Summer 2023 Graduate Archer Fellows
Taiwo Abraham | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Society for Women's Health Research Taiwo Abraham is pursuing a doctoral degree in business at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. His research interest centers around sustainability as a function of the interplay among economic actors. Over his 15-year career in management consulting, Abraham, a three-time awardee of the PMI, delivered several multimillion-dollar projects in both the private and public sectors in North America, Africa, and the Caribbean. In addition to volunteering for the Red Cross and PMI, Abraham cofounded hopsglobal.org, a career mentoring network that helps migrating professionals transition to their new country while remaining in their choice professions. Abraham hopes to combine his consulting experience, doctoral training, and the Archer Fellowship’s resources to pursue the development of regionally-tailored and sustainability-driven dealmaking policies. He believes this will empower public officials in economically disenfranchised regions to negotiate with both existing and prospective economic actors of the region for a people-, planet-, and prosperity-centered development of the region’s economy. 
Suchitra Acharjee | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
The John W. Kluge Center at the U.S. Library of Congress Suchitra Acharjee, a Bangladeshi citizen, is pursuing a master’s degree in public administration at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. She earned a bachelor’s degree in economics with a full scholarship from the IKEA Foundation from the Asian University for Women in Chattogram, Bangladesh. At UT Rio Grande Valley, Acharjee received the Sustainability Research Fellowship Award from the Office for Sustainability. She has served as a graduate senator with the UTRGV Student Government Association. Acharjee is a feminist and women's rights activist. As an Archer Fellow, she aims to address the gender pay gap issue in the garment factories of Bangladesh. In the future, she hopes to work with UN Women in support of achieving gender equality for current and future generations. 
Dr. Mohanad Albayyaa | The University of Texas Medical Branch
Accurate Clinical Management Dr. Mohanad Albayyaa is pursuing a doctoral degree in clinical science at The University of Texas Medical Branch. Albayyaa completed his medical degree at Baylor College of Medicine and a master's degree in clinical pathology and research studies from Al-Nahrain University. His work as a medical scientist focused on clinical research studies and health projects over the past decade and he administered medical educational programs to health professionals. He was awarded the NIH T32 Fellowship Grant in 2022, the Herzog Scholarship in Clinical Science in 2020-2022, and the Katherina Seibert Award for Excellence in Oncology in 2021. As an Archer Fellow, Albayyaa plans to use his experience in translational cancer and immunological studies to identify at-risk populations and advocate for novel therapy policies that impact the lives of his patients and improve cancer survival. 
Ryan Anhold | The University of Texas at San Antonio
U.S. Department of Energy Ryan Anhold is pursuing a master's degree in global affairs at The University of Texas at San Antonio. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Washington State University. At WSU, Anhold led a sustainability committee to promote climate-friendly practices on campus. He also worked as a wildland firefighter during the summers, where he saw the consequences of current climate policy. By drawing from his experiences as an Archer Fellow and his work on the front lines of the climate crisis, he hopes to guide climate policy by bridging the gap between policymakers and those who implement it. 
Dev Banerji | The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
American Historical Association Dev Banerji is a medical student and class president at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. He graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor’s degree in English and psychology. After college, he served in the Peace Corps in Thailand and China as an HIV/AIDS specialist and educator. He then completed a master’s degree at Yale University in international development economics and finance. He has worked in disparate fields as the manager of an NGO aiding sex workers, as a corporate banking analyst in the energy sector, and as a documentary filmmaker. Through the Archer Fellowship, Banerji hopes to learn and grow as a public health advocate and aspiring surgeon. 
Kathryn “Kat” Chamberlain | The University of Texas at Tyler
U.S. Department of Energy Kathryn “Kat” Chamberlain is pursuing a master’s degree in political science at The University of Texas at Tyler. She graduated from UT Tyler with a bachelor’s degree in political science and history. Chamberlain has participated in Model United Nations for three years, an organization that fosters global citizenship. She previously conducted research at UT Tyler’s polling center, where she trained and managed undergraduate assistants who specialize in audio/visual technical support. As an Archer Fellow, Chamberlain is interested in non-partisan political attention to climate change. She plans to remain in the Washington, D.C., area to pursue a doctoral degree in political science. 
