Spring 2012 Archer Fellows
Beto Altamirano | UT Austin
Alberto André Altamirano is a junior at the University of Texas at Austin pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government with a minor in Economics. He was a Moreno/Rangel Legislative Fellow with the Mexican American Legislative Caucus during the 82nd Texas legislative session, during which he interned in the office of State Representative Joe Farias, D-San Antonio, TX. That same year he worked as the Campus Manager at the University of Texas Pan-American for Bill White’s Texas Governor campaign. He also served as the President of the UTPA Young Democrats, and he is an active participant of the Hidalgo County Young Democrats. He has a strong passion for U.S. Foreign Policy, immigration reform, education, leadership studies, and Mexican politics. 
Melissa Butler | UT Austin
Melissa Butler will earn a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a Bachelor of Arts in Government from The University of Texas at Austin this spring. As a chemistry student, she spent three and a half years researching in organic chemistry, neuroscience and pharmacology, and biochemistry laboratories, eventually writing her honors thesis on her synthesis of novel fluorescent material. In Washington, D.C., Melissa will take this science background to an internship in science policy, focusing on rule-making, administration, and regulation. In her internship at Austin law firm Hotze Runkle, she analyzes impacts of tort reform legislation, monitors bankruptcy cases, and handles asbestos claims. Melissa hopes to attend law school next fall. 
Anna Crockett | UT Austin
Anna Crockett is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in Spanish. During her undergraduate career, she has been especially active in Liberal Arts Honors, University Democrats, and Central Texas Model United Nations. She has had a considerable amount of experience working on political campaigns, most notably the Bill White for Governor campaign during the summer of 2010. During the fall semester of 2010, she studied abroad in Córdoba, Argentina, where she solidified both her Spanish skills and her passion for international affairs. She is currently a research assistant for the Comparative Constitutions Project investigating the constitutional assemblies of Brazil. She hopes to intern with a think tank or other international organization, especially one that focuses on Latin America. 
Alyssa Davis | UT Austin
Alyssa Davis is a junior at the University of Texas at Austin, where she double majors in Plan II Honors and Sociology. Alyssa has been politically involved as an intern in the Texas House of Representatives and on campus through University Democrats. Alyssa is passionate about women's empowerment and was appointed the Women's Resource Agency Director in Student Government for Fall 2011 and serves on the UT Gender & Sexuality Center Student Leadership Committee. She is also a mentor to local disadvantaged youth through the Plan II/KIPP Partnership and has served as an unpaid intern for several nonprofits in her hometown of Grapevine, Texas. Alyssa is most proud to be a part of Orange Jackets, the only women's honorary organization at UT. In summer 2011, Alyssa studied abroad in London and compared social policy structures between the UK and the US, which inspired her to pursue a career in public policy. 
Katy Donahue | UT Austin
Katy Donahue is a junior at the University of Texas at Austin currently pursuing a dual major in International Relations and Global Studies with a focus in international security, and Hispanic Studies. Her minors include Latin American Studies and Government. Spanish became a passion of Katy's after her semester long study abroad experience in Cadiz, Spain. This is Katy’s second year as an active member in the International Affairs Society and she is a part of the financial committee. She has been working as a legislative Intern for State Representative Raul Torres of District 33 since July 2011. While in D.C., Katy will intern with the U.S. Department of State in the Office of Diplomatic Security. 
Melissa Dunn | UT Austin
Melissa Dunn is a junior at the University of Texas at Austin majoring in Supply Chain Management and Government with a minor in Communication Studies. While at the university, Melissa has been deeply involved within the McCombs School of Business, serving on the executive board of the Undergraduate Business Council, as the business school’s representative to Student Government, and as the chair of the college’s official freshmen welcome event. She is also an active member of the Phi Chi Theta professional business fraternity. Melissa is also involved with University Health Service’s Healthy Sexuality Peer Educator program, a volunteer organization that teaches sexual health workshops and classes on campus. Peer Educators fueled Melissa’s passion for sexual health and sexuality education and advocacy, especially in the area of LGBT rights in the classroom. While in D.C., Melissa plans to pursue this passion by interning at the Center for American Progress LGBT Issues Office. 
