Summer 2024 Graduate Archer Fellows
Likhit Agrawal | The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce Likhit Agrawal is a medical student at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston's McGovern Medical School. He graduated cum laude from The University of Texas at Dallas with a Bachelor of Science in neuroscience, where he first realized his passion for the intersection of medicine and policy. As an undergraduate Archer Fellow, Agrawal was a health policy intern at the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Following that life-changing experience, he served as a legislative aide for the Texas House of Representatives during the 88th Texas Legislative Session. Those experiences shaped his interest in state and national-level health policy discussions, specifically focusing on public/private insurance partnerships' role in making healthcare accessible and affordable. His goal is to eventually become a physician-legislator and effectively advocate for his patients both inside and outside the hospital. 
Olubukola Christiana
Akinloye| The University of Texas at El Paso PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) Olubukola Christiana Akinloye is pursuing a Master of Accountancy at The University of Texas at El Paso. She holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria, and is a Certified Associate Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ACA) and a Certified Strategic Manager (CSM). With over four years of hands-on experience in corporate and public accounting, Akinloye has a profound understanding of financial principles and regulations. She demonstrated her dedication to her field during her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at the Ministry of Finance, where she served as an audit intern, focusing on auditing government-owned school accounts. Furthermore, she showcased her commitment to community service by volunteering as an income tax assistant in the United States. Akinloye hopes to leverage her Graduate Archer Fellowship experience to further develop as an advocate for accounting policy. 
Hussain Alkhafaji | The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Research!America Hussain Alkhafaji is a medical student at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from The University of Texas at Austin. His academic journey includes leadership roles such as president of the Smoking Cessation Clinic at UT Southwestern and policy director of the Senate of College Councils at UT Austin. With experience as a legislative intern for the Texas House of Representatives and in health policy at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Alkhafaji is dedicated to addressing underserved healthcare needs. His passion for healthcare, communication, and policy advocacy defines his commitment to positively impacting these crucial areas. 
Amber Zhané Barrow | The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
amfAR Amber Zhané Barrow is pursuing a Master of Public Health in community health practice at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. A Houstonian, Barrow has planned and implemented various community-driven health initiatives across Houston, including recently as an HIV epidemiologist for Harris County Public Health. She received her bachelor’s degree in biology and neuroscience with minors in Chinese language and Chinese studies from Syracuse University. She went on to complete a Fulbright student research fellowship in Guangzhou, China, where she explored HIV/STI programming for LGBTQ+ individuals. Barrow is passionate about community-centered healthcare, comprehensive sexual health education, and health equity. After graduation, Barrow plans to become a public health physician leader. 
Stephany Bauer | The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Vital Statistics Consulting Stephany Bauer is a doctoral student at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston’s School of Public Health – Brownsville Regional Campus. She has thirteen years of experience implementing health and wellness curricula in Texas public schools. Bauer believes the school curriculum can have an extensive public health impact on students, caregivers, and communities. She has served her campus and community by sharing education and resources to address social determinants of health. Bauer is interested in the intersectionality of education, public health, and policy. She hopes to use her experience as a Graduate Archer Fellow to improve health education policy. 
Dominic Choo | The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
National Human Genome Research Institute Dominic Choo is a medical student at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy-neuroscience-psychology (language-culture-cognition track) with a minor in religious studies from Washington University in St. Louis. During college and medical school, he worked as associate director of MCAT at MedSchoolCoach LLC. Through the Graduate Archer Fellowship, Dominic hopes to learn and grow as a public health advocate and promote large-scale improvements in equitable care for future patients. 
Diana Conrad | The University of Texas at Austin
The Unbiased Science Podcast and U.S. Capitol Historical Society Diana Conrad is pursuing a doctoral degree in chemistry at The University of Texas at Austin, studying reconfigurable material networks with applications toward energy efficiency. Previously, she earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry at Florida State University. Throughout her education, Conrad has prioritized K-12 science outreach initiatives aimed at making the world of science accessible and more transparent. With a passion for science communication, she seeks to use her research background to inform the development of policies valuing sustainability, specifically concerning energy use. As a Graduate Archer Fellow, she hopes to examine science policies that promote inclusive sustainability. She plans to continue a career in science policy upon graduation, advocating for changes in sustainable energy practices. 
