Spring 2024 Archer Fellows
Julian Alin | The University of Texas at Austin
House Democracy Partnership Julian Alin is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin double majoring in government and international relations and global studies with minors in Arabic and economics. On campus, Alin served as co-president of the IRG Council and conducted research with Innovations for Peace and Development. Alin is a Clements Center Undergraduate Fellow in national security and was previously a Brumley Next Generation Scholar in international policy. He has interned at Talent Beyond Boundaries in Amman, Jordan, working on refugee resettlement, and at the Office of U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (TX-37). After graduation, Alin hopes to pursue a career in foreign policy or national security. 
Zoe Andritsos | The University of Texas at El Paso
Federal Internship Zoe Andritsos is a senior at The University of Texas at El Paso majoring in economics with minors in management and legal reasoning. On campus, she served as chief justice of the Student Government Association’s Supreme Court, treasurer of Omicron Delta Epsilon, member of the Law School Preparation Institute, and was a Miner Ambassador. She previously worked as a political science tutor, a legal intern at a local employment law firm representing workers, and an undergraduate research assistant in the Law and Border Studies department. Proud to be from the borderland, Andritsos aspires to help defend the rights of immigrants and women by attending law school and working in civil rights law or diplomacy. 
Dena Antowan | The University of Texas at Austin
Alliance for Health Policy Dena Antowan is a junior at The University of Texas at Austin pursuing a dual degree in public health and history. On campus, she served as co-director of UT Student Government's Governmental Relations Agency and held roles as a resident assistant, statistics undergraduate course assistant, and supplemental history instructor. Motivated by her experience growing up on the borderland, Antowan is passionate about healthcare equity and science. She has contributed to health accessibility initiatives for marginalized communities with Dell Medical School and Texas Tech Health Sciences Center. After graduation, she plans to attend medical school and pursue a career in health policy and patient advocacy. 
Asha Ayyar | The University of Texas at Austin
Office of U.S. Representative Colin Allred (TX-32) Asha Ayyar is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in biochemistry with a minor in health communication. She holds interests in healthcare and science policy. On campus, she served as a mentor for the College of Natural Science’s Advanced Research Initiative and was a PCL STEM tutor. As digital committee chair of TX Votes, Ayyar helped promote civic engagement among students on campus by registering student voters and publishing a biweekly newsletter with election updates and civic information. After graduation, Ayyar plans to attend medical school and stay engaged in healthcare policy. 
Brianna Bazan | The University of Texas at El Paso
Office of U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro (TX-20) Brianna Bazan is a senior at The University of Texas at El Paso majoring in political science with a minor in general business. On campus, she was the marketing director for IGNITE, an organization that empowers women to participate in politics. She was also a member of the Law School Preparation Institute and the Criminal Justice Mentorship Program. As a former intern in the district office of U.S. Representative Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Bazan’s experience handling constituent casework deepened her passion for addressing societal issues. In this role, Bazan assisted numerous individuals and families by connecting them with resources tailored to their situations. Bazan’s love for the El Paso community is what motivates her to share her cultural experiences with those outside her hometown while improving her ability to become a well-equipped public servant. After graduation, Bazan plans to attend law school to pursue a career as an attorney and government official. 
Tara Bocock | Stephen F. Austin State University
Partnership for Public Service Tara Bocock is a junior at Stephen F. Austin State University majoring in political science with a minor in pre-law. Bocock earned an associate degree in paralegal studies at Angelina College. Off campus, she was the bar manager at Roma Italian Bistro and interned for Tatum and Tatum Attorneys at Law. After ten years of restaurant experience, she is passionate about worker's rights and plans to pursue law school with a focus in employment law. 
Juan Castro | The University of Texas at Dallas
Office of U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (NY) Juan Castro is a senior at The University of Texas at Dallas majoring in business with a minor in political science. On campus, Castro served as a student ambassador for the Naveen Jindal School of Management, competed on the Mock Trial and Mediation teams, and was vice president for the Society of Human Resource Management. Through the Texas Legislative Internship Program, Castro interned for the office of Texas State Senator Royce West (SD-23), serving his community of Dallas during the 88th Legislative Session. Castro gained invaluable insight from his time at the Texas State Capitol, experiencing the power and importance of advocacy and determination within our democracy. After graduation, Castro plans to pursue law school to help promote the economic development and social empowerment of others. 
