Fall 2015 Archer Fellows
Nosa Aimuyo | UT Austin
Center for Budget and Policy Priorities Nosa is a fourth-year University of Texas at Austin government major from Carrollton, Texas. He has previously interned with the Texas State Legislature and Grantmakers in Aging, a non-profit organization in D.C. On campus, he has been involved in the Tejas Club, Student Government, and the Leadership and Ethics Institute. Nosa is most interested in policy areas dealing with education and the cycle of poverty. When not studying, Nosa can be found reading, relaxing with his friends, and exploring the great city of Washington D.C.. After college, Nosa plans to attend law school. He hopes to build a career serving the public after practicing law. 
Carlo Antoniolli | UT Austin
Marathon Oil Carlo Antoniolli is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin pursuing a degree in government and a minor in “Leadership, Ethics & Motivation”. In addition to his studies, Carlo is a member in the honors organization Polymathic Scholars that allowed him to create his own minor and field of study in leadership. He remains active and has held positions of leadership in his fraternity, Lambda Chi Alpha, by serving as the Scholastic Chair. After graduation he hopes to permanently reside in Washington, D.C., and work in the lobbying or advocacy industries. 
Olivia Arena | UT Austin
National League of Cities Olivia Arena is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in Plan II Honors, urban studies, and international relations. She's studied abroad in Spain and Botswana, gaining a better understanding of how different communities adapt to environmental and social change. After living in a "smart city" in Spain, Olivia discovered her passion for urban development. This prompted her involvement with the Student Government City Relations Agency. Furthering her passion for urban spaces, Olivia spent the past summer studying urban design at UC Berkeley’s College of Environmental Design. She plans to pursue a career in urban planning. 
Kaeli Baker | UT Austin
Representative Michael McCaul (TX-10) Kaeli is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin pursuing a degree in management information systems with a minor in government. She enjoys volunteering with Reading Aces in Austin where she helps build the literacy skills of low-income students. Kaeli spent the summer interning in the cybersecurity department at Tesoro Corporation and is excited for her opportunity to work for the chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee in D.C. this fall. In the future, Kaeli hopes to continue pursuing a career in information risk and security, while encouraging more young women to pursue careers in STEM fields. 
Shreya Banerjee | UT Austin
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Shreya Banerjee is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in Plan II Honors and government with minors in economics and business foundations. While at UT Austin, Shreya has interned for a Texas State Senator and Governor Perry's Press Office. On campus, she is involved in Model United Nations, Student Government, the Undergraduate Research Journal and the Plan II/KIPP Austin mentoring program. Shreya is interning at National Instruments in Austin this summer and is excited to explore D.C. with the Archer Fellows in the fall. 
Andrew Braswell | UT Austin
Representative Mark Pocan (WI-02) Andrew Braswell is a senior at the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in government with a minor in communications. Andrew has been an active member in the Texas political scene for almost two years, working with former Senator Leticia Van de Putte during her campaign for Lt. Governor as well as serving as a legislative assistant in her Capitol office. From there, Andrew went to work for a non-profit political group, Progress Texas, where he worked as a legislative intern during the 84th Legislative Session. After college Andrew plans to continue his work in politics, whether that be in D.C. or Austin. 
Will Cowan | UT Austin
Marathon Petroleum William Cowan is a fourth generation Longhorn and senior double major at The University of Texas at Austin. His majors include international relations & global studies and government within the College of Liberal Arts. He is active on campus as a member of Texas Army ROTC, the Clements Center Undergraduate Fellows, Texas Blazers spirit group, and the American Enterprise Institute on Campus. Last summer, William interned for the Department of Defense as an Intelligence Analyst where he utilized analytic tools to exploit communications for strategic targets. William wishes to focus his career towards defense or intelligence policy and hopes to someday attend law or foreign policy graduate school. 
Jake Cruz | UT Dallas
Jake is a junior at The University of Texas at Dallas majoring in international political economy and minoring in political science. As a passionate follower of current events both domestic and abroad, Jake hopes to attend graduate school and spend his days at a happy intersection of law, international relations, and public policy. Jake's fall semester in D.C. will come off the heels of a break spent interning with the Center for American and International Law and studying Middle Eastern politics abroad in Germany. He hopes to expand his worldview just as much as he did during his summer adventures abroad. 
