Archer Fellowship Program Alumni Profiles
Shadhi Mansoori
Fall 2018 Archer Fellow
Internship: U.S. House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
Education
The University of Texas at Austin
Bachelor of Science and Arts in Neuroscience Honors, May 2019
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Doctor of Medicine / Master of Public Health, May 2025
Career
Medical student
Fall 2018 Archer Fellow
Internship: U.S. House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
Education
The University of Texas at Austin
Bachelor of Science and Arts in Neuroscience Honors, May 2019
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Doctor of Medicine / Master of Public Health, May 2025
Career
Medical student
"The Archer Fellowship was a formidable opportunity because it helped me realize that I did not have to choose between being a scientist and a policy advocate—my community needed me to be both. The Fellowship gave me clarity on what my next steps after college should be, and it also reinforced a lifelong commitment to service of vulnerable populations."
Q & A with Shadhi
Please tell us more about your current position.
I am currently pursuing an M.D./M.P.H. from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. I hope to improve the health of my community by providing empathetic and compassionate medical care to patients as well as work at the macro-scale through health policy and civic engagement to improve access to health resources. This year, I am an Albert Schweitzer Fellow, which consists of a year-long mentored community service project that addresses an unmet health need in Houston, TX. I am carrying out a 200-hour project teaching mindfulness, meditation, and yoga to formerly incarcerated women in substance use recovery. As a Fellow, I also attend monthly meetings on leadership development and skills-based workshops.
Please tell us more about your Archer Fellowship Program internship.
My internship with the U.S. House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology taught me about the logistics and path of science legislation. As an intern, I wrote memos to debrief staff on congressional hearings and reviewed archival material for legislative research. I also engaged with constituents by processing telephone inquiries and assisted with records management. One of the most insightful parts of this experience was meeting the staffers whose work is critical for creating legislation that is grounded in science. I was surprised to learn how much coordination happens behind the scenes to advance policy directives. It was also fascinating to see how all of Washington, D.C., became enthralled in the election cycle during the weeks before the midterm elections.
What has been your general career path?
After graduating with my bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin, I worked for UT Austin's Division of Diversity and Community Engagement on a health equity project. I subsequently earned a certificate in health informatics and health information technology from McCombs School of Business and got my yoga teaching certification. In fall 2021, I started medical school in Houston.
How has your experience as an Archer Fellow influenced your career path and goals?
The Archer Fellowship was a formidable opportunity because it helped me realize that I did not have to choose between being a scientist and a policy advocate—my community needed me to be both. The Fellowship gave me clarity on what my next steps after college should be, and it also reinforced a lifelong commitment to service of vulnerable populations. I plan to have a career at the intersection of clinical science and public health because I believe in creating health systems that are more just and equitable for all people.
What did you value the most about your Archer Fellowship Program experience?
The professionalism and communication classes that I took as an Archer Fellow gave me skills I needed to succeed in my internship in D.C., medical school, and beyond. The Fellowship provided a comprehensive learning platform to grow my leadership abilities while also gaining practical experience on Capitol Hill. It was helpful to have the support of the Archer Fellowship staff throughout the entire process; they helped me realize my career goals and meet professionals who could be allies in my career.
What do you value the most about being an alumnae?
One of the most valuable aspects of the Archer Fellowship is having access to an alumni network that is comprised of thoughtful and courageous advocates and leaders. The network empowers alumni to pursue their goals and education with scholarships and mentorship, which are key to early career success. I appreciate that I can reach out to Archer Fellow alumni around the world for advice and insight into their careers.
What is your favorite memory as an Archer Fellow?
One of my favorite memories was having class with Dr. Joel Swerdlow on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. It was inspiring to learn and discuss U.S. history and current events with my classmates at such an iconic symbol of freedom. I remember on that day feeling so grateful and privileged to have been given the opportunity to study and intern in Washington, D.C., as an Archer Fellow.
Please tell us more about your current position.
I am currently pursuing an M.D./M.P.H. from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. I hope to improve the health of my community by providing empathetic and compassionate medical care to patients as well as work at the macro-scale through health policy and civic engagement to improve access to health resources. This year, I am an Albert Schweitzer Fellow, which consists of a year-long mentored community service project that addresses an unmet health need in Houston, TX. I am carrying out a 200-hour project teaching mindfulness, meditation, and yoga to formerly incarcerated women in substance use recovery. As a Fellow, I also attend monthly meetings on leadership development and skills-based workshops.
Please tell us more about your Archer Fellowship Program internship.
My internship with the U.S. House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology taught me about the logistics and path of science legislation. As an intern, I wrote memos to debrief staff on congressional hearings and reviewed archival material for legislative research. I also engaged with constituents by processing telephone inquiries and assisted with records management. One of the most insightful parts of this experience was meeting the staffers whose work is critical for creating legislation that is grounded in science. I was surprised to learn how much coordination happens behind the scenes to advance policy directives. It was also fascinating to see how all of Washington, D.C., became enthralled in the election cycle during the weeks before the midterm elections.
What has been your general career path?
After graduating with my bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin, I worked for UT Austin's Division of Diversity and Community Engagement on a health equity project. I subsequently earned a certificate in health informatics and health information technology from McCombs School of Business and got my yoga teaching certification. In fall 2021, I started medical school in Houston.
How has your experience as an Archer Fellow influenced your career path and goals?
The Archer Fellowship was a formidable opportunity because it helped me realize that I did not have to choose between being a scientist and a policy advocate—my community needed me to be both. The Fellowship gave me clarity on what my next steps after college should be, and it also reinforced a lifelong commitment to service of vulnerable populations. I plan to have a career at the intersection of clinical science and public health because I believe in creating health systems that are more just and equitable for all people.
What did you value the most about your Archer Fellowship Program experience?
The professionalism and communication classes that I took as an Archer Fellow gave me skills I needed to succeed in my internship in D.C., medical school, and beyond. The Fellowship provided a comprehensive learning platform to grow my leadership abilities while also gaining practical experience on Capitol Hill. It was helpful to have the support of the Archer Fellowship staff throughout the entire process; they helped me realize my career goals and meet professionals who could be allies in my career.
What do you value the most about being an alumnae?
One of the most valuable aspects of the Archer Fellowship is having access to an alumni network that is comprised of thoughtful and courageous advocates and leaders. The network empowers alumni to pursue their goals and education with scholarships and mentorship, which are key to early career success. I appreciate that I can reach out to Archer Fellow alumni around the world for advice and insight into their careers.
What is your favorite memory as an Archer Fellow?
One of my favorite memories was having class with Dr. Joel Swerdlow on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. It was inspiring to learn and discuss U.S. history and current events with my classmates at such an iconic symbol of freedom. I remember on that day feeling so grateful and privileged to have been given the opportunity to study and intern in Washington, D.C., as an Archer Fellow.