Allison Chiang | The University of Texas at Dallas
Center for American Progress Allison Chiang is a junior at The University of Texas at Dallas majoring in information technology and systems. On campus, she was the vice president of the Artificial Intelligence Society, a volunteer consultant for 180 Degrees Consulting, and a freshman mentor. Alongside those roles, she was a software engineer intern at Visa and a data science fellow for Bluebonnet Data. In her free time, Chiang enjoys reading memoirs, researching fashion, and playing video and board games. After graduation, she wants to pursue a career in artificial intelligence, with current interests in machine learning and AI consulting. 
Kirsten Corrigan | The University of Texas at Austin
Office of U.S. Representative Greg Casar (TX-35) Kirsten Corrigan is a junior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in government with a minor in religious studies and a certificate in ethics and leadership in health care. Corrigan has gained valuable expertise in the legal field, tutoring and education, and political organizing. She worked as a field organizer for a political organization, which led to the election of the current mayor of Austin, TX. On campus, she conducted undergraduate research related to the politics of health care and served as president of UT Austin’s chapter of Her Campus, an international online collegiate magazine. She also served on the executive board of UT Austin's chapter of Girl Up, a United Nations Foundation, as their service coordinator. In her free time, she enjoys writing, painting, and watching movies. After graduation, Corrigan intends to attend law school and work in healthcare law and policy. 
Jacob Cosgrove | The University of Texas at Austin
Federal Internship Jacob Cosgrove is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin double majoring in Middle Eastern studies, with a focus on national security, as well as international relations and global studies. Cosgrove was an Undergraduate Senior Fellow at the Clements Center and a former Brumley Undergraduate Scholar with the Strauss Center, where he researched education reform in the Gaza Strip. His academic interests include exploring the history of the modern Middle East, with a focus on U.S. foreign policy in the region since the Second World War. Cosgrove recently finished his Middle Eastern studies capstone project, titled Winds Blow East: Erdogan’s Quest for Regional Hegemony, which detailed Turkish foreign policy during the Erdogan years. 
Carolyn Diaz | The University of Texas at Austin
U.S. Society for International Development Carolyn Diaz is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in international relations and global studies. A first-generation college student, Diaz has served as the community engagement director for Women in Foreign Affairs, competed with UT Austin’s traveling Model United Nations team, and was a social media coordinator for UT Austin’s National Association of Hispanic Journalists. She was also a Brumley Scholar and held internship positions in various institutions including Jerusalem Peacebuilders, Malala Fund, and Ubongo. Diaz hopes to further her interest in international development through the Archer Fellowship and plans to pursue a career in the field after graduation. 
Nithya Eluri | The University of Texas at Dallas
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Nithya Eluri is a junior Terry Scholar at The University of Texas at Dallas majoring in information technology and systems with a minor in political science. She has worked at Keurig Dr. Pepper as their IT corporate functions and international relations intern. On campus, she wrote for the student-led newspaper, The Mercury, served as vice president of writing for Model United Nations, was a nonprofit consultant for 180 Degrees Consulting, and is a member of Alpha Kappa Psi. Passionate about integrating technology into Child Protective Services, she seeks to enhance children's safety by innovating data collection, streamlining operations, and improving interagency communication. 
Camila Estrada | The University of Texas at Dallas
Legal Aid DC Camila Estrada is a senior at The University of Texas at Dallas majoring in criminology with a minor in political science in the Collegium V Honors Program. Estrada is a first-generation Mexican immigrant interested in legal advocacy and criminal justice reform. On campus, she served as the treasurer for the League of United Latin American Citizens, where she focused on increasing civic engagement and volunteerism among members of the organization. She has also served as a family leader for the Undergraduate Success Scholars program, where she mentored students from underrepresented minority communities. Estrada is a member of the John Marshall Pre-Law Society and UT Dallas’ nationally ranked Moot Court team. After participating in the Innocence Project Seminar and reviewing wrongful conviction claims, Estrada is passionate about exploring the economic and racial disparities in the criminal justice system, addressing the causes of mass incarceration, and advocating for rehabilitative programs. After graduation, Estrada plans to complete a master’s degree in criminology and then attend law school to pursue a career as an attorney. 