Jae Choi | The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services Jae Choi is a medical student at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. He graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 2021 with dual degrees in neuroscience and English. He previously worked as a research associate at the Johns Hopkins Harriet Lane Clinic, where he evaluated methods for improving health outcomes for racial and gender minority patients in Baltimore living with or at risk of contracting HIV. He has also worked as a manager for a free clinic and as a patient navigator for unhoused individuals during his time in medical school. Choi hopes to leverage his experience as an Archer Fellow to advocate for patients both on an individual basis and through state and federal policymaking. 
Christina Ciaburri | The University of Texas at Austin
Creative Management Solutions Christina Ciaburri is pursuing a master’s degree in social work at The University of Texas at Austin. She earned dual degrees in psychology and communication and leadership with a certificate in public policy at UT Austin in 2020. She then worked as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer, a leadership fellow on a farm, and as an artist for the nonpartisan organization MOVE Texas. Through these experiences, Ciaburri developed a deep passion for diversity, equity, and belonging. As an Archer Fellow, she intends to gain advocacy experience at the national level and enhance her understanding of social justice within policymaking. 
Julianna Collado | The University of Texas at Austin
U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Julianna Collado is pursuing a master’s degree in educational policy and planning at The University of Texas at Austin. Before coming to Austin, she earned a bachelor’s degree in public policy from The University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, where Collado began her advocacy journey as an executive director of La Casa, a member of the Student of Color Liberation Front, and a Unidos US Afro-Latinx Líderes Avanzando Fellow. Her time on campus was spent organizing alongside other students to advocate for policy changes related to financial aid, campus policing, and transition programming. Collado has interned at the Texas State Legislature and with the Penn Hill Group in Washington, D.C., and has experience researching early childhood education, ethnic studies curriculums, and educator diversity. She is drawn to education policy, so that she can be a part of the changes that make schools the equalizing force that many hope they can be. She plans to use her Archer Fellow experience to continue growing as an advocate for education policy. 
Kirby Lee Cotter III | The University of Texas at Tyler
The John W. Kluge Center at the U.S. Library of Congress Kirby Lee Cotter III is pursuing a master’s degree in political science at The University of Texas at Tyler. Cotter earned a bachelor’s degree summa cum laude in political science with a minor in music. As a full-time student, Cotter worked as a part-time research assistant at the Center for Opinion Research at UT Tyler. Recently, he interned with the Texas State Legislature for the parliamentarian’s office during the 88th Session in 2023. Cotter hopes to use his experience as an Archer Fellow to get a better understanding of the policymaking process on an intra- and inter-governmental level. 
Natosha Daniels | The University of Texas at Austin
National Association for Family, Community, and School Engagement Natosha Daniels is pursuing a doctoral degree in educational leadership and policy at The University of Texas at Austin. Her research pursuits are rooted in Black parent grassroots movements that move within, against, and beyond power structures and policymaking at the intersection of racial capitalism and education systems. Daniels spent 15 years in public education as a science and special education teacher, technology coach, and administrator. She is the chief systems navigator and communications officer for Round Rock Black Parents Association, a mother of three, and a 2020 New Leaders Council Fellow. As an Archer Fellow, she seeks to integrate her dedication to Black parents and families with intersectional national policymaking spaces. 
Linda Dipert | The University of Texas at Arlington
International Downtown Association Linda Dipert is pursuing a doctoral degree in urban planning at The University of Texas at Arlington. She graduated with a master’s degree from the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service and holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from The University of Texas at Arlington. Dipert is passionate about civic engagement, cultural diversity, and policies that lead to initiatives resulting in community pride, economic development, revitalization, and tourism. Specifically, she is interested in how women’s philanthropy affects community development. 
