Fall 2010 Archer Fellows
Shweta Arya | UT Dallas
Shweta Arya, is a senior at the University of Texas at Dallas majoring in Economics with a minor in Political Science. She has worked as an undergraduate researcher at the Center for Behavioral and Experimental Economics Science and as the President of the Student Organization Forum, the administrative body of the university that oversees student organizations on campus. She has been part of the Student Government, Student Ambassadors, Model UN team, Mock Trial team, Alpha Phi Omega a service fraternity and Omicron Delta Epsilon the Economics honors society. An arts enthusiast she has also performed at several music and dance performances at UTD her most recent being a Broadway musical, ‘Sideshow,’ in Spring 2010. As an Archer Fellow, Shweta will be working in the Development Economics Group at the World Bank. 
Lauren Ayers | UT Austin
Lauren Ayers is a liberal arts honors/history senior writing her thesis on Texas cattle and oil industries and pursuing an interdisciplinary certificate in the environment. As a student at the University of Texas at Austin, she has studied the environment in India, and traveled to Europe as a Normandy Scholar. In addition to holding jobs at the Joynes Reading Room and as a research assistant, Lauren has interned with the LBJ School of Public Affairs and Environment Texas. After graduation, she hopes to join the Peace Corps and upon her return, she plans to attend Public Affairs School to study environmental policy. Lauren will intern at the White House Council on Environmental Quality. 
Julie Bissinger | UT Austin
Julie Bissinger is a junior at the University of Texas at Austin where she is majoring in Journalism and working towards certification in Business Foundations. Julie regularly reported and wrote news stories for The Daily Texan and is an active member of Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority. During her freshman year, Julie competed as a coxswain on the women’s Division I rowing team. Julie has also given back to the community as a director for Dream Big Soccer, a Dallas-based, student-led organization. She helped students from Southern Methodist University throw a charity soccer camp for underprivileged children in April 2010. Julie has previously completed internships with both an immigration law firm and a political consulting firm. While in Washington, D.C., Julie will intern for the office of U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX). 
Karla Cantu | UT Pan American
Karla Cantu is a senior at the University of Texas Pan American. She is majoring in Political Science with a double minor in Leadership Studies and Spanish. During her first year as an undergraduate, Karla studied abroad in Berlin, Germany for a summer and she really enjoyed the unique experience. Karla is actively involved on campus by being a mentor through the Student Leadership Program and as a Senior Ambassador. She also served as the Political Science secretary and is a member of the Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honor Society. Karla interned with Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid where she helped provide family law related legal services to indigent individuals throughout the Rio Grande Valley. 
Shivani Chatterjee | UT Austin
A junior at the University of Texas at Austin, Shivani Chatterjee is double-majoring in International Relations & Global Studies and History, with minors in Asian Studies and Government. She has spent the past two summers teaching French at Breakthrough Houston, an enrichment program for high-performing students who attend underserved middle schools. While at UT, Shivani has worked as a mentor for the TIP Mentor Academy. She also actively participates in Face AIDS, a national student organization which raises awareness and money to fight the AIDS epidemic. Shivani has a love for the fine arts, and has cultivated this passion through the Women’s Chorus, LAH Music Ensemble and also a newly established Indian dance team at UT Austin. While in D.C., Shivani will be working for the Department of Education in the Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development. 
Priscilla Cortez | UT Austin
Priscilla Cortez is a senior, double majoring in Government and Social Work. As an Archer Fellow, she will be interning with the Domestic Policy Council at the White House. While at UT she has developed an interest in policy reform as it affects the welfare system in America, and the access to resources Women have in obtaining such services. She was the President of Minority Women Pursuing Law, a pre-law organization on campus that looks to connect young women at UT with professionals and law schools throughout the region. Through the Social Work department, she has had opportunities to volunteer with a variety of social service agencies, including Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, and has an interest in one day working with social workers internationally. 