Kayla V. Eulloqui |
The University of Texas at El Paso Office of U.S. Representative Veronica Escobar (TX-16) Kayla V. Eulloqui is a senior at The University of Texas at El Paso majoring in political science with a minor in psychology. Eulloqui is passionate about creating a nation where everyone has a roof over their head, a warm meal, quality education, and access to free and quality healthcare. On campus, she served as vice president for Miners Against Hunger and held roles as marketing director and president for IGNITE at UTEP. Off campus, Eulloqui was a Frontera Fellow for U.S. Representative Veronica Escobar (TX-16) as part of the Democracy Summer program in 2022. She later worked as a campaign assistant for Escobar’s campaign and became a congressional intern at her district office. Eulloqui also worked as a campaign volunteer coordinator with the Nancy Casas for District Attorney campaign. After graduation, Eulloqui plans to work for the city of El Paso and eventually run for city council to learn more about the city she dreams of representing in the United States House of Representatives. 
Maya Guerra | The University of Texas at Austin
White House Office of the First Lady Maya Guerra is a junior in the Liberal Arts Honors program at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in government with a minor in Mexican American and Latina/o studies. On campus, she served as associate director of scholarship for UT Student Government, diversity chair for Texas Spirits, and student ambassador for the Liberal Arts Honors program. She has contributed to the global research project, the Comparative Constitutions Project, under Dr. Ashley Moran, and recently interned with the office of Texas State Representative Diego Bernal (HD-123) in the 88th Legislative Session. Guerra hopes to attend law school after graduation to become a civil rights attorney. 
Audrey Harris | The University of Texas at Tyler
The John W. Kluge Center at the U.S. Library of Congress Audrey Harris is a senior at The University of Texas at Tyler double majoring in political science and history. She has served as vice president of communications, director of scholarship, and honor board member for her sorority, Delta Gamma, and was vice president of member education for National Panhellenic Council. Additionally, she served as a senator and judicial board member for UT Tyler’s Student Government Association and has been on the President's Honor Roll for all four semesters she has been enrolled. Off campus, Harris interned with Garland City Hall in Garland, Texas. 
Anthony Hernandez | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Office of U.S. Representative Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) Anthony Hernandez is a senior at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley majoring in political science with a minor in English. On campus, he served as the representative for the Department of Political Science in the College of Liberal Arts Student Advisory Committee. Hernandez was selected to participate in the Texas Legislative Internship Program and assigned to the office of Texas State Representative Janie Lopez (HD-37), where he served as a legislative aide, administrative aide, and co-director of the digital strategy team for the 88th Legislative Session. Upon returning to the Rio Grande Valley, Hernandez worked as a legal assistant at the Agustin Hernandez Law Firm until joining The University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley Division of Governmental & Community Relations. After graduation, Hernandez plans to attend law school. 
Alexis Hoeller | The University of Texas at Austin
U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security Alexis Hoeller is a junior at The University of Texas at Austin double majoring in international relations and global studies, as well as Asian cultures and languages (Mandarin). She served as the 2023 president of Texas Spirits, an honorary service, social, and spirit organization for women and non-binary students. Additionally, Hoeller is a Clements Center Fellow, vice chair of the Student Conduct Board, a resident assistant for Jefferson Scholars Living Learning Community, and has worked in the Politics of Race and Ethnicity Lab at UT Austin. 