Jordan S. Dominguez | The University of Texas at El Paso
U.S. Department of Education - Office of Postsecondary Education Jordan S. Dominguez is pursuing a master’s degree in higher education administration at The University of Texas at El Paso. Dominguez graduated summa cum laude from UT El Paso with a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences. He found his passion for higher education after gaining work experience in numerous student affairs departments on campus, where he planned events, workshops, and panels that promoted diversity, engagement, and leadership development. Most recently, he worked as a graduate research assistant analyzing data on student engagement and high-impact practices. Dominguez hopes to use his experience as an Archer Fellow to initiate change in higher education policy by promoting accessibility for underrepresented first-generation students. 
Margaret "Meg" Donahue | The University of Texas at Austin
National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Margaret "Meg" Donahue is pursuing a doctoral degree in neuroscience from The University of Texas at Austin. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in neuroscience from the University of Delaware. Her current research focuses on how the brain processes new information during learning and how these processes are impaired in neurodevelopmental disorders. Donahue is interested in bridging the gap between basic science research and making impactful change through policy and advocacy. She is also passionate about serving graduate student interests and improving graduate student working conditions though institutional and federal advocacy. 
Derek Duong | The University of Texas Health Science Center
D.C. Health Derek Duong is pursuing a master’s degree in public health at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston's School of Public Health Austin Campus. He is on the customized public health track and plans to pursue a certificate in data science. Duong earned a bachelor's degree in neuroscience with a minor in business from The University of Texas at Austin in 2021. He has previously volunteered for the Vietnamese Dual Language Program at Summitt Elementary, where he helped uplift students' learning experiences with culture and language. With a varied background, he is interested in how people can collectively use healthcare and data to improve health outcomes in underserved communities. After graduation, Duong hopes to materialize his experience to make equitable, lasting changes in the U.S. healthcare system 
Corbin Foster | The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Maverick Health Policy Corbin Foster is a medical student at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. He grew up in Newton, Texas, and chose to further his education at the University of Houston, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with minors in biology and medicine and society. He has served in leadership roles within student government and other student-led organizations during his time at UT Southwestern. Foster feels a strong personal and professional connection with the underserved and rural communities of Texas, which has led to his interest in medicine, healthcare, and public policy. Foster is excited to participate in the Archer Fellowship to improve his ability to treat patients and have a lasting impact on the quality and availability of health care. 
Greyson Givens | The University of Texas at Tyler
So Others May Eat Greyson Givens is pursuing a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling at The University of Texas at Tyler. He was born and raised in Texas and graduated from UT Tyler in 2022 with a bachelor's degree in psychology. Greyson plans to work in the U.S. prison system as a counselor and is a fervent proponent of a rehabilitative model of justice. He hopes to better understand which policies can increase prison safety, amenities, and prisoner dignity, as well as ways that lower recidivism and create an increasingly fair and just system. 
Briana Gonzalez DiGrazia | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Briana Gonzalez DiGrazia is a medical student at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. She graduated from UT Rio Grande Valley with a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, and medical humanities. Before starting medical school, Gonzalez DiGrazia worked as a community health worker, pharmacy technician, and research assistant. Her passion and research focus involve addressing social determinants of health. Upon graduation, she intends to pursue a career as a preventative medicine physician. Gonzalez DiGrazia hopes the Archer Fellowship will allow her to better understand healthcare policy reform and provide a pathway to accessible and equitable healthcare in the future. 
Tarini Goyal | The University of Texas at Dallas
TeleGeography Tarini Goyal is pursuing a master’s degree in business analytics at The University of Texas at Dallas. In 2022, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics from Shri Ram College of Commerce, one of India’s premier institutions. Goyal has played chess at the international level for 10+ years and is a member of the UT Dallas chess team. The roadblocks she and her peers faced at different stages of their lives prompted her to work toward the betterment of society. Goyal has worked with organizations such as FSG Social Impact Consulting and the United Nations Development Programme on projects to create jobs for people belonging to disadvantaged groups. Her future goal is to identify and overcome challenges faced by women in different industries. She hopes that the Archer Fellowship will prepare her to create meaningful change at a broader level. 
