Stephanie Agu | UT Southwestern Medical Center
Georgetown University School of Health, Department of Health Management & Policy Stephanie Agu is pursuing a medical degree at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in public health from Rice University. Agu began her career in health policy as a policy intern at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at The George Washington University, which sparked a lasting interest in the field and led to subsequent policy roles at the Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Pennsylvania Health System. Agu is deeply interested in quality improvement and healthcare reform within clinical settings and seeks to integrate her clinical training with health policy to enhance patient care and create sustainable, system-level impact. 
Jace Bartz | UT Austin
Protagonist Jace Bartz is pursuing a master’s degree in global policy studies in the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin. He graduated summa cum laude from Baylor University with a bachelor’s degree in international studies and a minor in political science. Bartz’s experience spans the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. He previously interned at the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See, the U.S. Mission to Italy, and the Hudson Institute. Before attending UT Austin, Bartz completed the Raytheon Contracts Leadership Development Program, where he worked on government contracts for various technology platforms for the United States and allied militaries. He is passionate about foreign and defense policy, and he intends to use his background to build a career focused on solving global challenges, increasing global engagement to advance the common good, and fostering a just and peaceful world. 
Ella Barwick | UT Austin
Center for AI and Digital Policy Ella Barwick is pursuing a master’s degree in public affairs in the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin, where she also earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering. Following her undergraduate studies, Barwick worked as an engineer to support the research, development, and eventual launch of the MiSeq i100 DNA sequencer at Illumina, a leading genomics company. During her time as an engineer, Barwick generated elaborate workflows and analyzed failures. When these ideas overlapped with her volunteer work and her awareness of the growing field of AI, she decided to apply her skills to public policy, shaping how technology is used for the greater good. Off campus, Barwick is an avid film photographer, telling stories about community and the environment. After graduation, Barwick plans to become a scientific advisor and policymaker for the country’s top science and technology committees. 
Luke Carnine | UT Austin
Kennan Institute Luke Carnine is pursuing a master’s degree in global policy studies in the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin. He graduated from Texas A&M University-Commerce with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a minor in international relations. During his undergraduate studies, he was named Outstanding Delegate at the 2019 Southwest Regional Model Arab League Conference and was nominated as Assistant Secretary General at the 2020 conference. Following graduation, he started a business renovating properties in East Texas. He has volunteered for former Austin mayor pro tempore Kathy Tovo and was involved in the Uniting for Ukraine program to resettle Ukrainian refugees with families in the United States. His research at UT Austin focuses on U.S. foreign policy decisions relating to Ukraine. As a Graduate Archer Fellow, Carnine aims to develop his professional experience to support the people of Ukraine in their fight for self-determination. 
Alexcia Carr | UT Austin
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) Alexcia Carr is pursuing a doctoral degree in pharmaceutical sciences in the Health Outcomes Division of the College of Pharmacy and a master’s degree in quantitative methods in the College of Education at The University of Texas at Austin. She graduated with a doctorate in pharmacy from the University of Mississippi in 2023. On campus, Carr served as president of the Pharmacy Graduate Student Association and worked as a graduate student researcher on projects examining pharmacist well-being, telehealth interventions for chronic disease management, and health promotion initiatives for people experiencing homelessness (PEH). In 2023, she was named a Donald D. Harrington Graduate Fellow. Her current research focuses on health outcomes and medication access among PEH, informed by prior work on medication adherence and nutrition-related barriers to chronic disease management. After graduation, Carr plans to pursue a career integrating research and policy to improve health outcomes and service delivery for underserved populations. 
Mackenzie Clayton | UT Tyler
Tudor Place Mackenzie Clayton is pursuing a master’s degree in art history at The University of Texas at Tyler, where she also graduated summa cum laude with her bachelor's degree in art history. On campus, Clayton served as the event coordinator for the Studio of Art and Art History Association. Off campus, she interned at the Tyler Museum of Art in both the education and registrar departments. Her master’s thesis explores the iconography of an unidentified figure in Michelangelo’s “The Last Judgment” fresco. As a Graduate Archer Fellow, Clayton intends to gain a deeper understanding of federal education policymaking while also advocating for equity in arts education in rural school districts. 
Jasmine Farrish | UT Tyler
The George Washington University School of Nursing Jasmine Farrish is pursuing a doctoral degree in nursing at The University of Texas at Tyler. She holds master’s degrees in nursing from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and in public health from Liberty University, as well as a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Lamar University. On campus, Farrish served as a research assistant and as a nurse manager and team lead at UT Tyler Health Science Center, overseeing federally funded programs for vulnerable families. As a certified nurse-midwife, Farrish has worked at Los Barrios Unidos Community Clinic and Maven Clinic. She also directed a student midwife mentorship program at Community Wellness of Tyler, served as chair of the Midwives of Color Committee for the Consortium of Texas Certified Nurse-Midwives, and served as an advisor to the High-Risk Maternal Care Coordination Steering Committee for the Texas Department of State Health Services. 