Erin Coulehan | UT El Paso
Erin Coulehan is a senior at the University of Texas at El Paso, majoring in English and American Literature with a minor in Humanities. For the past three summers, Erin has participated in literature courses traveling and studying in London and New York City as part of highly competitive programs offered by UTEP’s English Department. In the spring of 2010, Erin presented a paper in the Humanities and Education Research Association’s annual national conference, one of very few undergraduates accepted into the prestigious conference. Erin has also worked as a high school tutor and note taker for disabled students, while still remaining very active within UTEP’s English Department. Erin is very much looking forward to furthering her passion for writing as an intern at Washington Life Magazine. 
David Donatti | UT Austin
A junior at the University of Texas at Austin, David Donatti is double majoring in the Plan II Honors Program and History with an interdisciplinary concentration in international relations and conflict. A former state champion debater, David is an assistant debate coach at the Brentwood School in Los Angeles, California, and secretary for DTI Translation and Interpreting based out of Houston, Texas. David has been an intern with Senator Eddie Lucio of Texas’ 27th district and engaged in research with the Strauss Center for International Security and Law on climate change and African political stability and with Professor Robert Chesney of the University of Texas School of Law on issues of American and Mexican security cooperation. While in Washington, D.C., David will work with Chlopak, Leonard, Schechter & Associates, a public relations firm. 
Kelsey Erickson | UT Austin
This December Kelsey Erickson will graduate from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Arts in Government. She pursued several internships while in Austin, beginning with the Texas Governor’s Fellowship. Then Kelsey went on to intern at the Texas Senate Committee on Transportation and Homeland Security, until she accepted a full-time position as the Committee’s Clerk. During the fall of 2009, Kelsey returned to the University of Texas, eager to complete her degree. She also began to volunteer at the Teen Justice Initiative of the Texas Advocacy Project, which works to combat teen dating violence. While in D.C., Kelsey is very excited to intern with NBC’s Meet the Press, where she hopes to increase her understanding of the media and its influence on government. 
Natasha Escobar | UT Brownsville
Natasha is a senior at the University of Texas at Brownsville, where she is majoring in History. She is a lifetime member of Phi Alpha Theta, an academic honor society for historians, and has served as the Vice-President of her university's chapter. Throughout her undergraduate studies, she has worked on campus as a writing and history tutor and as an archival assistant in the John Hunter Room. Natasha is an active member of her community, volunteering with the United Way to promote “Success by Six” (a campaign that promotes early literacy among children). During her time at the University of Texas at Brownsville, Natasha has developed a passion for both international relations and the history of Latin America. After graduating, Natasha plans to work as a teacher in the Rio Grande Valley before pursuing a master's degree in Latin American Studies. This fall she will be working as a research assistant at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. 
Khaled Fayyad | UT Austin
A senior at the University of Texas at Austin, Khaled is majoring in Government, Philosophy and International Relations. His academic interests lie in the fields of international law, human rights and peace and conflict studies. He is an active member of the Phi Alpha Delta Pre-law fraternity on campus, which will help him prepare for law school. In the past year, Khaled traveled with Global Youth Connect to Rawanda, where he participated in human rights workshops and a local NGO on land reform laws. He took part in a UT summer course on U.S-China relations at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. Most recently, he was a camp counselor at Seeds of Peace in Maine, an international peace camp which facilitates constructive engagement of conflict issues between young Palestinians and Israelis. Khaled will be interning for the United Nations Information Center, conducting research on domestic and international policy. 
Zach Fichtenbaum | UT Dallas
Zach Fichtenbaum is a senior at the University of Texas at Dallas majoring in Political Science. While in D.C., Zach will be interning with the American Federation of Teachers in the Educational Issues Department. Zach transferred from Richland Community College in 2009, where he was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. At UT Dallas, he has sat on the Wellness Committee, is currently a member of the Pre-Law Society, and was recently awarded the Hon. Fred Hill Scholarship from the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences for the 2010 academic year. Upon graduation, Zach plans on pursuing a law degree. 
Victoria Foreman | UT Austin
Victoria Foreman is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in Communication Studies with a concentration in political communications. She initially became interested in politics after participating in a service-learning project in Accra, Ghana for four weeks in the summer of 2009. From there, Victoria gained a new outlook on the power of politics and communication and took a special interest in civic and political communications. Having interned with Senator Judith Zaffirini of the Texas Legislature and completing an extensive project within the Intellectual Entrepreneurship Program, Victoria now looks forward to the opportunity to take her talents to Washington, D.C. While in D.C., Victoria will intern at the White House’s Office of Presidential Correspondence. Victoria plans to pursue a Master's in Social work upon completion of the Archer Fellowship program. 