Naomi D'Amato | UT Dallas
The Kennedy Center Naomi D’Amato is a junior at The University of Texas at Dallas majoring in accounting and minoring in political science and performing arts. She is a member of the Collegium V Honors College, the Davidson Management Honors Program and serves as an officer for the Golden Key Honor society. Last year Naomi was sponsored to study abroad at the Vienna University of Economics and Business. During the summer, Naomi performs violin as part of the National Symphony's Summer Institute and leads fundraisers for Neurofibromatosis awareness. Naomi hopes to pursue a career that combines her interests in accounting and music business. 
Belen Diaz | UT Rio Grande Valley
American Dental Association Belen Diaz is an honors student at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. She is a graduating senior majoring in pre-dental biology and minoring in chemistry. Belen has been an active member in Eta Omicron Nu, the student organization under the Guerra Honors Program, acting as vice president. She was also the historian for the Pre-Dental Society. She has interned with Dentists Who Care, a local non-profit organization, and has also worked at a local dental office. She plans to attend dental school to become a general dentist and receive a master’s degree in public health as well. 
Zack Dunn | UT San Antonio
Zack Dunn is a senior at The University of Texas at San Antonio pursuing a degree in finance and a minor in legal studies. Zack is a former two-term president of the UTSA Student Government Association, Chairman of the UT System Student Advisory Council, and Founding Chairman of the San Antonio Higher Education Representative Assembly. He is also a member of the UTSA Honors College and spent last summer studying abroad in the People's Republic of China, interning in the House of Representatives, and working on his undergraduate honors thesis. Upon graduation, Zack intends to apply to law school. 
Nancy Fairbank | UT Dallas
U.S. Department of State Nancy is a McDermott Scholar and a political science major in her third year at The University of Texas at Dallas. She served this past year as the Student Government Vice President for UT Dallas, as well as the Academic Affairs Chair for the UT System Student Advisory Council. Nancy has published a book through Missouri State University that shares the stories of homeless teenagers and she is interested in attending law school after graduation in order to serve disadvantaged youth in the legal system. 
David Garza | UT Rio Grande Valley
American Enterprise Institute David Lee Garza is a senior at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley majoring in business finance. Through his work with several organizations, including the Financial Management Association and the College of Business’s Financial Literacy Challenge, David has developed a deep passion for philanthropy, culture, and project management. As an active student community leader he has co-founded and helps administer a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the standards of living for under privileged communities. David plans on attending business school after graduation in May. 
Ilana Gomez | UT El Paso
Representative Beto O'Rourke (TX-16) Ilana Gomez is a junior majoring in philosophy with a minor in legal reasoning and honors at The University of Texas at El Paso. She has previously interned at Mueller Law Offices in Austin, Texas, and has worked for two years as an AVID tutor for Rio Bravo Middle School. On campus, she is a part of the Student Government Association where she has served as a prosecutor and Supreme Court Justice. This past summer, Ilana completed Phase I of the UTEP Law School Preparation Institute Program. Upon graduation, she hopes to attend law school. 
Conor Harvey | UT San Antonio
Representative John Culberson (TX-07) Conor Harvey is a graduating senior at The University of Texas at San Antonio studying public administration. During his time at UTSA, he has served as the speaker of the senate for the UTSA Student Government Association and as an intern for Councilman Ron Nirenberg. Sharing his love of policy creation and implementation with others, Conor has also served as a supplementary instructor in the areas of Texas politics and the American criminal justice system. While not working on law school applications, Conor can be found reading or spending time with friends and family. 
Terry Hillis | UT Austin
White House Council on Environmental Quality Terry Lee Hillis, Jr. is a proud, native-born Texan. He grew up in Austin and is currently a senior at The University of Texas at Austin. Planning to graduate with a degree in chemistry and a minor in theater, Terry is considering a wide range of post-graduation opportunities, including graduate school, teaching, and international christian ministry. 
D'Wahn Kelley | UT Austin
Senator Rand Paul D’Wahn Kelley is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin, majoring in economics and government. In addition to his studies, D’Wahn has been active in promoting student conduct and academic integrity on his campus. He is interested in policies concerning criminal justice and education. Kelley has previously interned for The Dallas Independent School District and now-Judge Tonya Parker of the 116th District Court. In his spare time, he enjoys playing basketball and trying new restaurants. D'Wahn will be interning in the Office of Kentucky Senator Rand Paul this fall. 