Chloe Holliman | The University of Texas at Austin
The White House- Office of Presidential Correspondence Chloe Holliman is a junior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in Plan II Honors and government with a minor in French and a certificate in core texts and ideas. On campus, she was an active member of Delta Gamma and an officer for the Plan II Student Association. Additionally, she worked as a teacher's assistant under Dr. Mounira Charrad and as a staff writer with The Texas Orator. Holliman is interested in exploring her passion for writing by working in political communications and researching new ways to think about freedom of speech in the digital age. 
Jeremiah Joseph | The University of Texas at Arlington
Partnership for Public Service Jeremiah Joseph is a junior Instem Scholar at The University of Texas at Arlington pursuing a dual honors degree in clinical and applied physiology and philosophy & ethics with minors in biochemistry, biology, political science, medical humanities, and leadership honors. Joseph's professional path includes roles as a university-level teacher and tutor, a medical assistant and assistant administrator in home health and hospice, and a marketing lead, all dedicated to serving disadvantaged communities. In his early college years, Joseph contributed as a research assistant in The Neurovascular Physiology Lab, securing multiple research fellowships, scholarships, and awards sponsored by renowned institutions such as NIH, NSF, AHA, USDHHS, and NSMTF. His recent transition into health informatics saw him contributing as a research assistant for The Wilson Lab. Beyond academics and research, Joseph holds key positions as the director of community health advancement at Bear Creek Community Church and vice president of The Rotaract Club of UT Arlington. After graduation, he plans to pursue a dual M.D./Ph.D. degree in medicine and health policy or health economics. 
Victoria Kidder | The University of Texas at San Antonio
The White House Council of Economic Advisers Victoria Kidder is a junior at The University of Texas at San Antonio double majoring in political science and economics. On campus, she competed as part of the first UTSA Mock Trial team, returning as the attorney captain the following year and assisting in the creation of a trial and appellate advocacy class. She also served as a junior senator in the Student Government Association and as the director of academic achievement for her sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha. Off campus, Kidder was a UTSA Legislative Fellow, where she interned full-time for the Texas Senate Finance Committee and Texas State Senator Joan Huffman (SD-17) during the 88th Legislative Session. She has also interned in the San Antonio district office of U.S. Senator John Cornyn (TX) and for San Antonio City Councilwoman Ana Sandoval. Developing a passion for public office, Kidder has worked on a U.S. congressional campaign and served as field director for a campaign in her hometown. After graduation, she plans to attend law school to navigate the intersection between law and economic policy in order to help reduce socioeconomic inequity. 
Madison Lindsey | The University of Texas at Austin
Office of U.S. Representative Jim Himes (CT-04) Madison Lindsey is a junior in the Liberal Arts Honors program at The University of Texas at Austin double majoring in government and humanities. On campus, she served as assistant director to the Women's Resource Agency, a volunteer for Students Expanding Austin Literacy, and a government tutor for UT Austin Intercollegiate Athletics. Off campus, Lindsey has served as a governing body member for the Assistance League of Seattle, a content writer for Jasper Artificial Intelligence, a development advisor for the nonprofit Boosting Bravery, and an intern for the Energy Action Project in Paris, France. Upon graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in federal policy development. 
Brandon Lippert | The University of Texas Permian Basin
Washington Performing Arts / The Kennedy Center Brandon Lippert is a senior at The University of Texas Permian Basin majoring in music education. On campus, he has served as the vice chair and undergraduate committee chair of the UT System Student Advisory Council, president of the Student Government Association, drum major for the Spirit of the Permian Basin Marching Band, and student orientation coordinator. Off campus, Lippert has held roles as an active instructor and consultant for numerous music programs in the region, a P.A. announcer for various sports and performing arts-related endeavors, and an active public speaker and leadership consultant in the community. After graduation, he hopes to become a music educator and to further pursue a career in education and educational leadership. 