Cameron Fawcett | UT Southwestern Medical Center
Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation Cameron Fawcett is pursuing a medical degree at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. She graduated from Vanderbilt University with a bachelor’s degree in medicine, health, and society. During her undergraduate studies, Fawcett competed as a Division I student-athlete on the track and cross-country teams and conducted biomedical research on bone biology and osteoporosis. She also held campus and community leadership roles through the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and through initiatives focused on youth mentorship and women’s empowerment through sport. Through the Graduate Archer Fellowship, Fawcett seeks to better understand how health policy is developed to improve patient care at both the clinical and systems levels. She is pursuing this interest by focusing on osteoporosis care and preventive health policy. 
Sofia Flores | UT Rio Grande Valley
The John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress Sofia Flores is pursuing a master’s degree in business administration with a specialization in human resource management at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where she also graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in business management. Her professional experience includes an internship and subsequent work in municipal human resources for the City of McAllen, where she supported records management and compliance with local government policy. On campus, she served as a graduate assistant in the Office for Sustainability, contributing to sustainability reporting and accreditation initiatives. She also participated in international collaborative research projects focused on sustainability and cross-cultural leadership. Through the Graduate Archer Fellowship, Flores will work to gain federal policy experience while further exploring public-sector workforce policy and employee well-being. She hopes to use her experience in Washington, D.C., to support local governments in underserved communities. 
Phillip Michael Foley | UT Rio Grande Valley
Lilly and Company Phillip Michael Foley is pursuing a master’s degree in business administration at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where he also earned a bachelor's degree in finance. On campus, he has served as a graduate teaching assistant in the Robert C. Vackar College of Business & Entrepreneurship and was a facility manager for the Student Union. Growing up near the U.S.-Mexico border, Foley has witnessed firsthand how international trade and policy shape daily life, igniting his passion for public service. As a Graduate Archer Fellow, Foley aims to bring border-level insights to national economic policy through his expertise in data analysis, policy modeling, and teaching economic issues, while advocating for safeguards that protect vulnerable communities and ensure resilient growth. 
Cole Freedman | UT Rio Grande Valley
Melanoma Research Foundation Cole Freedman is pursuing a medical degree at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and minors in health and human values and biology. On campus, Freedman serves as a class representative in the Student Government Association and as a medical student ambassador and group admissions interviewer. During his undergraduate studies, he served as a research assistant in the Zuckerman College of Public Health and interned at Camp Wellness in the College of Medicine’s Department of Family Medicine. Professionally, he has worked as a medical scribe and as a teaching assistant and preceptor in physics, psychology, and economics. Off campus, Freedman volunteers at free clinics throughout the Rio Grande Valley and created a gardening club for medical students. He is interested in health policy, disability advocacy, and improving care for underserved communities. 
Brianna Fuller | UT Austin
Wildlife Conservation Society Brianna Fuller is pursuing a master’s degree in public affairs in the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin, where she also earned a bachelor’s degree in rhetoric and writing and a minor in business foundations. Her academic work is informed by professional experience in environmental and water policy communications. Fuller previously served as campaign director at the Texas Water Foundation, where she led a statewide water awareness campaign and contributed to a successful educational campaign for a constitutional amendment to fund water infrastructure. Through long-term engagement with communities across Texas, Fuller developed a strong interest in water policy to advance climate resilience and strengthen public systems. She believes Texas offers an opportunity to advance pragmatic, bipartisan solutions to shared infrastructure challenges, with lessons that can inform policy approaches elsewhere. 
Izabella Cruz Galindo | UT Medical Branch
Izabella Cruz Galindo is pursuing a master’s degree in epidemiology at The University of Texas Medical Branch. She graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor’s degree in health & society and a minor in health communication. Galindo became interested in public health during an internship with Harris County, where she worked closely with community members to improve access to healthcare services. She later served as a healthcare-associated infections epidemiology intern with the Texas Department of State Health Services, strengthening her skills in disease surveillance, data analysis, and infection prevention. Galindo also held campus leadership roles as vice president of the UTMB Student Association and as a senator in the Student Government Association, supporting health equity-focused initiatives. Her career interests include public health surveillance, applied data analysis, community health, and the use of epidemiologic data to inform equitable policy change. 