Kevin King | UT Austin
1776 Kevin King is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin studying government and advertising. He is a member of the Texas Speech Team where he has won individual national championships in Informative and Persuasive Speaking. His previous work experience includes serving as a Venture Intern for Capital Factory, a startup accelerator program, and as a policy intern/speechwriter for State Representative Celia Israel. He is excited to explore the growing political startup scene in Washington, D.C., and develop skills in areas of political communication and advertising. He enjoys watching live music, writing sketches with his roommates, and hosting his own podcast! 
Elan Kogutt | UT Austin
Atlas Corps Elan Kogutt is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin pursuing a degree in "Leadership in Business and Society" through the Humanities Honors program and a Business Foundations Certificate. He has served as a Managing Partner of Consult Your Community and co-president of Texans for Israel. The summer after his sophomore year, he received a scholarship from Liberal Arts Honors to teach English and assist a doctor in Ethiopia. This past summer Elan cycled from Austin to Alaska as a member of the 2015 Texas 4000 for Cancer team. Elan plans to pursue a career in management consulting. 
Julia Kowalsky | UT Austin
The Kennedy Center Julia is a rising political communication studies major at The University of Texas at Austin. On campus, Julia is a Kappa Delta and an active member of the Moody College of Communication Council. This summer, she worked an Editorial Intern at a local lifestyle magazine in Laredo, Texas. In addition to writing, she is passionate about exploring the cross-sections of culture and race, particularly how it relates to and is expressed through theater and the arts. She hopes to work at a political consulting or public relations agency after graduation and eventually apply for the FBI academy. 
Madeline Krebs | UT Austin
Managed Funds Association Madeline Krebs is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin studying corporate communications with a minor in government and a business certificate. She is a member of the Moody College of Communication Council and University Democrats. Her previous internship experience includes Media Relations and Community Engagement for the City of Austin and Corporate Affairs for Tesoro Corporation. She is excited to further explore the world of public affairs, PR, and civic engagement in Washington, D.C. In her spare time she enjoys puns, dogs, and reading about persuasive communication techniques so that she may soon master the art of manipulation solely through speech. |
Zeyi Lin | UT Austin
Zeyi Lin is a junior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in computer engineering and Plan II Honors and minoring in government. On campus, he has served as part of the Senate of College Councils and the Student Engineering Council, and is also an active member in Texas Blazers. Zeyi's academic interests include cybersecurity and cyber privacy, telecommunications infrastructure policy, and STEM education outreach. 
Sherry Maximoss | UT Austin
Representative Fred Upton (MI-06) Sherry Maximoss is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin studying rhetoric and writing with a minor in philosophy. She is a College Scholar, a Liberal Arts Honors Student, and a recipient of the Rapoport Service Scholarship. Sherry began her interest in legal ethics as a sophomore, earning a certificate in Ethics and Leadership in Law, Politics, and Government through the Bridging Disciplines Program. She has also interned at the Office of Texas State Representative Jimmie Don Aycock where her focus was tracking and reporting legislation. Upon graduation, Sherry hopes to attend law school and pursue a career in public service. 
Ellen Mei | UT Austin
Center for Science in the Public Interest Ellen is a junior studying nutrition at The University of Texas at Austin. She is interested in improving the health and wellbeing of others, whether it be through better nutrition or public health measures. This led to her involvement with Global Public Health/Water Brigades and Nourish International, student powered nonprofits, and her volunteer work with Meals on Wheels, Caritas Soup Kitchen, and Eastside Community Connection. She is also a School of Human Ecology Ambassador and conducts research on eating patterns and health. Ellen plans to attend graduate school, focusing on the intersection of nutrition, public health, and public policy. 
Rachel Miller | UT Austin
The Heritage Foundation Rachel is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin double majoring in economics and government. Rachel is heavily involved with Student Government where she most recently served on the Executive Board as the Internal Financial Director. She also currently serves as the Judicial Director for her sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha. In addition to her university activities, Rachel has completed multiple internships, including one with Senator Jane Nelson. This fall she will be interning at The Heritage Foundation in the Edwin Meese III Center for Legal and Judicial Studies. Following graduation, Rachel plans to attend law school and hopes to one day go into politics. 
