Spring 2016 Archer Fellows
Jaqlyn Alderete | UT Austin
Jaqlyn Alderete is a junior at The University of Texas at El Paso majoring in organizational and corporate communication. She has interned for Congressman Beto O'Rourke's district office and for the Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce Government Relations Division. In addition to her studies, she is heavily involved with her sorority Alpha Xi Delta and has held the position of Vice President of Public Relations. She also served as a Senator-At-Large for the Student Government Association, where she planned and oversaw an open forum and served on the Student Application Review Committee. Upon graduation, Jaqlyn aspires to pursue a career in public affairs. 
Aliyah Ali | UT San Antonio
The National Association of County and City Health Officials Aliyah is a third-year, University of Texas at San Antonio student in the Facilitated Acceptance into Medical Education (FAME) dual-degree program. She enjoys working with children and volunteers for a medical-student run program called Art Cart that provides therapy directed arts and crafts to pediatric patients. Aliyah is interested in learning more about the basis of healthcare through health policy as well as public and global health. She plans on attending medical school later this year to pursue her dream of becoming a surgeon. 
Kathleen Alva | UT Dallas
National Archives and Records Administration Kathleen Alva is in her third year at The University of Texas at Dallas, double majoring in literary studies and arts and performance. She is a McDermott Scholar and helped create the campus literary publication, Eugraphica. Kathleen serves as a Student Ambassador and participates in Model United Nations, Newman Catholic Ministry, and numerous dance organizations. Preparing for a career in the arts, Kathleen has studied abroad in Italy, France, and Germany and plans to continue her studies in graduate school. 
Amr Arar | UT Austin
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Amr Arar is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in microbiology. Amr is interested in health disparities and the social determinants of disease. Interning for a medical sociologist at UC San Diego, Amr researched how doctors practice cultural competence in medicine. Amr also researched drug design with the Synthesis and Biological Recognition Stream. He has developed a passion for teaching as a tutor for students studying the principals of general chemistry. In the fall of 2016, Amr will attend medical school in Texas to purse an MD/MPH. 
Justin Atkinson | UT Austin
Akin Gump Justin Atkinson is a third year student at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in government and women’s and gender studies. On campus, he has been involved with student welfare, serving as both an Orientation Advisor and Resident Assistant. Justin previously worked as a staffer during Texas’ 84th Legislative Session and as an intern with the Rapoport Center for Human Rights and Justice at UT Law. He is actively involved with Texas Blazers, Voices Against Violence, and the Leadership and Ethics Institute. Justin’s interests include civil rights policy, sexual violence prevention, and anti-oppression advocacy. 
Danielle Bainter | UT Austin
U.S. Department of State Danielle Bainter is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin with a major in government and minor in history. Danielle developed a passion for policy and government after spending two summers in Washington, D.C. Danielle completed a policy internship for the Society for Women's Health Research, a non-profit advocating for appropriate inclusion of women and minorities in medical research. Additionally, she served as a public affairs intern for the U.S. Department of Commerce. Last summer, Danielle supported a Texas state political campaign as Director of Digital Engagement. This spring, Danielle will intern with the U.S. Department of State. 
Pavela Bambekova | UT San Antonio
The Urban Institute, Health Policy Center Pavela is a junior Biology major in FAME, a joint-medical program at UTSA and the Health Science Center. On campus, she co-founded HOSA: Future Health Professionals and is involved with UTSA Ambassadors, the university newspaper, and the Peer Mentorship program. For the past two years, she has been researching the handoff process at University Hospital’s Trauma Unit, shadowing at the VA’s Dermatology Clinic, and volunteering at the student-run Dermatology Clinic for the uninsured. Her community work and interests in public service make her excited to intern at the Urban Institute’s Health Policy Center during her time as an Archer Fellow. 