Chandler Garcia | UT El Paso
Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Center for Conservation Genomics Chandler Garcia is pursuing a doctoral degree in ecology and evolutionary biology at The University of Texas at El Paso, where his research focuses on waterfowl population genetics, hybridization, and conservation policy. On campus, Garcia conducted population genetics research in the Lavretsky Waterfowl Population Genetics Lab, examining how hybridization and lineage uncertainty affect species conservation under federal law. Inspired by earlier roles with Audubon Florida and the Florida Shorebird Alliance, where he learned the importance of applying research to solving real-world issues, his work continues to partner with state wildlife agencies and nonprofit partners, including Ducks Unlimited, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Geological Survey. Through the Graduate Archer Fellowship, Garcia seeks to conduct ancient DNA research on the extinct Mariana mallard and Labrador duck. He aspires to a career with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, where he can serve as a leader in conservation strategies for national waterfowl and wetlands. 
Eve Gersh | UT Dallas
U.S. Green Building Council Eve Gersh is pursuing a master’s degree in public administration at The University of Texas at Dallas, where she also earned a bachelor’s degree in public policy. Her academic and professional interests focus on program evaluation, sustainability, and collaborative governance. As an undergraduate student, Gersh developed a volunteer beekeeping program at UT Dallas that introduced more than 500 students to pollinator conservation and civic engagement. She previously worked with the City of Plano’s Sustainability Department, supporting a holistic review of municipal operations. Following graduation, Gersh worked for the U.S. Green Building Council, helping cities measure and communicate their sustainability progress. In April 2025, Gersh hiked the Appalachian Trail, an experience that strengthened her appreciation for resilience, discipline, and teamwork. She is committed to principled leadership that unites people to achieve effective, responsive, and equitable public management. 
Lizeth B. Gil López | UT San Antonio
League of United Latin American Citizens Lizeth B. Gil López is pursuing a doctoral degree in applied demography at The University of Texas at San Antonio. She earned bachelor’s degrees in law and communication sciences from the National Autonomous University of Mexico and a master’s degree in demography from El Colegio de México. She has had a long career in the Mexican federal public service, focusing on the design, monitoring, and assessment of public policies for social and territorial development. Gil López has also collaborated on national and international research projects on rural governance and food security. She is a passionate researcher of territorial development and demographic patterns. Her interests include the economic consequences of aging and migration. On campus, Gil López served as a research assistant at the Institute for Demographic and Socioeconomic Research, contributing to applied demography projects, including data analysis for the Texas Department of Transportation. 
Emily Gurwitz | UT Southwestern Medical Center
Institute for Exceptional Care Emily Gurwitz is pursuing a dual degree in medicine and public health at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. She graduated from Stanford University with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a concentration in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology. Her interests center on improving healthcare access and quality for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, which stem from her personal, professional, and volunteer experiences supporting disabled children and young adults and their families. 
Samiul Haque | UT Dallas
The John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress Samiul Haque is pursuing a doctoral degree in public policy and political economy at The University of Texas at Dallas, where he also graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and master’s degrees in applied sociology and public policy. As a sociology lecturer at UT Dallas, Haque brings applied research and teaching experience focused on social inequality and marginalized populations. His previous research, conducted in partnership with Dallas-based homeless shelters, examined housing instability among families experiencing homelessness. He has also collaborated with the North Texas Behavioral Health Authority to analyze behavioral health trends during the COVID-19 pandemic. Haque’s academic and professional pursuits reflect a commitment to evidence-based policymaking, public service, and education. As a Graduate Archer Fellow, he aims to study and advocate for social welfare policies that benefit vulnerable populations and yield meaningful community impact. 
Brett Jacobsen | UT Permian Basin
Office of U.S. Representative August Pfluger (TX-11)/The John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress Brett Jacobsen is pursuing a master's degree in biology through the Accelerated Master’s Program at The University of Texas Permian Basin. On campus, he is involved with the Campus Activities Board, Student Housing, Academic Advising, and the Student Government Association. In spring 2025, he participated in The University of Texas System’s Texas Legislative Fellowship Program, where he interned with the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services during the 89th Legislative Session. During his time in Austin, Jacobsen worked alongside lawyers and medical practitioners to better understand the scope of nutrition and metabolic health outcomes across Texas. After completing his master's degree, he plans to attend medical school, combining his academic research and health policy expertise to advance his career in public service. 
Shehryar Jafar | UT Dallas
Sentinel Research and Policy Institute Shehryar Jafar is a Fulbright Scholar pursuing a doctoral degree in electrical engineering at The University of Texas at Dallas, where he conducts research in quantum optical communication and secure information systems. He graduated from the University of Manchester with a bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering and a master’s degree in reliability engineering and asset management. Prior to his doctoral studies, Jafar served as a naval officer, gaining leadership and technical experience in the maritime domain, including operations, maintenance planning, and systems reliability in complex naval environments. He later worked in engineering and industrial roles focused on process optimization, quality systems, and large-scale technical operations. At UT Dallas, Jafar has completed doctoral coursework and qualifying milestones and has engaged in academic mentoring and international scholarship initiatives. His career interests include science and technology policy, national security, and the governance of emerging technologies, including post-quantum cryptography. 