Arlene Gyimah | The University of Texas at Dallas
National Immigration Forum Arlene Gyimah is pursuing a master's degree in public policy at The University of Texas at Dallas. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in political science from UT Dallas. Gyimah has served as a student representative on a campuswide initiative to advocate for diversity and inclusion within her campus community. As a previous immigration paralegal, she is passionate about the educational outcomes of immigrant children through government programs. She has a deep-rooted interest in making early care and education programs more accessible to low-income families through policy. As an Archer Fellow, she aims to use her experience to work at the intersection of education policy and immigration. 
Eric Hale | The University of Texas at Austin
American Federation of Teachers Eric Hale is pursuing a master's degree in educational leadership and policy at The University of Texas at Austin. He earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Elon University in 2011 and has worked as an elementary school teacher for over 10 years. Eric has taught in the United States, South Korea, Italy, and Costa Rica. He decided to leave the classroom in 2021 to advocate for his students and fellow teachers through policy reform. Eric is currently working as a policy aide with the Office of Texas State Representative Claudia Ordaz Perez (HD-79) in the Texas State Legislature. As an Archer Fellow, he intends to work with educational advocacy organizations that focus on teacher training programs and teacher retention. 
Bryce Kyle | The University of Texas at San Antonio
Veteran Education Success Bryce Kyle is pursuing a doctoral degree in educational leadership from The University of Texas at San Antonio. He served over three years as an active-duty infantryman in the United States Army, deploying to Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. He holds music performance degrees from Grand Valley State University and Carnegie Mellon University and has over a year of experience designing and launching diversity, equity, and inclusion workforce development programs. As a graduate student, Kyle researches the programmatic effects of on-campus veteran-specific initiatives on persistence and the conscientization of post-military studentship. 
Brenda L. Lakhani | The University of Texas at Dallas
The John W. Kluge Center at the U.S. Library of Congress Brenda L. Lakhani is pursuing a doctoral degree in the history of ideas at The University of Texas at Dallas. On campus, she has served as a teaching assistant and officer for Phi Alpha Theta. Her research focuses broadly on borderlands and Indigenous history. Through her research, Lakhani hopes to shed light on overlooked people in U.S. history. She is particularly interested in Native American boarding schools and their long-term impact on survivors. Her experience teaching at community colleges and volunteering with local organizations has inspired her to strive for more inclusive education. Lakhani plans to use her summer in Washington, D.C., to explore how changes in federal policy can foster a more culturally rounded educational experience where all students are represented and uplifted. |
Lauren McKenzie | The University of Texas in Austin
U.S. Department of Education Lauren McKenzie is pursuing a doctoral degree in education policy and planning at The University of Texas in Austin. Prior to beginning her doctoral studies, McKenzie earned a bachelor’s degree in human sciences from Texas Tech University and a master’s degree in instructional practice from Lipscomb University. Driven by her experiences as a kindergarten teacher in Nashville, TN, McKenzie is passionate about using research to support high-quality early education policy and practice. She is currently exploring how non-profits support families during a child's early years. McKenzie continues to support her school community by serving on the board of directors for two non-profits working to provide high-quality early education, literacy support, and family education. 
Dr. Martina Michael | The University of Texas Medical Branch
Valneva Dr. Martina Michael is a general physician pursuing a master’s degree in public health at The University of Texas Medical Branch. In her years of experience as a primary care physician, she sees public health as the necessary bridge between medicine and the community. Upon graduation, she plans to practice as a family medicine physician and use her experience from the Archer Fellowship to advocate for the community she serves. Her research interests include infectious diseases, chronic diseases, and genetic disorders. 