Luis Basurto | UT Rio Grande Valley
American Enterprise Institute Luis is a senior at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley double majoring in economics and finance with a minor in mathematics under the “Honors with Highest Distinction” track. Luis has interned with the Keystone Research Center in Harrisburg, PA, and presented his undergraduate research at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. Upon graduation, Luis plans to pursue a Ph.D. in economics. His current research interests lie in the fields of game theory, macroeconomics, and applied econometrics. Luis lives in McAllen, TX, but is originally from Tampico, Mexico. His hobbies include running, playing basketball, eating, and reading. 
Jasmine Bell | UT Austin
Center for American Progress Jasmine Bell is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin, majoring in political communication with a minor in African and African diaspora studies. In the past, she has been a legislative intern with Texas Representative Dawnna Dukes’ office and she was the Program Assistant for the HT/UT Discoverlaw.org Prelaw Uundergraduate Scholars Program. Along with her studies and work experiences, she has served as treasurer for the Prelaw Division of the National Black Law Students Association and she is a mentor in Texas Women of Excellence. After graduation, Jasmine plans to attend law school. 
David Austin Black | UT Arlington
Embassy of Canada David Austin Black is a senior at The University of Texas at Arlington majoring in political science and minoring in French. He studied in France during the summer of 2014 through a program offered by the UTA Honors College, of which he is a member. That experience coupled with a class in Russian politics sparked in Austin an interest in international law, which he plans to pursue by attending law school after successfully completing his undergraduate education. 
Joshua Bradley | UT Tyler
Representative Louie Gohmert (TX-01) Joshua Bradley is a senior at The University of Texas at Tyler where he is completing a double major in political science and economics. Heavily involved in public service, Joshua has spent five semesters interning in the district office of Representative Louie Gohmert (TX-01). Additionally, he has served as a Senator in the UTT Student Government Association and remained active in the Tyler Collegiate Model United Nations. Furthermore, he was a founding member and former Chairman of the College Republicans at UTT. Upon graduation, Joshua plans to work toward a career in foreign policy. 
Chirag Buch | UT San Antonio
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Chirag is a 3rd year student in the Facilitated Acceptance into Medical Education (FAME) Program at The University of Texas at San Antonio. He is pursuing a BS in biology and will transition to the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio to get his MD starting July 2016. He hopes to go into cardiothoracic surgery along with focusing on health policy, especially increasing the health literacy rates across America. 
Conor Danaher | UT Austin
U.S. Trade Representative Conor is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in Plan II Honors and government. His research interests in comparative politics have taken him to both Ireland and Australia, and he recently completed his honors thesis examining business lobbying in the Australian Parliament. Conor has interned at the Texas House of Representatives and has worked as a Clark Scholar at the Edward A. Clark Center for Australian & New Zealand Studies. He plans to build a career in trade policy, law, or government relations and looks forward to spending this spring in D.C. 
Aparna Datta | UT Austin
Center for American Progress Aparna is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin double majoring in government and economics with a minor in Arabic. She is an officer for the Hindu Students Association, an organization which seeks to promote cultural diversity and education on campus. She has also spent time working as a student fundraiser and supervisor at the Annual Giving Center of UT Austin. Aparna has plans to pursue law school after graduation and hopes to dedicate her life to public service. She is excited to pursue her interests and gain experience in Washington, D.C. as an Archer Fellow. 
Nick Engmann | UT Austin
Nick Engmann is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in electrical engineering and minoring in government. He has served as the director of Events and Entertainment Recreation, Vice President of Dance Something and is the logistics director of HackTX. Nick is also a Coach for Major League Hacking and travels to hackathons all over the United States to provide technical and logistical support. Nick’s academic interests include cybersecurity and defense systems, STEM education outreach, and science and technology policy. 
Sami Ghubril | UT Arlington
The Sentencing Project Sami is a senior at The University of Texas at Arlington majoring in political science with a minor in English. Since his freshman year, Sami has been interested in joining the legal profession and he is excited to gain practical public interest experience working with The Sentencing Project. In his free time, Sami enjoys figuring out new recipes and testing them on his friends. 