Lourdes "Kate" Davis | The University of Texas at Austin
National Institutes of Health - Office of Science Policy Lourdes "Kate" Davis is pursuing a doctoral degree in neuroscience at The University of Texas at Austin. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in English from Southwestern University in 2020. Her current research explores how early-life inflammation can impact the appearance of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism. Davis is interested in using science to advocate for greater resources for autistic individuals on college campuses. She is passionate about using science as a tool for advocacy, especially for marginalized communities. 
Grace Drew | The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
National Center for Health Research Grace Drew is an M.D./M.P.H. candidate at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston's McGovern Medical School. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in biology with a minor in women and gender studies and a certificate in creative writing from The University of Texas at Austin. Drew recently served as president of Medical Students for Choice and as service and outreach officer for the OB/GYN Student Association. Inspired by the work of gender studies scholars and sociologists, Drew is committed to learning how health policy, public health, and medicine can intersect to improve women’s healthcare in the United States. Her goals include being a strong advocate for her patients and for women’s health. 
Janet N. Ekezie | The University of Texas at San Antonio
U.S. Department of Education - Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program Janet N. Ekezie, a Nigerian American, is pursuing a master’s degree in public administration at The University of Texas at San Antonio. As a junior associate at the San Antonio Area Foundation, she managed scholarships for students seeking higher education. Ekezie has volunteered as a member of the National Model United Nations Secretariat and performed research while facilitating debate over international issues at the collegiate level. She also serves on a nonprofit board for an organization that aids LGBTQIA+ youth experiencing homelessness. Through the Graduate Archer Fellowship, Ekezie aims to actualize her passion for equitable mental health care. 
Daniela Guadarrama | The University of Texas at El Paso
Office of U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-2) Daniela Guadarrama is pursuing a Master of Science in economics at The University of Texas at El Paso. She graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance with a minor in economics from UT El Paso in August 2023. Through her participation in the Graduate Archer Fellowship, she hopes to learn more about the policymaking process. 
Muhammad Luqman Haider | The University of Texas at Dallas
Luminary Strategies Muhammad Luqman Haider is a Fulbright doctoral candidate at The University of Texas at Dallas pursuing a degree in electrical engineering. Haider received his Bachelor of Science in telecommunication engineering and a Master of Science in electronic engineering from the Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering, and Management Sciences (BUITEMS) in Quetta, Pakistan, in 2014 and 2017, respectively. From 2017 to 2019, he was a laboratory engineer at BUITEMS and was promoted to lecturer in 2019. Since 2019, Haider has been a lecturer for the Department of Electrical Engineering at UT Dallas. He has also served as a project manager for the capacity-building project titled “Connecting the Unconnected,” granted by Trans-Eurasia Information Network under the sub-granted project of Asi@connect, funded by the European Union. Haider is the author of seven research articles, and his research interests include MEMS, nanotechnology, and liquid metals. Haider’s awards and honors include the Fulbright Ph.D. scholarship and the Best Organizing Committee Member Award from the IEEE-ICE-CUBE 2018 Conference. After graduation, he plans to advance his career in nanotechnology research and development. 
Karla Christina Hernandez | The University of Texas at El Paso
Cato Institute - Center for Educational Freedom Karla Christina Hernandez is pursuing a master's degree in economics at The University of Texas at El Paso. Hernandez graduated from UT El Paso with a bachelor’s degree in economics and history in December 2022. She recently worked as a research assistant at the newly established Center for Free Enterprise, where she assisted in research and educational events that address economic disparities and social mobility in the Paso Del Norte region. Her research with the center focused on economic inequality in indigenous communities. Hernandez also served as the president of the Omicron Delta Epsilon Economics Honor Society, where she was the primary spokesperson for the economics student body on the UTEP campus. As a Graduate Archer Fellow, she aims to leverage her insights to contribute to educational policies that tackle economic inequalities in communities throughout the United States. 
Kaitlyn Holian | The University of Texas at Tyler
PEN America Kaitlyn Holian is pursuing a master’s degree in political science at The University of Texas at Tyler. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a minor in English from UT Tyler. Locally, she has served on the membership committee of the Women’s Fund of Smith County, a collective giving organization that works to empower women. In the summer of 2023, she received a scholarship to study extremist ideologies throughout World War II in London, Paris, and Berlin. Through this experience, she developed an interest in identifying and addressing early indicators of such extremist tendencies, particularly those that target marginalized communities. As a Graduate Archer Fellow, she aspires to uplift the voices of those who often face such marginalization. 