Gavin Loyd | The University of Texas at Austin
Sol Systems Gavin Loyd is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in international relations and global studies. He is passionate about the intersection of data science and international development. On campus, he has been the academics chair for the International Affairs Society, a project lead at the Innovations for Peace and Development research lab, and a research assistant at the Clark Center. Off campus, Loyd participated as a PPIA Junior Summer Institute Fellow and served as a judge for high school debate tournaments. After graduation, Loyd plans to pursue a master's degree and work in monitoring and evaluation for international development projects. |
Jamie Mahowald | The University of Texas at Austin
The John W. Kluge Center at the U.S. Library of Congress Jamie Mahowald is a junior Plan II Honors student at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in mathematics with minors in Latin and government. His work as a research assistant for the UT School of Law and Department of Government and his internship at the U.S. Department of Justice cemented his interest in working at the intersection of data science and government. He is involved with the Phi Chi Theta business fraternity and the Texas Undergraduate Law Journal. Mahowald plans to pursue a master’s degree in applied mathematics or data science and hopes to contribute to the modernization of national intelligence in the 21st century. 
Chris Mathew | The University of Texas at Dallas
TechCongress Chris Mathew is a junior at The University of Texas at Dallas double majoring in information technology systems and finance. On campus, he was the partnership director for 180 Degrees Consulting and recruitment chair for the Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity. Off campus, he has studied abroad in Grenoble, France, at the Grenoble Ecole De Management and completed an internship at Capital One as a business analyst intern. After graduation, Mathew hopes to pursue a career in management consulting. 
Molly McIlhinney | The University of Texas at Austin
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP Molly McIlhinney is a junior at The University of Texas at Austin pursuing a dual degree in government and journalism with certificates in core texts and ideas and business Spanish. She is originally from Atlanta, Georgia, and spent the summer between her junior and senior year abroad in Santander, Spain. On campus, she has served on the Student Conduct Board and was a staff writer for The Daily Texan. Off campus, McIlhinney has interned with the offices of U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10) and Texas State Representative Ryan Guillen (HD-31). After graduation, she is interested in pursuing law school to regulate Big Tech and study the impact of local, national, and international politics on our larger society. 
Geoffrey McMain | The University of Texas at Dallas
Center for American Progress Geoffrey McMain is a junior honors student at The University of Texas at Dallas majoring in political science with a minor in philosophy. On campus, he has worked as a political science research assistant, served as vice president of the Association of Brazilian Students, and interned with MOVE Texas, a youth civic engagement nonprofit organization. Off campus, McMain was a legal intern at KB Carlton, an estate planning law firm, and volunteered for a local immigration nonprofit. After graduation, McMain plans to attend law school and work as an immigration attorney. 
Olivia Miller | The University of Texas at Dallas
American Enterprise Institute Olivia Miller is a junior National Merit Scholar at The University of Texas at Dallas double majoring in global business and international political economy. She has served as vice president of membership for Alpha Kappa Psi and was the team lead for 180 Degrees Consulting. Off campus, Miller worked with the Mackinac Center for Public Policy and the Foundation for Economic Education. In the summer of 2024, Miller will intern with Bain & Company, a global management consulting firm. Her international experiences include studying abroad in Paris, France, and Taipei, Taiwan. After graduation, Miller intends to pursue a career in management consulting and eventually pivot her focus to the nonprofit sector. 
Josselyn Rachel Molina | The University of Texas at El Paso
Office of U.S. Representative Veronica Escobar (TX-16) Josselyn Rachel Molina is a senior at The University of Texas at El Paso majoring in economics with a minor in legal reasoning. On campus, she was a mentee of El Paso Women’s Bar Association and participated in the Law School Preparation Institute. As a member of the Student Government Association, Molina has served as a senator-at-large, chair of the Student Application Review Committee, and spearheaded UTEP’s Project Periodt. After graduation, Molina aims to attend law school, become an attorney, and open a law firm to provide affordable legal assistance. 
Loren Nix | The University of Texas at Austin
Center for Strategic and International Studies Loren Nix is a junior Polymathic Scholar at The University of Texas at Austin, triple majoring in physics, mathematics, and government with a minor in Russian. On campus, she worked as a research assistant in the J.J. Pickle Undergraduate Research Fellowship and the Policy Research Lab. She is a member of Texas Rock Climbing and the International Affairs Society. After graduation, she hopes to become a quantitative policy analyst focusing on the overlap of STEM and international policy. 