Alex Garcia Topete | UT Dallas
Alex is a Eugene McDermott Scholar and a senior at the University of Texas at Dallas, majoring in Arts & Performance with a focus on film and creative writing. He has been deeply involved with the student media organizations on campus, working as contributor for A Modest Proposal, the student-opinion publication, and as founder and content vice-president of UTD TV, the online TV station of the university. Previous work experience includes interning with the Dallas International Film Festival since 2007 and working for the development department of Sony Pictures Television International in the summer of 2010. With his interests in media and politics, he will work as executive producer of the program Intern Edition at National Public Radio. 
Ximena Gonzalez | UT Austin
Ximena Gonzalez is a Gates Millennium Scholar at the University of Texas at Austin majoring in Government and French with a minor in Nutrition. She has previously interned at the Rapoport Center for Human Rights and Justice at the University of Texas Law School and the Institute of International Education in New York City. Ximena has participated in three study abroad programs in Italy, Switzerland, Singapore, Vietnam, and Thailand. Throughout her three years at UT and her time abroad she has embarked on independent research in human rights, conditionality of aid, and public health. Ximena wishes to pursue a PhD in Public Health for Social Development and continue to work toward sustainable development. This fall she will be interning at the Social Office in the White House under the direction of Michelle Obama. 
Mac Hird | UT Dallas
Mac Hird is a senior at the University of Texas at Dallas majoring in Physics with a minor in Political Science. He is a leader in many different organizations on campus including the Student Ambassadors, which works with the Office of the President to host events for alumni and students, an editor for A Modest Proposal, the student opinion publication, Student Government and the Collegium V honor society. He has also done extensive physics research with the UT Dallas Plasma Application Lab. He hopes to pursue a career as an advisor in science and will be interning this fall with the Association of American Universities. |
Alex Kamel | UT Pan American
Alex is a senior at the University of Texas Pan American majoring in Political Science with a minor in Business Administration. After graduation, Alex will attend law school. Alex has worked at a number of family owned businesses as well as Sharyland High School where he worked as a math tutor for ESL students. He has interned with Congressman Ruben Hinojosa’s reelection campaign where he organized fundraising events and coordinated volunteers. He is a member of the Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society and the Young Democrats of America. He is currently the Vice president of the UTPA Young Democrats and the Director of Political Affairs for the Hidalgo County Young Democrats. During the fall semester 2010 Alex will be interning with the Department of Justice Office of Legislative Affairs. 
Eleanor Khonje | UT Arlington
Born in Malawi, Africa and raised in England, Eleanor T. Khonje is a graduating senior at The University of Texas at Arlington majoring in Political Science with a focus in International Studies and a minor in English. Eleanor currently serves as the UT Arlington Homecoming Queen and has been selected Outstanding Student Leader two years in a row. Eleanor is a Leadershape graduate as well as a Clinton Global Initiative University student. Eleanor’s passions include public speaking and advocating on issues related to human rights, including women’s and children’s rights, international development, and Africa consciousness. Eleanor will be interning at the United Nations World Food Program USA and upon graduation, hopes to pursue a Master's Degree in International Relations with a focus on International Development. 
Taneska Lewis | UT Dallas
Taneska Lewis is a senior at the University of Texas at Dallas majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Political Science. She is a Student Ambassador and member of the School of Management Honors Program where she coordinated volunteer efforts to tutor and mentor at-risk students in the local school district. Taneska has been a Gates Millennium Scholar since 2007 and was recently awarded the Dean’s Corporate Scholarship. For two years, she worked at the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) as the Government Affairs Specialist where she monitored federal transportation legislation and assisted with outreach to elected officials. While in D.C., Taneska will serve as the Government Relations intern at the International Justice Mission. 