Charlotte Jones | The University of Texas at Tyler
Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation Charlotte Jones is pursuing a master’s degree in political science at The University of Texas at Tyler. She received a bachelor's degree in political science and international relations from UT Tyler. She has worked as a government relations intern for CIMA Law studying housing and energy regulations, as a content intern for The Propwatch Project analyzing political media and campaigns, and as a research assistant collecting data on international conflict at UTT. Through her unique blend of work experience, she developed a deep understanding of how inequality influences political power and seeps into daily life. Jones hopes to use her time as a Graduate Archer Fellow to focus on housing inequality and homeowner equity by expanding education and researching regions and demographics with a high need for housing assistance. 
Rob Kasten | The University of Texas at Austin
Office of U.S. Representative Scott Peters (CA-50) Rob Kasten is pursuing a master's degree in mechanical engineering at The University of Texas at Austin as a member of the Webber Energy Group. He earned his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He attended the Hoover Institution Summer Policy Bootcamp with distinction for his policy proposal on dam removal in the Columbia River basin and the Environmental Economics Student Summit, hosted by the Property and Environment Research Center, in Bozeman, Montana. Kasten worked in the heavy trucking industry for Hyliion as a configuration manager in the systems engineering group. With these diverse experiences and engineering fundamentals, Kasten is interested in exploring how coal power plants could be retrofitted with hydrogen or small module reactor systems to accelerate the shift to renewable fuel sources on the grid. 
Sahil Khoja | The University of Texas at San Antonio
Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities Sahil Khoja is pursuing a doctoral degree in educational leadership and policy studies with a focus on higher education administration from The University of Texas at San Antonio. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in biology pre-health professions and a master's degree in teaching curriculum and secondary education instruction from Carson-Neman University. He graduated with a second master's degree in higher education administration from UT San Antonio. As the president of the Global Citizens Association, Khoja facilitated cross-cultural understanding. In his past role as a Mellon Research Fellow for the Urban Bird Project, Khoja demonstrated enthusiasm for education and a dedication to global perspectives. His research interests focus on fostering pluralism and cosmopolitan ethics. |
Pavan Kumar | The University of Texas at Dallas
PHYTunes Pavan Kumar is pursuing a doctoral degree in engineering at The University of Texas at Dallas. On campus, he has served as a research assistant working on design research with a focus on AI and automation in manufacturing. He recently served as a teaching assistant for the Formula SAE race car team. His research focuses broadly on students' engineering identity and the various influences in the university shaping it. Kumar has been a failed serial entrepreneur but has enabled and championed the maker movement in India, which paved the way for many successful startups. In his last venture in India, he led a billionaire philanthropist's nonprofit organization dedicated to innovations and impact in the healthcare sector. He has over 15 years of extensive experience following his master’s degree in engineering from Clemson University in 2008. He has worked in technical and managerial roles and founded and directed several high-impact organizations in India that still deliver value to their stakeholders. He has also spoken at many tech conferences and events, hosted several panels, and was an on-demand TEDx speaker. Kumar plans to use his summer in Washington, D.C., to explore how changes in federal policy can enable students to develop their engineering identity through a well-rounded engineering educational experience. 
Gabriela LeBaron | The University of Texas at Austin
The John W. Kluge Center at the U.S. Library of Congress Gabriela LeBaron is pursuing a master’s degree in public affairs at The University of Texas at Austin, focusing on international security and regional conflict in West Africa. LeBaron earned her bachelor’s degree from Cornell University, where she studied development sociology. During that time, she was awarded the Societal Solutions Scholars Award, a grant that funds student-led projects in the Global South. With this grant, LeBaron began a microfinance project in a village in Honduras and provided long-term support to the participants. Since then, she has investigated ways to create robust support systems and channel resources to locally-led organizations working to improve governance in their communities. 
Allyson McCutcheon | Stephen F. Austin State University
The John W. Kluge Center at the U.S. Library of Congress Allyson McCutcheon is pursuing a master's degree in national security at Stephen F. Austin State University. She received a bachelor's degree in political science with minors in Spanish and international studies from SFA in May 2023. McCutcheon has experience working as a student fellow for the 2022 Beto for Texas gubernatorial campaign and as a graduate research assistant focusing on various human rights topics. She hopes to use her experience as a Graduate Archer Fellow, passion for government, and interest in national security to combat extreme ideologies like racially motivated violent extremism. 