Anna Port | The University of Texas at Austin
Office of U.S. Senator Tom Carper (DE) Anna Port is a junior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in government with a minor in communication studies. She is interested in various realms of law and conducting policy research after being involved in the J.J. Pickle Undergraduate Research Fellowship. On campus, she served as a member of the chapter management team of her sorority, Delta Gamma, as the vice president of programming, and as a writer for the Undergraduate Law Journal. Off campus, Port worked at Locke Lord LLP, where she assisted a team of lawyers that specialize in commercial real estate and finance. After graduation, Port plans to attend law school and aspires to pursue a career in civil rights law. She is passionate about public policy and is excited to learn more about political advocacy and the policymaking process. 
Misha Rafiq | The University of Texas at Austin
The White House Office of Legislative Affairs Misha Rafiq is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin double majoring in government and international relations and global studies with a minor in Arabic. Rafiq's interests are in foreign affairs, law, and public policy. On campus, she served as the director of the Governmental Relations Agency within the UT Student Government. Off campus, she worked as a legislative intern with the office of Texas State Senator José Menéndez (SD-26) and was a policy intern for the Fort Bend County Constable’s Office, where she worked with advocates to draft a body camera usage policy for Fort Bend County law enforcement, which has now become standard operating practice. Additionally, Rafiq participated in the University of Houston Law Center's Scholar I program, immersing herself in introductory first-year law school courses. After graduation, Rafiq plans to pursue a dual degree in law and public policy. 
Matthew "Matt" Rodriguez | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Office of U.S. Representative Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) Matthew "Matt" Rodriguez is a senior Greater Texas Foundation Scholar at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley majoring in political science with a minor in legal studies. On campus, he served as a member of the Political Science Association and Mock Trial Competition Team. At the age of 18, Rodriguez worked as a patient experience navigator at his local hospital during the pandemic to develop and maintain COVID-19 policies. He has interned with U.S. Representative Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) in his district office, worked under Hidalgo County District Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez, and interned with Texas State Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa (SD-20) during the 88th Legislative Session. Additionally, Rodriguez has written news-breaking articles as a staff writer for The Daily Monitor newspaper. After graduation, Rodriguez plans to attend law school and work as a prosecutor or venture into public policy regarding criminal justice. Outside of work, Rodriguez is a proud dog-dad to two loving Labradors, Harley and Bentley. 
Ayesha Sayyed | The University of Texas at Dallas
Office of U.S. Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) Ayesha Sayyed is a senior at The University of Texas at Dallas majoring in healthcare studies with a double minor in public health and political science. Her interests in serving her community and reducing health disparities have defined her career aspirations. She has served as a certified EMT supervisor and volunteer medical assistant for a free medical clinic in her community and was an event coordinator for Spreading Smiles, a local nonprofit organization that aims to empower underserved populations and refugees. She has also interned at UT Southwestern and UT Rio Grande Valley, gaining invaluable experience serving vulnerable communities. On campus, she has mentored freshmen students as part of the Freshman Mentor Program and served as the vice president of the Pakistani Students Association to foster diversity and inclusion. She enjoys traveling, playing video games, and reading novels in her free time. After graduation, Sayyed hopes to work towards a career at the intersection of medicine and public policy with a commitment to public health. 
Fatima Sayyed | The University of Texas at Dallas
The White House Office of the Vice President Fatima Sayyed is a senior at The University of Texas at Dallas majoring in healthcare studies with minors in Spanish and political science. On campus, she served as president of the Pakistani Students Association, a mentor in the Freshman Mentor Program, and an undergraduate case analyst in the Innocence Project of Texas. In her community, Sayyed has held pivotal roles as an event coordinator with Spreading Smiles, a local nonprofit organization committed to serving the underserved in Dallas, TX, and was a first aid provider on the Emergency First Responder Team at her community center. In addition to her local contributions, Sayyed has volunteered at Baylor Scott and White Centennial in the Emergency Department and completed a medical internship at Texas Tech Health Science Center – El Paso. These diverse experiences have profoundly shaped Sayyed's perspective on the critical role of public health in the United States. Looking ahead, she aspires to deepen her impact in this field by pursuing a joint M.D./M.P.H. degree after graduation, showcasing her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on healthcare and the broader community. 