Shailee Modi | The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
The John W. Kluge Center at the U.S. Library of Congress Shailee Modi is a medical student at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology with minors in leadership studies and medicine and society from the University of Houston. She went on to complete a Fulbright grant in the Czech Republic in 2022 and served as an English teaching assistant and cultural ambassador for the United States. Modi is interested in the intersection of health, language, and policy. She hopes to use her experience as an Archer Fellow to inform health policy and become a more effective advocate for her patients. 
Nicolette Mojica | The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio
Alliance for Health Policy Nicolette Mojica is pursuing a dual degree in medicine at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and a master’s degree in public health at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She graduated with dual bachelor’s degrees in biology and sociology from The University of Texas at Austin. She has served her campus and community by sharing education and resources aimed at reducing health disparities; her areas of interest range from value-based care to reproductive justice. Mojica is dedicating her medical career to promoting health equity through initiatives that address patients’ social determinants of health. 
Samuel Morrall | The University of Texas at Arlington
DDC Public Affairs Samuel Morrall is pursuing a master's degree in public administration at The University of Texas at Arlington. He graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in communication studies with a minor in technical writing from UT Arlington in 2021. On campus, Morrall has served as a graduate assistant for Transition Programs and Services to ensure students have a successful transition to college. As an Archer Fellow, Morrall wants to utilize practical communication practices to educate the public on complex social issues, provide infrastructure development for low-income communities, and jumpstart his professional career in public service. After graduation, he plans to enter the local government communication field and focus on health education, racial equity, and community relations. 
Amy Mu | The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services / Allied for Progress Consulting Amy Mu is a medical student at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. She earned a bachelor's degree in biochemistry and cell biology with a minor in poverty, justice, and human capabilities from Rice University. She has a deeply vested interest in health policy and advocacy, having worked as a grassroots organizer and canvasser for women's health initiatives in her home state of Georgia. She hopes to use her experience as an Archer Fellow to ultimately promote large-scale improvements in equitable care for future patients. 
Dr. Heeseung “Jennifer” Mueller | The University of Texas at Austin
PhRMA Dr. Heeseung “Jennifer” Mueller is pursuing a doctoral degree in pharmaceutical sciences health outcomes at The University of Texas at Austin. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences from Texas A&M University and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from The University of Texas at Austin. As a pharmacist and a health outcomes researcher in-training, Mueller is passionate about addressing disparities and inequities that exist in healthcare and advocating for systemic change to address these barriers. Through the Archer Fellowship, she hopes to examine health policies that promote access to quality healthcare. 
Surya Namboodiri | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Houston Food Bank Surya Namboodiri is a first-year medical student at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. She graduated from The University of Texas at Dallas with a bachelor’s degree in biology. Her passion for preventative care led her to pursue a master’s degree in health science with a nutrition concentration from UT Rio Grande Valley. A South Texas native, Namboodiri has served as an Area Health Education Center Scholar, where she focused on removing health disparities in her local community. She hopes to use her experience as an Archer Fellow to address healthcare issues, including access to quality patient care in medically underserved areas. 
Chidera Orizu | The University of Texas at Arlington
Office of U.S. Representative Colin Allred (TX-32) Chidera Orizu is pursing a master’s degree in political science at The University of Texas at Arlington. Orizu graduated with a bachelor's degree in international and comparative politics from the American University of Nigeria. In his final semester as an undergraduate, he served as a research assistant to the dean of arts and science and the senate chief whip of the Student Government Association. Orizu is a passionate and driven individual who believes that education opens a path to success. He plans to use his experience as an Archer Fellow to tackle issues concerning education and open the path to success to as many individuals as possible. 