Kyndal Henicke | UT Austin
Kyndal Henicke is a junior at the University of Texas at Austin, where she double majors in International Relations and Global Studies and Spanish, while also pursuing a minor in Latin American Studies. Kyndal was recognized as a College of Liberal Arts Distinguished College Scholar in Spring 2012; additionally, she was soon after chosen by the faculty in her department as the top International Relations student. She has also served as treasurer of Texas Spirits, Internal Communications Chair for the Distinguished Speakers Committee, a counselor for Camp Texas, the undergraduate executive team member for the Subiendo Academy, and a member of Gamma Beta Phi honors fraternity. Further past involvement includes interning in the International Refugee Resettlement division of Caritas, studying abroad in Córdoba, Argentina, and being a dedicated weekly volunteer at the Austin State Supported Living Center. 
Sterling Hill | UT Austin
Sterling Hill, a junior at the University of Texas at Austin, is majoring in Business Honors, Finance, with a focus on government and will graduate in the Spring of 2013. While his interest is in public service and policy, he has been able to learn and grow from a business perspective. He has worked on projects ranging from revitalizing a local high school’s budget to creating a customer feedback program for a local technology start-up. Furthermore, Sterling has a passion for education reform and currently serves as the finance and policy director for UT Students For Education Reform where he hopes to bring the public education “achievement gap” and inequalities to light for all UT students. Sterling interned with State Senator Kirk Watson during the 82nd Texas Legislative Session which encouraged him to move up to the “big leagues” in Washington. He is especially interested in fiscal policy and improving efficiency in Washington from the business side of government. 
Christine Hocker | UT Austin
Christine Hocker is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin working towards a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in English. She is also a member of the Liberal Arts Honors program and is earning a certificate in Business Foundations from the McCombs School of Business. Christine was an intern with Representative Rob Eissler during the 82nd Texas Legislature, working both in the Representative’s office and with the House Committee on Public Education. In the summer of 2008, she interned for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Fort Worth through the Bank of America Student Leader Program. Christine stays active on campus through work with Liberal Arts Council and as a First-Year Interest Group Facilitator. Christine is also an active member of the sorority Kappa Kappa Gamma, including volunteering with the BookSpring Reading is Fundamental organization in local Austin elementary schools. While in Washington, D.C., Christine will be interning in the Office of the Curator at the Supreme Court. 
Murtuza Hussain | UT San Antonio
Murtuza Hussain is a senior at the University of Texas at San Antonio majoring in Accounting with a minor in Legal Studies. He plans to graduate from UTSA with Business Honors, Leadership Honors, and Highest Honors. Murtuza worked with State Representative Ruth Jones McClendon during the 82nd Texas Legislative Session through the UTSA Legislative Scholars Program as her Appropriations Committee staffer. He is currently working as an Academic Tutor for the Athletics Department at UTSA. For the past three years, Murtuza has been heavily involved in For The Kids Dance Marathon at UTSA, a student organization that aims to provide emotional and financial support for the children battling childhood cancer at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital and their families. While in Washington, Murtuza will work for Housing Policy Council of the Financial Services Roundtable. 
Luke Jackson | UT Austin
Luke Jackson is a junior at the University of Texas at Austin where he majors in Government. Luke is enrolled in the Texas Interdisciplinary Plan where he is working towards a minor in Political Rhetoric. While in Washington D.C. he hopes to hone his communication skills with the desire to become a speechwriter. He has worked in the medical staffing field as well as the formalwear industry. While not studying or writing Luke can be found at the racquetball courts refining his backhand stroke. In his spare time he can be seen passionately cheering for his hometown Chicago sports teams. 
Vanessa Juarez | UT El Paso
Raised along the El Paso, Texas/Ciudad Juárez, Mexico border, Vanessa Marie Juarez is a senior multimedia journalism major at the University of Texas at El Paso. She currently works in public relations at the Stanlee and Gerald Rubin Center for the Visual Arts and was able to gain additional museum and research experience at the El Paso Museum of Art. On campus, Vanessa serves as the vice president of Iota Iota Iota, a national women’s studies honor society. Working as a student journalist, she has also occupied several positions at The Prospector, the campus newspaper. Vanessa believes that public education institutions, like museums, have a unique responsibility to engage the community in discussions about history, culture and current events. Her research interests include representations of minority women in pop culture, gender studies in history, sexuality education, and Latino immigration issues. 