Brandon Mond | UT Austin
Berger Hirschberg Strategies Brandon Mond is a senior government major at The University of Texas at Austin. He is a part of Liberal Arts Honors and a Jefferson Scholar. Brandon enjoys campus organizing and activism, and has been involved in causes ranging from Students Against Guns on Campus to political candidates such as Mayor Steve Adler. This past year, Brandon served as the Tzedek (social justice) Intern Supervisor at the Texas Hillel Foundation, overseeing four interns and their respective committees as they worked on community projects in the fields of public health, education, poverty, and immigration. During his semester in D.C., Brandon plans on further exploring his interest in campaign politics and fundraising. 
Addie Moore | UT Tyler
National Portrait Gallery Addie Moore is a senior at The University of Texas at Tyler majoring in art history and minoring in studio arts. She helped establish the first art history club at UT Tyler, the History of Art Undergraduate Society, serving as treasurer. She has pursued her passion for public arts education by interning with the Tyler Museum of Art and volunteering with the Renzi Arts and Education Center. She believes that providing arts education to children and families is extremely important to cultural development. Upon graduation, Addie intends to pursue a career in non-profit arts education. 
Anh Nguyen | UT Dallas
Anh Nguyen is a senior at The University of Texas at Dallas studying International Political Economy, with a particular focus on the South East Asia region and the South China Sea dispute. During the summer, he was a research assistant at the Wilson Center, conducting research on Chinese economic innovation and the European Central Bank. A member of the Collegium V Honors Program, Anh has excelled academically and been on the Dean’s List several times. He would like to go to graduate school and pursue a career in the diplomatic corps of Vietnam in the future. 
Christopher Nickelson | UT Austin
Christopher is a University of Texas at Austin senior, double majoring in communication studies and radio-TV-film. He's also a candidate for a social entrepreneurship and nonprofits certificate as a part of the Bridging Disciplines interdisciplinary studies program. This past summer he lived in NYC for a Marketing and PR internship with DoSomething.org, a nonprofit that engages young people in various social change campaigns. He's excited to take what he learned there and apply it to the public sector in D.C. After graduation in the spring, Christopher plans on using all of these experiences to pursue a career in social change communications. 
Ryan Pakebusch | UT Austin
University of Texas System Office of Federal Relations Ryan Pakebusch is a third year student at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in government and political communication. He has been an Orientation Advisor and Camp Texas counselor welcoming two cohorts of new Longhorns. In addition, he has previously worked in the Texas House of Representatives and Texans for Lawsuit Reform. On campus, he serves as President of Texas Global Business Brigades and is involved with Texas Blazers, College Republicans, and the Texas Exes. He is interested in higher education policy and planning and will intern with The University of Texas System Office of Federal Relations this fall. 
Michael Pearson | UT Austin
U.S. Department of Education Michael Pearson is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin, where he is pursuing a degree in government, minor in German, and certificate in public policy. While at UT Austin, Michael served as a peer mentor for the Foundation Scholars Program and worked for State Representative Tan Parker and the Texas House Republican Caucus. He also served as the Vice President of German Club and studied abroad in Germany. Michael is interested in higher education, electoral politics, and foreign affairs. After graduating, Michael plans to attend graduate school for public policy and hopes to work in a congressional office. 
Max Richards | UT Austin
Senator John Cornyn Max Richards is a senior government major at The University of Texas at Austin. Max was appointed as the Student Regent for a one-year term on The University of Texas System Board of Regents beginning June 2014. Winning the “Commitment and Service Award” as an undergraduate teaching assistant for the Hands-On-Science Physics program at UT Austin, Max has also held multiple internships including experience at Texas Criminal District Court #1. Max mentored through various programs throughout Austin, including Neighborhood Longhorn and VICTORY tutorial program. Upon finishing his undergraduate degree, he will pursue a law degree and continue working in politics. Jake Saltzman | UT Austin
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Jake Saltzman is a fifth-year economics and history double major in the Liberal Arts Honors Program at The University of Texas at Austin. He is a former member of The University of Texas Debate Team, where he traveled nationally debating public policy issues with universities from around the country. He is interested in working in international soccer, particularly on anti-corruption and transparency measures. 