Gbolahan Owoeye | The University of Texas El Paso
The John W. Kluge Center at the U.S. Library of Congress Gbolahan Owoeye is pursuing a master’s degree in economics at The University of Texas El Paso. He earned his bachelor’s degree in economics and statistics with a minor in education from the University of Benin. He has over four years of policy, research, and strategy experience in the banking industry. Owoeye is self-driven, ambitious, and a good team player with a knack for excellence. He is passionate about finance, policy, strategy, and helping people reach their fullest potential. As an Archer Fellow, Owoeye intends to contribute significantly to economic-related policies as well as learn from policy experts. 
Kimberlee Ralph | The University of Texas at Austin
Learning Policy Institute Kimberlee Ralph is pursuing a master’s degree in education policy and planning at The University of Texas at Austin. After graduating from Southwestern University with a bachelor's degree in education, she was a public school teacher for nine years, serving students in South Texas, Colorado, and the Austin area. Her literacy work with underserved students and families led her to become an education advocate at district and state levels. After leaving the classroom, Ralph became passionate about sustainable policy for public education. Her research explores the intersection between education finance, teacher retention, and racial equity in access and outcomes. On campus, she served as a graduate assistant in the College of Education’s Student Services office, where she supported first-generation undergraduate students. In the Texas 88th Legislative Session, she served as a policy analyst for the Office of Texas State Representative Donna Howard (HD-48). Ralph plans to use the Archer Fellowship experience to learn to navigate the federal policymaking process. 
Dr. Shane Reader | The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
The Sheridan Group Dr. Shane Reader is completing a postgraduate certificate in health law research and policy surveillance after graduating with a doctoral degree in healthcare management and policy at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. He earned a master’s degree in psychology at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. His legal epidemiologic research evaluates policy in terms of health outcomes. Reader taught for the Texas Epidemic Public Health Institute and previously served as president of the Houston Viral Hepatitis Task Force. 
Michael Reid, Jr. | The University of Texas at Austin
Achieving the Dream Michael Reid, Jr., is pursuing a doctoral degree in educational policy and planning at The University of Texas at Austin. On campus, he was a graduate research assistant at the Center for Community College Student Engagement. Reid’s board research interests include income segregation, education philosophy, poverty and education policy, basic needs insecurity, and educational opportunity on P-16 levels. Specifically, he is interested in using advanced policy analysis and evaluation methods to measure the impact of anti-poverty policies and de facto segregation on the education quality and achievement of minoritized and impoverished students. 
Cameron Roots | The University of Texas at Austin
Federation of American Scientists Cameron Roots is pursuing a doctoral degree in biochemistry at The University of Texas at Austin. His research explores how confounding factors impact microbial growth and looks to improve gene expression predictions in engineered and evolved biological systems. He earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Washington and researched as a postbaccalaureate fellow at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute in Bethesda, MD. Roots sees synthetic biology as a powerful tool for innovation and wants to promote prompt implementation of new biotechnologies in a way that is safe, sustainable, and effective. 
Emily Rubin | The University of Texas at Austin
SHLB Coalition Emily Rubin is pursuing a doctoral degree in journalism and media at The University of Texas at Austin. Her research focuses on the digital divide and broadband infrastructure. Prior to attending UT Austin, Rubin earned a master’s degree in media arts from Long Island University, Brooklyn. Her work experience centers around the role of public and private institutions in providing broadband access and digital skills training to local communities. Upon graduation, she plans to continue her research to help develop broadband policy at the national level. 
Gloria Stout | The University of Texas at Austin
Gibson Consulting Gloria Stout is pursuing a doctoral degree in human development and family sciences at The University of Texas at Austin. Stout earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Virginia. Her research interests broadly focus on understanding how familial and community factors may hinder or facilitate positive adolescent development among Black youth. As an Archer Fellow, she hopes to gain more experience outside of academia, expand her network, and investigate best policy solutions in order to best serve historically oppressed communities. 