Nathalie Kalombo | UT Austin
A senior at the University of Texas at Austin, Nathalie Kalombo is double majoring in Government and Communications Studies with a concentration in Political and Corporate Communications. Nathalie has completed an internship with Bill White's Senate and subsequent Gubernatorial campaign as a communications intern later served as the assistant regional campus campaign manager. During this time, she also was a part of the Bill White University which taught Austin area residents how to grass-roots campaign and become more involved in the political process. Nathalie has also been a part of Campus University Democrats and served as both the Financial Aid Agency Director and the Public Relations Agency Director for Student Government. Nathalie plans to graduate in May and hopes to work for the president's reelection campaign and eventually pursue a Masters degree in Public Policy and non-profit management. 
Michelle Kearby | UT Austin
Jennifer “Michelle” Kearby is a senior at the University of Texas at Austin pursuing a B.A. in Spanish, Government and International Relations and Global Studies. In pursuit of the degrees, she has had the opportunity to study abroad in Argentina, where she improved her Spanish fluency and in Ecuador, where she interned in the political section at the U.S. Embassy. When in Austin, she is involved in several organizations: Chi Beta Delta, a service sorority; the Language Circle Program, where she helps foreign students improve their English skills, and the PAL program, where she introduces a foreign student to the Austin area. As a freshman, Michelle helped the UT Women’s Rowing Team win the first-ever Big XII Championship as a rower. 
Lauren Ketchum | UT Austin
Lauren Ketchum is a senior at the University of Texas at Austin, where she is double majoring in Government and International Relations & Global Studies, with a minor in Italian. Her concentration is in issues of International Security. During her time at UT, she has played the French horn as a member of the Longhorn Band. Through the band, she became an active member of the national honorary band sorority Tau Beta Sigma. Along with her activities on campus, she has been very involved within the Austin community. She helped to raise funds for nonprofit organizations through Grassroots Campaigns Inc. and served as a messenger for the Texas Senate. Lauren has a strong passion for international relations. In 2010, she studied abroad in Beijing, China studying U.S. – Sino relations at Tsinghua University, and began learning Mandarin. She spent this past summer in Rome, improving her fluency in Italian while studying the country’s culture. 
Derin Kiykioglu | UT Austin
Derin Kiykioglu is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin, where she is double majoring in Government and Psychology. Derin was involved as an Orientation Advisor for two summers, spent time interning at the office of Texas State Representative Dora Olivo, and has served in leadership positions in the Senate of College Councils and in the University Democrats. She was also Communications Director of Student Government and a flute player in the University of Texas Symphony Band. Derin is a member of Orange Jackets, the oldest honorary women’s organization on the University of Texas campus. She spent the past summer at Oxford University studying English. Derin is passionate about human rights and social justice and will intern at the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor at the U.S. Department of State. |
Ryan Meyer | UT Austin
Ryan Meyer is a senior at the University of Texas at Austin, studying government and business foundations. While in school Ryan has interned with Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, Texas House Representative Sid Miller, and American Crossroads in Washington, D.C. He has been a member of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity since the fall of 2008. Ryan likes to spend his spare time attending football games, watching Harry Potter marathons and taking weekend road trips. He is interested in economic and fiscal policy and hopes to further his studies with a Master’s degree in public policy. After graduation, Ryan hopes to work on the Hill or at a think tank to advocate for sensible public policy. 
Wade Miller | UT Dallas
Joseph “Wade” Miller is a junior pursuing a Political Science major in the school of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences at The University of Texas at Dallas. Interested in public policy formulation, Wade will be seeking an internship with one of many think tanks in the D.C. area. He is mainly interested in constitutional interpretation and analysis, as well as economic, fiscal, and monetary policy. His future academic aspiration is to attend law school and he has been helping the Innocence Project of Texas in preparation of that goal. Additionally, Wade volunteers for the Lustgarten Foundation which raises money for Pancreatic Cancer research. He also served in the United States Marine Corps and completed three combat deployments as an infantryman and infantry squad leader. Among Wade’s numerous awards is the Humanitarian Service Medal associated with relief efforts in Sri Lanka after the 2004 tsunami. While in Washington, D.C., Wade will be interning at the Heritage Foundation. 
Setareh Mohammadie | UT Dallas
Setareh Mohammadie is a senior at the University of Texas at Dallas where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Neuroscience. She is a member of the Collegium V Honors program and Golden Key International Honour Society, as well as Alpha Epsilon Delta Premedical Honor Society. Setareh’s research on antiepileptic drugs was presented at the 2011 American Academy of Neurology Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii and the 2011 Europaediatrics Conference in Vienna, Austria. In 2010 she traveled with Physicians for Peace to the West Bank in order to provide pro bono medical services for impoverished Palestinians. The experience sparked her interest in global health issues and introduced her to the complexities of healthcare policy-making. In Washington, D.C. she hopes to work for an organization devoted to improving international health disparities before entering medical school in the fall of 2012. 