Gaurang Gupte | UT Arlington
Cato Institute Gaurang is a senior at The University of Texas at Arlington majoring in biology with minors in political science, electrical engineering, chemistry, math and business administration. On campus, he served as a Student Congress Senator, and founded and served as the President of the Health Catalyst Organization; Biomedical Science Society; and the UTA chapter of HOSA. He also worked as a research assistant in neuroscience and engineering labs, and his passion for community health and health policy stems from working with underserved patients in his community. Upon graduation, he will attend medical school and hopes to become a surgeon.. 
Ellen Hense | UT Austin
The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights Ellen Hense is a graduating senior at The University of Texas at Austin pursuing a degree in government with a minor in communication. Ellen’s passion for public service started when she interned with State Representative Mark Strama and was able to draft and testify for her own piece of legislation. She has an interest in civil rights and prison reform. After graduation, Ellen plans to attend law school and work as a civil rights attorney. 
Cyrus Huncharek | UT Austin
Cyrus is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in government. He spent a year as a J.J. Pickle Undergraduate Research Fellow where he assisted and conducted research on American politics. In addition to academics, Cyrus was an undergraduate fellow at the Clements Center for National Security, an associate editor for Sociological Insight Undergraduate Research Journal, and Vice President of Pi Sigma Alpha. Cyrus also has international experience as a student representative for the EUCE Brussels Program. He hopes to work in Washington, D.C. after the Archer Fellowship Program and eventually attend graduate school. 
Audra Jackson | UT Dallas
Washington Office on Latin America Audra Jackson is a senior from Houston, Texas majoring in international political economy at The University of Texas at Dallas. Her passion to serve her community has been exuded through the various roles she played on campus. She served as the President of the Sigma Mu Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and she volunteered as a Comet Cupboard Campaign Champion. She also interned for Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson in the summer of 2014. Upon graduation, Audra plans to further her career in public service and enroll in graduate school for foreign relations. 
Aysha Khan | UT Dallas
United Nations Development Programme Aysha Khan is a senior at The University of Texas at Dallas majoring in public affairs. She is interested in global development initiatives in the Middle East, with specific concern to women empowerment. She serves as a chairwoman on the state council for IGNITE Texas, advocating for greater female involvement in the political arena. Off campus, she uses her passion for the policy-making process to lobby for legislation that promotes the UN development goals. She studied abroad in Oman through the U.S. Department of State’s Critical Language Scholarship and hopes to return to advance gender equity in the region. |
Lillie Leone | UT Austin
U.S. Global Leadership Coalition Lillie is an international student at The University of Texas at Austin, and will complete her degrees in Plan II Honors, international development, and Italian culture & literature in the spring. In addition to her driving interest in international development and international relations, Lillie is passionate about cultural heritage studies. She works as an archeologist on a World Heritage Site near Pompeii, Italy and just finished her capstone thesis about the nexus between cultural heritage and socio-economic development in the Middle East and North Africa. 
Maggie Mahfood | UT Tyler
U.S. Congresswoman Candice Miller (MI-10) Maggie Mahfood is a senior at The University of Texas at Tyler majoring in political science with a minor in international relations. Throughout her undergraduate career she has been actively involved in the Tyler Collegiate Model United Nations and The University of Texas at Tyler Pre-Law Society. She is a founding member of the College Republicans and a member of the Student Government Association. Maggie works as a Teaching Assistant for the College of Business and Technology where she works with students and faculty to further their academic and professional goals. 
Megan Malisani | UT San Antonio
Megan is a senior studying economics and actuarial science at The University of Texas at San Antonio. She is writing an undergraduate thesis on the optimal degree of school system centralization in various contexts. On campus, she is a leader within the professional business fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi and is involved with the Professional Business Women's Society. Megan is pursuing a career as a policy analyst. Her primary research interests are education and development economics. 