Emily Seddighzadeh
The University of Texas at San Antonio The John W. Kluge Center at the U.S. Library of Congress Emily Seddighzadeh is a senior at The University of Texas at San Antonio majoring in geography and environmental sustainability with minors in public administration and policy and civic engagement. On campus, she has held offices with a variety of organizations, including the Terry Scholar Student Organization, Geography Society, Green Society, and the United Nations Millennium Fellows. During her research on Iran's water crisis, she adopted a keen interest in the intersection of environmental policy, human rights, and international relations. Off campus, Seddighzadeh interned with the San Antonio Housing Authority and San Antonio Botanical Gardens through the city's Ambassador Program. After graduation, she plans to attend law school to pursue a career in environmental law. 
Heer Shah | The University of Texas at Dallas
Alliance for Health Policy Heer Shah is a junior at The University of Texas at Dallas majoring in biology. Her interest in global health equity led her to pursue UT Dallas’ Peace Corps Prep Program, where she earned a certificate. On campus, Shah served as editor-in-chief of Partners in Health Engage and as a board member of Global Medical Brigades. Additionally, she was a research assistant at the Developmental Neurolinguistics Lab with Dr. Mandy Maguire, a grant associate at CERASAV, a nonprofit organization that aids survivors of acid violence, and a student fellow for the Beto for Texas campaign. Off campus, she volunteered as a medical assistant at the Islamic Center of Frisco and the ED triage of Baylor Centennial. Upon graduation, Shah hopes to attend medical school to become an OBGYN and advocate for gender-affirming hormone replacement therapy. 
Kashov Sharma | The University of Texas at Austin
U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Energy and Commerce, Innovation, Data and Commerce Subcommittee Kashov Sharma is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in electrical and computer engineering on the data science track. During his first year at UT Austin, he interned with Intel, where he gained exposure to designing semiconductor chips and the challenges of U.S. manufacturing on the cutting edge. Sharma has gone on to work as a product manager at Atlassian and Medallion in the tech sector. On campus, he has served as the president of the Texas Product Engineering Organization and is an Undergraduate Brumley Scholar. 
Steven “Drew” Shaw | The University of Texas at Arlington
Al Jazeera Steven “Drew” Shaw is a senior at The University of Texas at Arlington pursuing a dual degree in journalism and political science with a certificate in digital media. On campus, Shaw is a member of the Honors College, and he has served as news editor and managing editor for the university’s student publication, The Shorthorn. He has also worked as the executive editor for The Lonestar Sentinel, an Arlington news-desert initiative, and has served as a student ambassador for the Department of Communication. In between writing, Shaw enjoys hiking, travel photography, and making music. He plans to enter a career in journalism, exploring options in international correspondence and political reporting. 
Jaxson Shealy | The University of Texas at Austin
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities Jaxson Shealy is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in government with a minor in philosophy. On campus, he was the vice president of BridgeTexas and a staff writer for The Texas Orator. Off campus, he worked as a research assistant for the IC2 Institute and a teacher's assistant for Professor Jackson Dorsey, served on the Board and Finance Committee of College Houses Inc., and was the director of the Taos student housing cooperative. Volunteering with the Mother Teresa homeless shelter in Dallas, TX, made him passionate about social policy. After graduation, Shealy plans to pursue graduate studies in political science and social policy. 
Natalie Sinha | The University of Texas at Austin
The Atlantic Council - Global Energy Center Natalie Sinha is a junior Canfield Business Honors student at The University of Texas at Austin double majoring in business and sustainability studies with minors in management information systems and business and public policy. On campus, she served as a student associate for the Global Sustainability Leadership Institute and was involved with her sorority, Delta Gamma, and her business fraternity, Alpha Kappa Psi. Sinha is a licensed drone pilot, environmental advocate, dancer, and caesar salad enthusiast. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career at the intersection of business and environmental activism. 
