events Officer for the Financial Leadership Association and took part of the CFA Investment Research Competition. In addition, he serves as a general council for Management Honors Program. Along with his extra-curriculum activities, Vince has been working as a student assistant for the Bloomberg Terminal in the School of Management. There, he is able to help students and faculty with the most advanced financial tools offered by the terminal. Moreover, he received the Undergraduate Research Scholar Award during the past semester. Vince’s academic goal is to graduate in May 2011 with honors from the University of Texas at Dallas and to pursue MS in Finance. While in DC, Vince will be interning with the Financial Services Roundtable.

 

Keshav Rajagopalan – UT Austin

Keshav Rajagopalan is a fifth year Plan II Honors and Political Communication major from Houston, TX.  During the 2009-2010 school year, he served as the Student Body President at UT Austin.  He is an active member of the Friar Society and Texas Cowboys.  As a Cowboy, Keshav was a member of the cannon crew, responsible for firing Smokey the Cannon at football games and other university events.  Upon graduating in May 2010, Keshav will move to Dallas where he will work for the management consulting firm McKinsey & Company.  As an Archer Fellow, Keshav is interning at TechnoServe, a non-profit that assists people in starting small businesses in the developing world to help them, their families, and their communities rise out of poverty.

Libby Sanders – UT Austin

Libby Sanders is a third-year Religious Studies major at the University of Texas at Austin, with a focus on American religion. For the past two years she has worked on a variety of scholarly projects as a research assistant, as well as interning at the Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center. In the summer of 2009, she worked with the Religious Studies Summer Institute at UT to conduct their Teaching the Bible in Texas Public Schools workshop, which imparted academic, scholarly techniques for working with and teaching sacred texts to high school students. Libby also does design work, including the Religious Studies department logo and newsletter, as well as designing for the Texas Travesty, UT’s student humor publication. Whie in DC, Libby will be interning with the Smithsonian Institution.

Claire Sarson – UT Austin

Claire Sarson is a junior at the University of Texas at Austin. She is majoring in Government and History and is part of the Liberal Arts Honors program. During her time at the University of Texas, she held internships with the Texas Freedom Network, a nonpartisan organization that advances religious freedom and individual liberties, and English at Work, a nonprofit that provides language instruction at the workplace. On campus, Claire helped organize the Act Local, Think Global conference to facilitate student involvement in international affairs. In terms of extracurricular activities, she has volunteered as a camp instructor for the Holy Cross Lutheran Church Summer Camp and participated in the Road Trip for Change during President Obama’s campaign. Additionally, this past summer she joined an archeological dig outside of Rome. While in D.C., Claire will be interning for the Office of the Counselor to the Chief Justice at the U.S. Supreme Court.


Nathan Seitzman – UT Austin

Nathan is a junior at the University of Texas at Austin and is majoring in the Business Honors Program and Plan II Honors. Last summer, he traveled to Edinburgh, Scotland and completed classes in Business Law and Law of the European Union. In terms of work experience, Nathan has served as an intern for STRATFOR Global Intelligence, BearingPoint Management & Technology Consultants, and U.S. Congressman Lloyd Doggett. In 2008, he volunteered for the Obama campaign in the weeks leading up to the Texas primary. His extracurricular activities include serving as an officer for the Longhorn Baseball Club and volunteering at the Lance Armstrong Foundation. While in Washington D.C., he will intern for Public Strategies, Inc.

Nadia Tamez-Robledo – UT Pan American

A native of San Benito, TX, Nadia is a senior at The University of Texas-Pan American majoring in journalism with minors in women’s studies and art. Her career in journalism began at the age of 16 as a freelance reporter for the San Benito News. She has since been a reporter for five local publications and spent part of the summer as a communication intern for the USDA Forest Service in Albuquerque, NM.  While in Washington, she will intern with the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. After graduation, Nadia hopes to work for an international music publication and serve in the Peace Corps before returning to her community to launch her own magazine and write a book about her family’s history.

Stephen Thomson – UT Arlington

Stephen is a senior at The University of Texas at Arlington pursuing a degree in philosophy with minors in both history and political science. He has been a member of the university’s Philosophy Club for the past four years and has held officer positions with the organization twice. Recently Stephen was inducted into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. Working with children outdoors for the past two years, he was inspired to help preserve a clean environment and secure a future of public health. Focused primarily on agricultural policy, he has organized local efforts to raise awareness of multiple issues and promote free trade and rights for immigrant workers. Stephen will be interning with the US Climate Action Network, an organization designed to unify the voices of environmental organizations. Upon graduation, he hopes to enter the Japanese Exchange and Teaching program.

Sarah Trepagnier – UT Austin

Sarah is a senior at the University of Texas at Austin.  She is majoring in Finance and History. Her passion for helping women and girls in developing countries had led her to also pursue a certificate in Non-Profit and Social Entrepreneurship with a focus in international development though the Bridging Disciplines Program.  She is an officer of Global Business Brigades, which is a student organization that consults microbusinesses in Panama.  Sarah is also active in the Austin community through Community SmartStart.  She started a Girl Scout troop at an underprivileged school in Austin, which has now grown to more than 40 girls.  Sarah hopes to work in Washington upon graduation and possibly pursue a Masters in public policy.  While in DC, Sarah will be interning with Millennium Challenge Corporation, a government agency that focuses on international development.

Hung Vu – UT Dallas

Hung Vu is a senior at the University of Texas at Dallas where he majors in Political Science. He participated in Moot Court, Mediation, and Student Government. While in D.C., Hung will intern for an international non-profit organization called Boat People SOS. This organization devotes its resources to ends human trafficking and helps refugees to seek asylums in the United States and other democratic countries. After graduation, Hung plans to continue his study in graduate school. To Hung, the Archer Fellowship Program will be one of the biggest stepping-stones in his life. The characters and experiences that he would gain throughout a semester in Washington D.C. will definitely be instrumental for his future career.