Demetrius Martinez | UT Rio Grande Valley
Demetrius Martinez is a senior at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley majoring in political science and minoring in legal studies and statistics. As a student leader, he has served as a co-president of the Pre-Law Society, secretary to Eta Omicron Nu under the Guerra Honors program, and as secretary to the Dean's student advisory council. As a student researcher, he presented his senior honors thesis on local healthcare in the Rio Grande Valley at the National Undergraduate Research Conference. After graduating, he plans to pursue a joint degree in law and public policy. 
Priya Mathew | UT Dallas
Priya is a junior at The University of Texas at Dallas. She is a McDermott Scholar majoring in neuroscience with minors in music and political science. Priya is a member of the Collegium V Honors Program and a Student Ambassador for the Office of the President at the university. Priya has volunteered at local hospitals and clinics in Dallas and among the urban teen population in south San Antonio. Through these experiences, Priya found her passion in public health and human services. Priya intends to earn degrees in medicine and public health after graduation. 
Kolten Morris | UT Austin
U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means Kolten is a junior at The University of Texas at Austin. He is currently enrolled in the Masters in Accounting Program’s taxation track, while concurrently pursuing a degree in government. Kolten is hoping to finish his undergraduate education and then attend law school after working in consulting or advising for a few years. 
Amy Nabozny | UT Austin
Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) Amy is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin double majoring in history and government. On campus, she has served as the president of College Republicans, a program host at UT's student radio station KVRX 9.17FM, and is a member of the Austin Inter-Cooperative Council. Amy has worked in the Texas House of Representatives, as well as in campaign finance for U.S Senate races. After graduation, she aspires to move to D.C and work on Capitol Hill. 
Vinh-Son Nguyen | UT San Antonio
U.S. House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology Vinh-Son Nguyen is a third year student in a seven-year combined BS/MD program (FAME) through The University of Texas at San Antonio and The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Combining his love of medicine and space, Vinh-Son has completed several internship rotations with NASA in the Department of Human Research. In Washington, D.C. he hopes to further explore his interests of space exploration, science, and public policy. In his free time, Vinh-Son creates content for his page “Humans of UTSA” which documents the lives of students and faculty around campus through insightful stories and photographs. 
Jan Ross Piedad | UT Austin
National Public Radio Jan Ross will be graduating with a Bachelor of Journalism from The University of Texas at Austin in May 2016, with a government minor and interdisciplinary certificate in social inequality, health, and policy. She served on the Texas Student Media board of operating trustees, UNA-USA Austin board of directors and facilitated communications for the Innovations for Peace and Development research lab. Recently, she has worked at KUT Public Media, Texas Exes, and was a summer fellow in the Office of the Texas Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism division. She hopes to produce culturally-relevant digital content and eventually work in non-profit communications. 
Arjun Rawal | UT Austin
United States Agency for International Development Arjun is a University of Texas at Austin senior double majoring in government and Middle Eastern languages and cultures. His study of Arabic inspired a passion for helping Middle Eastern communities sustain themselves. Working in Egypt with a gender equality project and developing self-sustainable micro-business owners on a farm in South Africa solidified Arjun’s interest in development policy—a nexus of issues Arjun is eager to learn more about while in D.C. Excited to use these experiences, Arjun hopes to work in the Middle East to pursue a career in sustainable development policy after graduation. 
Clark Reeder | UT Austin
U.S. Department of State Clark Reeder is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin, double majoring in Plan I Honors, government and Latin American studies. He has previously interned with the U.S. Department of State at the U.S. Embassy in Belize. This past spring and summer, he worked for Texas Star Alliance as a legislative analyst. On campus, he keeps busy as the President of Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honors Society. Clark is also a member and officer in the Omicron Chapter of Kappa Alpha Order. This spring, he will have the opportunity to intern with the U.S. Department of State in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs. 
Bianca Rosales | UT Austin
EMILY's List Bianca is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in human relations and earning a certificate in Ethics and Leadership in Law, Politics, and Government through the Bridging Disciplines Program. During her time as an undergraduate student, Bianca has been involved with various campaigns through her work as a grassroots organizer and is a former communications intern for Texas State Representative Justin Rodriguez. Bianca is passionate about combating the injustices faced by marginalized groups of people—specifically women. Upon graduation, she plans to attend law school and pursue a career in public service. 