Stephanie Sebastian | UT Austin
Georgetown Law Center Investigative Internship Program Stephanie Sebastian is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in international relations & global studies and minoring in Middle Eastern studies and Liberal Arts Honors. In Austin, Stephanie interned with State Representative Abel Herrero for three years. This past summer, she interned at Schmitt & Orlov, an intellectual property law firm in Shanghai, China. Upon graduation, Stephanie aspires to attend law school as she is passionate about international law. In D.C., she will be participating in the Georgetown Law Investigation Internship Program, where she hopes to gain further experience in the legal field. 
Mikaila Smith | UT Austin
Partnership for a Secure America Mikaila Smith is a junior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in Plan II Honors and Chinese, and pursuing a Bridging Disciplines Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship and Nonprofit Management. She plans to pursue a career in the international development nonprofit realm, and is interested in working in areas such as refugee issues, early childhood education, or food and nutrition. She is a Rapoport scholar at UT Austin and has volunteered with Interfaith Alliance of Central Texas, AVANCE Austin, and Big Brothers Big Sisters, as well as interned in the Success by Six department at United Way for Greater Austin. 
Hope Steffensen | UT Dallas
The Heritage Foundation Hope Steffensen is a political science junior at The University of Texas at Dallas. She is involved in Model United Nations and Moot Court on campus. Hope has also worked in Residential Life as the only Peer Advisor for the Social Sciences Living Learning Community for on-campus freshman housing last year. Her career goals include working as an attorney. Hope is interested in working in litigation in a number of fields, and she hopes to narrow her goals based upon her experiences in law school. 
Callie Strock | UT Austin
Akin Gump, LLP Callie Strock is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in communication studies, along with a Spanish minor and a business public policy certificate. While in Austin, she discovered and furthered her interest in government through internships at the Texas State Capitol. She also became passionate about education policy after learning about and promoting literacy initiatives through volunteer and fundraising efforts as philanthropy chair of her sorority, Pi Beta Phi. Callie is thrilled to continue to explore her policy and communications interests during the fall as an Archer Fellow. 
Andi Treviño | UT Austin
Representative Ruben Hinojosa (TX-15) Andrea D. Treviño is a Liberal Arts Honors student at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in English and minoring in communication. She is very interested in pursuing law and plans to attend law school after she graduates. Andrea was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley and has a desire to help those in her community. She co-founded a non-profit organization called The Sustainable Dairy Goat Initiative, which serves to donate dairy goats to underprivileged families in the Rio Grande Valley in order to provide them with an additional source of nutrition and income. 
Gaby Villarreal | UT Rio Grande Valley
Senator Ted Cruz Gabriela Mejia Villareal is a senior at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley majoring in psychology. She is an honors student and a political psychology research assistant. During the 2014-2015 year, Gaby served as the Vice President for The Latino Theatre Initiative, where she co-directed an original bilingual play that advocated for immigrants’ rights and toured elementary schools with educational plays. She studied abroad in Italy for a year and interned at The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Michigan. Gaby hopes to continue incorporating her interests in psychology, theater, and civic engagement to achieve societal development. 
Seth Wilbur | UT Austin
U.S. Department of Education Seth is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in government with a minor in Spanish. Along with his studies, Seth has interned with the Neighborhood Partnering Program, and extension of the Public Works Department of the City of Austin and participated in the Intellectual Entrepreneurship Program with the LBJ School of Public Affairs. He is particularly interested in education and foreign affairs and after his semester as an Archer Fellow plans to join Teach for America. 
Grant Wiles | UT Austin
Grant Wiles is a senior at the University of Texas at Austin studying government, and created a minor in the psychology of politics through the Polymathic Scholars Honors Program. Grant first became politically involved in high school when he interned in State Senator Wendy Davis’s office. Through completing multiple political internships and managing the campus campaign organization for Wendy Davis’s gubernatorial race, he discovered his passion for organizing and campaigns. Grant spent the summer interning for the CEO of the Democratic National Committee, and hopes to continue to expand his knowledge of the political process with his internship this fall. 
Mikethion Williams | UT Austin
Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30) Mikethion Williams is a graduating senior at The University of Texas at Austin, majoring in government with a minor in Africa and African diaspora studies. At UT Austin, Mikethion is an active member of The Pre-Law National Black Law Students Association, a community service organization which seeks to develop minority interest in law. Following graduation, Mikethion hopes to begin a career in public service and eventually enroll in law school. |