Camille Meshack | The University of Texas at Austin
Center for American Progress Camille Meshack is pursuing a master's degree in global policy and a Juris Doctor at The University of Texas at Austin. In 2022, she received a Bachelor of Arts in political science with a minor in Spanish from Howard University. Meshack recently interned for the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee and, while at UT Austin, worked as a teaching assistant in the Department of History and served as a co-chair for the 27th Annual Barbara Jordan National Forum. Meshack is a servant leader passionate about foreign policy regarding human rights and democracy, international law, and DEIA in foreign affairs. 
Alaa Melek | The University of Texas at Austin
Children's National Hospital Alaa Melek is a doctoral student in biomedical engineering at The University of Texas at Austin. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the same field at Cairo University, Egypt. Her research is centered on the applications of AI in healthcare. Melek aspires to leverage her expertise in AI alongside her public policy insights gained from the Graduate Archer Fellowship. She is dedicated to becoming a prominent voice in developing policies governing the ethical, safe, and equitable deployment of AI in healthcare. Additionally, she serves as the technical activities chair of the student activities committee for the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. 
Leland Dale Murphy | The University of Texas at Austin
Americans United for Separation of Church and State Leland Dale Murphy is pursuing a Master of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin's Lyndon Baines Johnson School of Public Affairs. While earning his bachelor’s degree in government with a public policy certificate at UT Austin, Murphy served as UT Student Government president, was part of the UT Senate of College Councils, and was a founding member of Always Texas, a service and social organization. At the LBJ School, he held the position of vice president for the Queer Policy Coalition and was a member of the Graduate Public Affairs Council. Murphy has actively contributed to congressional campaigns, worked for former State Representative Jasmine Crockett in the 87th Texas State Legislative Session, and interned with nonprofits such as Texas Appleseed. In the past year, he served as a Youth Organizing Fellow with Americans United for the Separation of Church and State. As a Graduate Archer Fellow, Murphy wants to leverage his experiences to contribute to a better world for all through the power of good governance. His interests include environmental law, energy policy, and economic/fiscal policy. 
Elizabeth Nguyen | The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute Elizabeth Nguyen is pursuing a master's degree in public health at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston's School of Public Health. She was a qualitative research assistant for the Texas Health Institute, where she contributed to a food needs assessment. She interned at the Dreams Come True Foundation, where she developed a benefits cliff toolkit. She is passionate about improving access to food and SNAP benefits for underserved communities. She plans to use her experience as a Graduate Archer Fellow to advocate for food policies that contribute towards building a more equitable, sustainable, and healthier food system. 
Gina Nguyen | The University of Texas at Dallas
The John W. Kluge Center at the U.S. Library of Congress Gina Nguyen is pursuing a dual master’s degree in computer science and applied cognition at The University of Texas at Dallas. She graduated with a double bachelor's degree in neuroscience and cognitive science from UT Dallas, specializing in computational modeling and intelligence systems. While at UTD, she worked on applying artificial intelligence in the energy sector and served her community volunteering as an EMT. Nguyen plans to work as a data analyst and hopes to use her experience as a Graduate Archer Fellow to become an advocate for safe artificial intelligence practices and data protection. 
Fernanda Pérez | The University of Texas at Austin
Consortium for School Networking Fernanda Pérez is pursuing a master’s degree in education policy and planning at The University of Texas at Austin. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Veracruz, her local public university in Mexico, and subsequently embarked on a career as an English teacher. Pérez has contributed her expertise to both public and private institutions in the city of Xalapa. Her dedication to education extended to her role as an intern in the National English Program in Mexico, where she played a vital role in the selection process of English teachers in the state of Veracruz in 2021. With a diverse background in various educational settings, Pérez developed a keen interest in educational policy, leading her to secure the prestigious Fulbright-Garcia Robles grant for graduate studies at UT Austin. More recently, Pérez has served as a graduate assistant in the student conduct and academic integrity department within the Office of the Dean of Students at the university. Through the Graduate Archer Fellowship, she aspires to deepen her understanding of federal structures to address systemic issues in education and advocate for equal learning opportunities. 