Venkatesh "Venki" Subramanian | The University of Texas at Dallas
Center for Global Development Venkatesh "Venki" Subramanian is pursuing a master’s degree in social data analytics and research through the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences at The University of Texas at Dallas. Previously, he studied physics at the National Institute of Technology Karnataka in Surathkal, Mangaluru, and then worked as a data analyst in the private sector for over two years. Currently, he is pivoting to the public sector, hoping to use his analytical skills for doing good. He has an interest in topics related to technology policy, specifically in the regulation of digital platforms. He is a Tamilan from Chennai, India. 
Wahida Islam Talukder | The University of Texas Permian Basin
Fund for Peace Wahida Islam Talukder is pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling at The University of Texas Permian Basin. On campus, she was a graduate student worker in the Office of Graduate Studies and the chair of the Graduate Student Association's University Affairs Committee. Talukder earned a bachelor's degree in anthropology from Jahangirnagar University, which sparked her interest in studying people's psychology and mental health in relation to social issues. Her professional background includes diversity, equity, and integrating education and social science research. Talukder intends to use her time as an Archer Fellow to advocate for an engaging approach to education policy that considers students' mental health in relation to learning experiences. 
Miriam Tariq | The University of Texas at Austin
Environmental Working Group Miriam Tariq is pursuing a doctoral degree in civil engineering at The University of Texas at Austin. She earned her master’s degree in civil engineering from UT Austin and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Louisiana State University. Her research revolves around developing socio-technical solutions to water infrastructure challenges in diverse contexts. Her current projects focus on water infrastructure services in rural Alaska and water reuse in the industrial sector. She hopes to establish a career at the intersection of water infrastructure and public policy. 
Hin Wing (Florence) Tse | The University of Texas at Austin
Meadows Hin Wing (Florence) Tse is pursuing a doctoral degree in human development and family sciences at The University of Texas at Austin. She graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Tse worked for two years as a research and data dissemination coordinator for California Health Interview Survey at UCLA Center for Health Policy Research after graduating from college. Her research primarily centers on immigrant health and well-being from the cultural and lifespan lens. Tse is passionate about translating and disseminating complex research findings in relevant, accessible, and user-friendly languages, with the hopes of creating meaningful policy changes to promote equal health and mental health care and access among immigrant and ethnic minority populations. 
Francine Vega | The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Maverick Health Policy Francine Vega is pursuing a doctoral degree in healthcare management and policy at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She earned a master’s degree in speech-language pathology at State University of New York College at Fredonia. Her healthcare leadership experience includes over 15 years of healthcare leadership positions within the healthcare continuum. Vega’s expertise includes leadership development, coaching, staff training, organizational management, marketing, strategic planning, budgeting and finance, and consulting. She has successfully engaged in community outreach programs and collaborative strategies to develop several patient care initiatives, including many projects that have resulted in new development and growth within the healthcare organizations she has led. Vega’s background in healthcare management sparked her interest in healthcare delivery policy and research. Her research interests include equity within health systems science and the impact of healthcare policy. 
Igor Vouffo | The University of Texas Medical Branch
FiveMedicine Igor Vouffo, originally from Yaounde, Cameroon, is pursuing a master’s degree in public health with a focus on epidemiology at The University of Texas Medical Branch. He earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Texas Southern University. As an aspiring physician, Vouffo hopes to do more than just treat patients; he hopes to lay a foundation of equitable care across all communities and socio-economic statuses. As a proud brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., he is a true believer in the motto: First of all, servants of all, we shall transcend all. 
Shiyang Zhang | The University of Texas at Austin
Alliance for Health Policy Shiyang Zhang is pursuing a doctoral degree in human development and family sciences at The University of Texas at Austin. Zhang earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Beijing Normal University. Her research focuses on how personality and daily life experiences act together to influence older adults’ well-being. With her deep interest in gerontology, Zhang also served as the president of the Texas Aging and Longevity Consortium Graduate Student Council. As an Archer Fellow, she aims to make contributions to our aging society and improve older adults' and their families' well-being. |