Monica Niewiarowski | UT Dallas
Monica Niewiarowski is a junior political science major at the University of Texas at Dallas. She is a Eugene McDermott Scholar, a member of the Collegium V honors college, and a member of Phi Kappa Phi. Monica has worked at the Dallas Public Defender Office as an intern in the Mental Health Division and she has also interned at Van Wey Law, PLLC, a personal injury law firm. She is a competitor in Moot Court, placing second in the 2010 South Central Regional Tournament and ranking nationally. Monica has planned events and fundraising for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through Delta Delta Delta women's fraternity. In the past, Monica has traveled abroad to study Venetian literature in the Italian Alps, tutored children in underprivileged schools, worked with Habitat for Humanity, and served as a Student Ambassador to the Office of the President. While in Washington, D.C., Monica will intern at the U.S. Supreme Court. 
Preston Nix | UT Austin
Preston Nix is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin. Preston is pursuing a double major in Honors Humanities and Government, with a specific interest in international development and international political economy. During his time at UT, Preston held leadership positions in Phi Chi Theta business fraternity, was a member of the University Investors Association, and served as a peer mentor for incoming freshman. From 2009-2011, Preston served as a University Ambassador for the University of Texas, giving tours and advice to prospective students. In his final semester he helped start a non-profit, ColorCancer, and currently serves on its board of directors. Preston hopes to find work in international development, on the policy level, and is looking forward to interning with like-minded agencies while in D.C. 
Aisha Noor | UT Dallas
Aisha Noor is a senior at the University of Texas at Dallas, where she is concurrently completing her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and pursuing her Master of Arts in Constitutional Law Studies. She is a member of the Collegium V Honors Program, a Student Ambassador for the University, an active Student Senator, and was recently initiated as a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. Since 2007, Aisha has been heavily involved in the non-Profit sector, where she has devoted much time to improving and empowering Muslim student organizations She served as Texas Regional Representative for the Muslim Youth of North America (MYNA), was an elected member of MYNA’s Executive Board as Events and Conferences Chair, and went on to serve as Treasurer on the Board of Directors of the Muslim Students Association (MSA). While in D.C., Aisha hopes to build upon these experiences and continue to pursue her passion for law and human rights. Aisha will be interning at the Supreme Court in the Office of the Curator in the spring. 
George Panoyan | UT Austin
George Panoyan is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin where he is majoring in Finance with a minor in Accounting. George volunteers his time outside of school to help those around him and serve his community. He has worked with Community Tax Centers and provided tax preparation services for low-income families in Austin. In Washington, D.C., George plans to intern for an institution that is involved in either fiscal policy, budgeting, or business regulation. In addition to his inclination for business and economics, George has a strong cultural background and enjoys music, film, and travel. 
Johann Roldan | UT Austin
Johann Roldan is a senior at the University of Texas at Austin majoring in Plan II Honors, Economics, Government and Latin American studies. He has been involved in social science research at the Lozano Long Institute of Latin American studies since his freshman year. He has interned for political science professors as well as a postdoctoral student in sociology. He is interested in macroeconomic research in Latin America as well as democratic progress. Johann is currently writing his honors thesis on the effects of higher public transport efficiency on social inequalities in Bogota, Colombia and Lima, Peru. It is in Lima, Peru where he lived for 16 years prior to moving to Port Arthur, Texas with his family. Johann plans on pursuing a Masters in Public Policy upon graduation. 
Sierra Shear | UT Austin
Sierra Shear is a junior at the University of Texas at Austin majoring in Government and History. During the summer of 2011 Sierra developed a passion for energy and environmental policy during her work for the Office of Environmental Policy and Compliance under the United States Department of the Interior. She would like to pursue this field during her internship as an Archer Fellow with the White House Council on Environmental Quality and in the future through a career in law. She participated in the Normandy Scholars Program during spring 2011 where she studied World War II during the semester then traveled with the class to Europe and explored the sites she learned about during the semester. During the summer and fall of 2010, Sierra worked for the Travis County Democratic Coordinated Campaign, and continues to participate in politics through voter registration initiatives. On campus Sierra writes the Longhorn Foodies food blog, is an active member of the Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority, and works as the Campus Legislative Coordinator for AIPAC. 