Robert Perez | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation Robert Perez is pursuing a master's degree in history at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. At UT Rio Grande Valley, he earned a bachelor's degree in history with a teaching certification. While at UTRGV, Perez worked on the data analytics team at the Office of Student Success. Perez is a very passionate and focused individual who believes that service to one's community is his greatest calling. After completing his degree, he plans to use his experience as a Graduate Archer Fellow to continue working in national security. 
Nichole Portillo | The University of Texas at Austin
Office of U.S. Representative Colin Allred (TX-32) Nichole Portillo is pursuing a master's degree in women and gender studies at The University of Texas at Austin. She grew up in Rosebud, Texas, and chose to further her education at UT Austin, where she earned her bachelor's degree in women and gender studies. Her research is focused on reproductive and sexual healthcare access and education, with particular attention to marginalized groups. Portillo actively participates in the University Democrats. Recently, she interned with the Texas State Legislature in the Office of State Senator Sarah Eckhardt (SD-14). She hopes the Graduate Archer Fellowship will allow her to better understand education and healthcare policy reform at the federal level. 
Lawrence Robinson | The University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston
Office of U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (NV) Lawrence Robinson is pursuing a master's degree in public health at The University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston's School of Public Health. He received his bachelor's degree in science in public health from The University of Texas at Austin. Robinson has public health experience beyond the classroom. He completed an ORISE Fellowship with the CDC's Office of Science and worked as a health and food justice intern at Every Texan. Inspired by these opportunities, Robinson centers his career interest on understanding how health systems scale community-centered health initiatives, particularly food-as-medicine programs. As a Graduate Archer Fellow, he hopes to learn how public policy can be used to build equitable and accountable prevention systems. 
Andrea Seanez | The University of Texas at El Paso
U.S. Department of Education - Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program Andrea Seanez is pursuing a master's degree in public administration with a concentration in public policy management and a graduate certificate in big data analytics at The University of Texas at El Paso. Seanez graduated summa cum laude from UT El Paso with a Bachelor of Science in psychology. Driven by her work experience in higher education, Seanez is passionate about developing equitable policies that allow students to excel in higher education, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Seanez hopes to use her experience as a Graduate Archer Fellow to advocate for higher education policies that promote accessibility to underrepresented students 
Spencer Simko | The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services Spencer Simko is pursuing a combined M.D./M.P.H. dual degree at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. He completed his undergraduate coursework in biophysics with a minor in chemistry at Brigham Young University in 2023. His desire to become a physician was inspired by the time he spent serving the people of Honduras. His experiences working with underserved communities in a domestic violence shelter and as a nursing assistant in an underfunded rehabilitation center directed his policy interests toward improving accessibility and accountability in the healthcare sector. After graduation, Simko plans to work as a clinician while advocating for broader access to healthcare and hopes to transition his career to a position of policy decision-making. 
Peyton Swanson | The University of Texas Medical Branch
National Genome Research Institute Peyton Swanson is pursuing a doctoral degree in bioethics and health humanities at The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). She received a Bachelor of Arts in biology with a minor in medical humanities from Augustana University. Her interdisciplinary research centers on genetics, policy, and equity. As a Graduate Archer Fellow, Swanson hopes to gain insight into policy development and influence equitable genomic technology advancements. Committed to translating ethical considerations into patient-centric policies, Swanson navigates the dynamic landscape of bioethics, aiming to make a lasting impact at the intersection of science and policy. 
Paulina Torres | The University of Texas at El Paso
Alliance for Health Policy Paulina Torres is pursuing a master’s degree in public health at The University of Texas at El Paso. Torres graduated summa cum laude from UT El Paso with a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences. As a medical assistant, she provided care to children in a medically underserved community. Her areas of interest include minority health and improving access to quality healthcare for marginalized communities. Torres intends to use her experience as a Graduate Archer Fellow to help eliminate health disparities by effectively advocating for policies that address social determinants of health. 
Chantal Uzoma | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine
Feminist Majority Foundation Chantal Uzoma is a medical student at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s School of Medicine. She earned a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Michigan- Ann Arbor. Uzoma previously served as an Area Health Education Center Scholar, during which she participated in reducing health disparities and improving healthcare outcomes in medically underserved communities. After receiving her medical degree, she plans to use her experience as a Graduate Archer Fellow to advocate for and reduce health inequalities amongst marginalized individuals. |