Preston Rose | UT Austin
U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10) Preston is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in government and international relations and minoring in Spanish and European Studies. On campus he is involved the men’s service organization, Texas Wranglers. He has previously interned with the Ben Barnes Group and the Texas House of Representatives. A few of his academic interests are comparative politics and national security policy. After graduation he is considering wide range of post-graduation opportunities including attending law school or working in a politics related position. 
Casey Sublett | UT Dallas
Casey Sublett is a senior at The University of Texas at Dallas, majoring in global business and marketing with a minor in political science. At UT Dallas, she is an active member of Student Government, Kappa Alpha Theta, Student Ambassadors, and the Davidson Management Honors Program. Pursuing her interest in international cultures and language, Casey studied abroad in Cologne, Germany last fall. She is passionate about environmental issues and has worked as an intern with the UT Dallas Office of Sustainability. 
Maysa Torabi | UT Austin
Maysa is a senior Liberal Arts Honors student at The University of Texas at Austin. She is pursuing a degree in government, and minors in Persian language and business. During her time at UT, she has served as a legislative fellow with Representative Abel Herrero's office and on the Texas House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee. On campus, Maysa is involved in her sorority, Delta Gamma, where she served as their Vice President: Finance, Director of Values and Ethics, as well as a member of their judicial board. This past summer, she interned for law firm Sidley Austin, LLP in Palo Alto, California. 
Katie Truesdale | UT Dallas
C-SPAN Katie Truesdale is a graduating senior at The University of Texas at Dallas majoring in emerging media and communication with a minor in political science. On campus, she has been highly involved with Student Government, Kappa Alpha Theta, No Labels, and Student Ambassadors, and has worked with Court Appointed Special Advocates of Collin County. Upon graduation in May, Katie plans to continue residing in Washington, D.C. where she will pursue a career in public relations and communication. 
Caitlyn Valadez| UT Austin
U.S. Department of Education Caitlyn Valadez is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in government, created a minor studying the effects higher education on immigrants through the Polymathic Scholars Program, and is obtaining a certificate in business. She was able to study in the United Kingdom for a summer, where she completed research on their welfare policy for her thesis. She has worked in the Office of Admissions for two and a half years as an Admissions Ambassador which ignited her passion for education. Upon graduation, Caitlyn will continue working in higher education and ultimately plans to attend graduate school. 
Reginaldo Valdez | UT Austin
Reginaldo is a Gates Millennium Scholar and senior at The University of Texas at Austin double majoring in international relations & global studies and government with a certification in international business. Reginaldo has interned with the Immigration Clinic at The University of Texas Law School, D.C. Law Students in Court, the Texas House of Representatives, and served as president of his chapter of Chi-Phi Fraternity. Reginaldo has studied abroad in France, Spain, and Cuba analyzing business relations with the respective governments. Upon graduation, he plans to pursue a career in politics. 
Sahare Wazirali | UT Austin
Sahare Wazirali is a fourth year student at The University of Texas at Austin studying neuroscience and health policy. After her years in human rights work as Texas Student Activist Coordinator for Amnesty International, Sahare got involved with addiction research at UT Austin and policy work with the University of Texas System to pursue her passion for mental health related rights. Her research focus involves reducing recidivism rates of people suffering from substance abuse. Upon graduation, she will pursue an MD in the hopes of becoming a neurologist and contributing to national health policy discussions. 
Rachel Wenzlaff | UT Austin
ABC News Rachel Wenzlaff is a senior journalism major and sociology minor at The University of Texas at Austin. She plans to pursue a career in broadcast media and documentary storytelling. She intends to use her time as an Archer Fellow to expand her knowledge of politics and governmental proceedings and to obtain an internship that will advance her skills in digital media. She hopes to one day work for NFL Films or VICE. She is a former cheerleader turned CrossFit athlete. |