Sandy Thomas | UT Austin
Sandy Thomas is a senior at UT Austin, pursuing a major in Government and minor in Communication Studies; as well as an interdisciplinary certificate in Social Justice, Politics, and Law through the Bridging Disciplines Program with a concentration in Ethics and Leadership. She has worked for The Dean of Students Office as a Student Associate at the University for the past two years. Sandy has also served as the Volunteer Coordinator for Student Leaders Pursuing Law, a student organization aimed at increasing the presence of minority students in law schools. She has been involved in several community projects serving the community of Austin and has participated as a Student Mentor for underprivileged youth. Sandy has an interest in advancing human rights, civil liberties, and social justice. In her spare time, Sandy loves to choreograph routines for the lyrical dance group she leads, back home in Houston, Texas. 
Bryan Thompson | UT Dallas
Bryan Thompson is a graduating senior and McDermott Scholar of the University of Texas at Dallas majoring in Public Affairs with minors in Neuroscience and Political Science. During his fellowship, Bryan intends to work advocating for education equality, community development, and efficient government. On his campus Bryan has distinguished his leadership abilities as Residential Student Affairs Chair of the Student Government and Peer Advisor of Residential Life. In the greater Dallas area Bryan serves the community with Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. and as an intern at The Trinity Trust. Versed in the performing and visual arts he pursues passions as an actor, vocalist, saxophonist, and photographer. 
Derek Trimm | UT San Antonio
Derek Trimm is currently a senior at the University of Texas at San Antonio. He is double majoring in Honors Finance and Real Estate Development with a Legal Studies minor. During his time at UTSA, Derek has held numerous leadership roles, most recently finishing a full term as Student Body President as well as being selected for the UTSA Homecoming Court. He currently leads a small group in Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship and serves as Vice Chairman of the UTSA College Republicans. Fascinated with economic globalization and emerging markets, Derek traveled to China in the summer of 2011 after receiving a scholarship to participate in a country-wide cultural immersion program based out of Beijing. Due to a range of academic and extra-curricular accomplishments, Derek was recently nominated and competitively selected as one of the top 100 students in the UTSA College of Business (over 5,000 enrolled). After graduation, he intends on starting a career in business, then eventually enrolling in a dual law (J.D.)/M.B.A. program. Derek will be interning with Marathon Oil Company. 
George Wentworth | UT Arlington
George Wentworth is a senior attending the University of Texas at Arlington. He is currently majoring in Political Science with the intention of pursuing a career in foreign relations. His dream job is to be a Foreign Service Officer in order to work with Americans traveling overseas. George is an active member of several organizations on his campus and is currently serving as a senator in Student Congress. He has also worked with several volunteer agencies including Rebuilding Together to make the community around his campus better. George enjoys learning about different cultures, languages, and people. His future plans are to attend graduate school and obtain a Masters degree in International Peace and Conflict Resolution. 
Katy Womble | UT San Antonio
Katy Womble is a senior at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), majoring in History with minors in Political Science and Legal Studies. Katy is also an active member of campus life; she founded and served as President for the American Civil Liberties Union Student Chapter of UTSA. For the past six years, Katy has spent her summers developing, organizing, and participating in youth sports programs for mentally disabled children. In 2005, Katy was one of the founding members of the Colorado Springs RUSH Thunder Program, which is designed to give kids with cognitive and physical disabilities a chance to have fun through the game of soccer. After she graduates in May, Katy plans to attend law school where she will specialize in health law. 
Cathy Xie | UT Dallas
Cathy Xie is a senior honor student at the University of Texas at Dallas, working towards a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and a Bachelor of Arts in Literary Studies. She is a pre med student who hopes to eventually work as a neurosurgeon. Cathy was selected to represent the United States at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo as a student ambassador where she worked alongside major companies such as GE, Pepsico, FedEx, Citibank, and NYSE, as well negotiate compromises between the Chinese customs, Expo bureaucracy, and visiting USA diplomats. For her work she was awarded Expo’s Smiling Star award, given to one representative from each country for enthusiasm, dedication, and attitude. Cathy is also heavily involved in her university’s housing association, helping to plan programs and activities to integrate students into the campus life. She has also served as a residential advisor, managing a building of over 50 students. In D.C., Cathy hopes to gain experience and learn about how health policy is made and carried out. |