Zachary Thomas | The University of Texas at Dallas
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Zachary Thomas is a senior at The University of Texas at Dallas double majoring in accounting and finance with a minor in public policy. With a passion for law and litigation, he gained invaluable experience as a teen attorney at his city's municipal court, interning with nonprofit organizations, and participating in the Congressional Youth Advisory Council, hosted by former U.S. Representative Sam Johnson (TX-03). On campus, Thomas has served as an active member of the Financial Leadership Association and Toastmasters. Off campus, he completed internships at prestigious firms, including KPMG, CBRE, and Weaver & Tidwell. After graduation, Thomas aims to attend law school, specializing in regulatory affairs within the financial sector. 
Dylan Torres | The University of Texas at Arlington
Center for Presidential Transitions Dylan Torres is a senior at The University of Texas at Arlington majoring in political science with a minor in criminal justice. On campus, he served as a community service chair for Freshman Leaders on Campus and was a member of UTA Volunteers and the Pre-Law Society. Torres was also a live-in peer mentor for the UTA Men of Distinction, played a foundational role in establishing the Hispanic Leadership Council, and worked as the department ambassador for the Department of Political Science. Off campus, Torres worked as the director of student outreach for former Arlington City Councilman Marvin Sutton and was a member of Texas State Representative Salaman Bhojani (TX-92)'s Hispanic Advisory Council. After graduation, Torres plans to dedicate a year to AmeriCorps before pursuing law school. 
Mandy Tran | The University of Texas at Austin
The White House Council on Environmental Quality Mandy Tran is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in environmental science with a certificate in public policy. After organizing mutual aid alongside fellow Houstonians in the aftermath of Winter Storm Uri, Tran decided to become an urban ecologist whose research can inform policies related to climate change mitigation within cities. On campus, they proposed school-level greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategies as a data analyst of the Climate Leaders Program, and off campus they conducted their senior thesis on plant ecology at the Brackenridge Field Laboratory. Tran loves fostering communities of passionate environmentalists through their leadership roles in the Texas Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Club and the Environmental Justice Collective. 
Adrian Tristán | The University of Texas at Austin
Office of U.S. Representative Delia Ramirez (IL-03) Adrian Tristán is a junior Liberal Arts Honors student at The University of Texas at Austin double majoring in government and public policy. He worked as a legislative intern for the office of Texas State Senator José Menéndez (SD-26) during the 87th Interim and 88th Legislative Sessions and assisted Dr. Ashley Moran as a global constitutions analyst for her research under the Comparative Constitutions Project. On campus, he served as the administrative director on the Student Government Executive Board and was an active member of the Senate of College Councils, The University Theatre Guild, and the Admissions and Registration Committee under the Faculty Council. After graduation, Tristán intends to pursue a dual degree in public policy and law to continue advocating for his community. 
Jordyn Tunnell | The University of Texas at Austin
Office of U.S. Representative Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) Jordyn Tunnell is a junior at The University of Texas at Austin pursuing a dual degree in government and political communications. She is interested in education, civil rights, and the intersection of government and media. On campus, Tunnell served as the assistant house manager for her sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha. She was a J.J. Pickle Undergraduate Research Fellow and has also conducted research for the Center for Media Engagement in the Moody College of Communication. She previously worked at Ellwanger Henderson LLLP, a civil rights law firm with office locations in Austin and Dallas. After graduation, Tunnell plans on attending law school and working in civil rights. 
Edward Zhang | The University of Texas at Dallas
Office of U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18) Edward Zhang is a senior at The University of Texas at Dallas majoring in economics with a minor in philosophy. On campus, he served as the president of the John Marshall Pre-Law Society and competed in the university’s Mock Trial, Moot Court, and Mediation teams. As an intern with UT Dallas’ International Student Services Office, Zhang advised the large international student body population on immigration issues and maintaining their lawful status. Off-campus, Zhang was a legal intern with Justice For All Immigrants, a Texas-based nonprofit organization, where he assisted immigration attorneys and gained experience in advocating for asylum cases. |