David Lloyd | UT Arlington
Although David Lloyd was born in Springfield, Missouri, his family moved to Africa and he grew up in Zambia. As a result, he is fluent in two languages that are indigenous to southern Africa. He is a senior at the University of Texas at Arlington majoring in political science (pre-law) and minoring in communication. During the fall 2009 semester, David received an award for superior academic achievement and earned a spot on the Dean’s List. He works with under privileged children and serves as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters. He also works in the Housing Department of JP Morgan Chase Bank as a Mortgage counselor, where his primary function is to assist struggling home owners stay in their home. While in Washington, D.C., David will be interning at the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). 
Stephane Mead | UT Austin
A senior at The University of Texas at Austin, Stephane Mead is majoring in Government with a minor in Economics. His interests are with developmental economics (agriculture, mineral, and energy economics) in developing nations, specifically the DRC and Angola. Stephane has interned with a variety of organizations including the US State Department. He is also a Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) Fellow. As a PPIA Fellow, Stephane worked on the US-EU Transatlantic Relationship. He was responsible for European Union reliance on Russian natural gas. Stephane will continue his summer work this fall as an intern for Marathon Oil at their Office of Federal Relations. Stephane plans to pursue a Masters in Public Policy (MPP) as well as Global Development. 
Aida Nieto | UT Austin
A senior at the University of Texas at Austin, Aida Vianey Nieto, is majoring in Government with a Texas Interdisciplinary Plan minor in Immigration Studies. As Vice President of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) chapter at UT Austin, she led various local and statewide projects, including helping to gain support and awareness for the DREAM Act, a bill that would help undocumented students gain a path to legalization. She interned at American Gateways where she was able to help undocumented women that had been physically or mentally abused by their citizen husbands obtain their citizenship. In 2009, Aida was chosen as one of the 22 Latinas from across the country to participate in the National Hispana Leadership Institute, Latinas Learning to Lead. While in D.C., she will be interning Government Relations Office at Amnesty International USA. 
Jimmy Olivas | UT Dallas
A senior at the University of Texas at Dallas, Jimmy Olivas is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. At UTD, Jimmy is part of the John Marshall Pre-law Society, and plans to attend law school. Jimmy is a Navy Veteran where he proudly served aboard one of the finest warships in the U.S. fleet, the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72). During his time in Irving, he was a member then Chairman of the North Irving Best Buy Viewpoint Committee, which is responsible for community involvement as well as employee satisfaction and well-being. While heading this committee he coordinated and volunteered for several non-profit organizations including the American Red Cross, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the American Cancer Society and Keep Irving Beautiful. This fall Jimmy will intern with the senior Senator from the state of Washington, Senator Patty Murray. 
Josh Payne | UT Dallas
Josh is a senior at the University of Texas at Dallas. As a Political Science major, he has particularly enjoyed the study of constitutional law and political philosophy. He has also competed in undergraduate moot court and was a participant in the 2010 national tournament. Josh is a member of the Collegium V Honors Society and a recipient of the Academic Excellence Scholarship, and he tries to maintain his sanity by studying piano performance. Josh enjoys writing and public speaking and is considering several career options, including law, education, politics, and pastoral ministry. He is excited about the opportunity to live and work in D.C. and hopes that the Archer Fellowship will prove clarifying as he weighs his different post-graduate options. 
Lakecia Pitts | UT San Antonio
Lakecia Pitts is a senior at The University of Texas at San Antonio Honors College majoring in Business Management with a concentration in Small Business Entrepreneurship, while also completing the prerequisites for medical school. She is involved in many organizations on campus: UMOJA, the black student network whose primary goal is to promote academics, community service and campus involvement; she is a UTSA Ambassador, serving the UTSA community, and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, promoting scholarship, sisterhood, but most importantly service to the community, where she currently holds the office of Second Vice President. She is also a member of UMOJA’s Girls Flag Football team, who has been reigning intramural champions at UTSA for the past two years. 
Lance Pyburn | UT Austin
Lance Pyburn is a senior at the University of Texas at Austin double majoring in Marketing and Health Promotion. Lance has served as a Nutrition Peer Educator on campus by running workshops to help students make healthier choices. Lance began his work in nonprofits with his involvement in Texas 4000 a student group and nonprofit organization that raises money for cancer research by putting on the longest annual charity bike ride from Austin, Texas to Anchorage, Alaska. He served as a financial chair for the organization and as an Assistant Ride Director for the organization, and he continues his work with Texas 4000 today by serving with its Alumni Association. He has been involved in an anti-stigma campaign in South Africa and with expanding LIVESTRONG’s community grant program nationally. While in D.C., Lance will be interning in the White House’s Office of the Vice President as a domestic policy intern. 
Alexis Simon Landa | UT Austin
Alexis Simon Landa is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin triple-majoring in International Business, Hispanic Studies Honors, and Government. She is also pursuing minors in Communications and French and certificates in Ethics & Leadership and International Studies. In Austin, she participated in Mock Trial and worked for both Senator Zaffirini and Representative Guillen. She served as Founder and President of International Business Leadership Council, Executive Vice President of Order of Omega, and Recruitment Chair for Alpha Delta Pi. Over Spring Break, she volunteered with Deloitte and Teach for America in Maximum Impact, an Alternative Spring Break. After graduation, she plans to specialize in International Law and hopes to aid economic development through founding a school in Mexico. While in D.C., Alexis is working in the United Nations Information Center. 
Luis Soberon | UT Austin
Luis Soberon is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in Philosophy and Government. He is pursuing an interdisciplinary certificate in International Studies with a focus on international conflict through the Bridging Disciplines Program. He has been active in University Democrats serving as the Volunteer Coordinator. After spending two and a half weeks in Rwanda during the 2009-2010 winter on a human rights delegation, he has made it his goal to enter law school upon graduation to focus on international human rights and trade law. In D.C. he will be interning at International Crisis Group, an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization committed to preventing and resolving deadly conflict. 
James Waylon Tate | UT Dallas
If asked to describe James in just one word, it would be most appropriate to call him a dreamer. His interests are many; however, his passion lies with the LGBT agenda and humanitarian issues in social injustice and human rights violations. Fluent in Spanish, he aims to work on such issues both domestically and in Latin American countries. James prides himself on his writing abilities, maintaining an online CNN iReport blog, and has recently been a featured guest contributor with the Dallas Morning News. He will complete a B.S. in Public Affairs in December and plans to continue working in Washington, D.C. and pursue a Masters in Public Policy and International Relations. While in D.C., James will intern with the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network. 
Abril Tavares | UT El Paso
Abril is a senior at The University of Texas at El Paso pursuing a double major in International Business and Marketing. She is a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Women’s Fraternity as well as Delta Sigma Pi Business Professional Fraternity. During her time at UTEP, she has been actively engaged with the Business College Council as well as acting as a liaison for University Career Center and business students. Abril has had the opportunity to intern at several organizations but it was not until interning at Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, TX that her interest in security and defense issues became apparent. While in Washington, D.C., Abril will intern for the Defense Logistics Agency. 
Abel Villareal | UT Pan American
Abel Villarreal Jr. is a senior at the University of Texas Pan American majoring in Philosophy and Political Science. Throughout his academic life at the university, he has been an active member of the Pre-Law Society, and is also the current Vice-President of his fraternity, Beta Chi Delta. Abel had the opportunity to work as a Deputy Clerk for the Starr County District Clerk Mr. Eloy Garcia, and interned for Congressman Henry Cuellar Ph.D. representing the 28th District of Texas. Abel was also a member of the 2010 Law School Preparation Institute at UTPA. After receiving his bachelor’s degree, Abel plans to attend law school. This fall he will intern with the American Bar Association in the Media Relations and Communications Services division. 
Rachel Whiteley | UT Austin
Rachel is a junior at the University of Texas at Austin. She is pursuing a dual degree in Business-Management and Government with an interdisciplinary certificate in Ethics and Leadership of Social Justice, Politics, and Law through the Bridging Discipline Program. While at UT Austin, she has participated on the Leadership-Connections team at the Baptist Student Ministries (BSM) by coordinating Free Lunch On Wednesdays (FLOW) for college students. Additionally, while mentoring UT’s freshman through the First-Year Interest Group program (FIG) she discovered a passion and love for education. She also she interned for Congressman Lloyd Doggett’s district office this past spring. This fall she will be pursuing her interest in educational policy by interning with the U.S. Department of Education with the Office of the Deputy Secretary. |