Isaiah Joseph | UT Arlington
U.S. Government Accountability Office Isaiah Joseph is pursuing a master’s degree in public administration at The University of Texas at Arlington, where he also earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing and management. During his undergraduate studies, Joseph served as vice president of the Zeta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated; community service chair for the Black Student Association; recruitment director for the Big Event; and economics and employment chair for the NAACP’s 6810 unit. He also interned with the New Maverick Orientation office and later served full-time as the program advisor for the Freshman Leaders on Campus organization in the Follett Student Leadership Center. Upon graduation, Joseph plans to teach and eventually move into school district administration. As a Graduate Archer Fellow, he hopes to gain policy experience that will support his long-term goal of advancing educational equity at the national level. 
Jessica Kane-Cabello | UT Austin
National Center for Learning Disabilities Jessica Kane-Cabello is pursuing a doctoral degree in special education at The University of Texas at Austin, where she serves as a graduate research assistant at the Meadows Center for Preventing Educational Risk and as a field supervisor for preservice teachers. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature from The University of Texas at El Paso and a master's degree in special education from Midwestern State University. Kane-Cabello is an educational diagnostician, a certified academic therapist, and a qualified dyslexia therapy instructor. Her research interests, inspired by twenty years of public education service, focus on structured literacy instruction and intervention for older learners with reading difficulties. As an aspiring professor, Kane-Cabello aims to collaborate with state and local education agencies to bridge research-to-practice gaps. She is eager to conduct research on state-level dyslexia policy and to collaborate with lawmakers to champion updates to federal policy that promote identifying and expanding services for students with reading disabilities. 
Apoorva T. Karra | UT Austin
Apoorva T. Karra is pursuing a doctoral degree in aerospace engineering at The University of Texas at Austin. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela. As a Brumley Next Generation Graduate Fellow, Karra addressed critical challenges in spectrum governance at the Strauss Center for International Security and Law. Her work identified regulatory gaps in International Telecommunication Union policies and proposed an innovative methodology to assess spectral compliance among geostationary orbit operators. She also interned with the Texas Space Commission, focusing on strategic gap analyses for the space economy. Karra’s professional interests center on space sustainability and policy, with a focus on harmful interference and satellite compliance in the geostationary orbital regime. As a Graduate Archer Fellow, Karra plans to explore federal policy implementation firsthand and develop strategies to translate her dissertation findings into a credit-based compliance framework. 
Klayton Kent | SFASU
National Archives, Information Security Oversight Office Klayton Kent is pursuing a master's degree in national intelligence and security studies at Stephen F. Austin State University. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in history and political science from The University of Texas at Tyler in 2020. During his undergraduate studies, he competed in NCAA track and field as a decathlete and served in the Student Government Association, where he chaired the Student Fee Advisory Committee in spring 2018. After graduation, he served in the United States Army as an infantry noncommissioned officer and was honorably discharged in December 2024. As a Graduate Archer Fellow, he hopes to deepen his understanding of national security policy development and aspires to become a public servant in the national security field. 
Areeb Khan | UT Arlington
Areeb Khan is pursuing a master’s degree in computer science through the College of Engineering Fast Track Program at The University of Texas at Arlington. On campus, Khan served as a graduate assistant for Student Governance, advising campus leadership organizations, including the Student Government and the Graduate Student Council. In the 2024–2025 academic year, he served as vice president of Student Government and president of the Engineering Student Council. Khan also represented UT Arlington on The University of Texas System Student Advisory Council, helping develop policy recommendations for the UT System Board of Regents. In addition to his leadership experience, Khan participated in machine learning research projects focused on autonomous drones, robotic systems, and federated learning. He is committed to advancing artificial intelligence research while promoting responsible innovation and ethical technology policy. |
Christina Lildharrie | UT Austin
CASA for Children of DC Christina Lildharrie is pursuing a doctoral degree in neuroscience at The University of Texas at Austin. She graduated from Drexel University in 2022 with a custom-designed bachelor’s degree in neuroscience policy. After graduation, she was named a National Institutes of Health Research Fellow, where she coordinated a clinical trial investigating how drugs affect brain signaling. In August 2024, Lildharrie began her doctoral program in the Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program at UT Austin, studying the negative consequences of childhood trauma on the brain and behavior. Passionate about civic engagement, Lildharrie organized outreach activities for neuroscience graduate students to engage the public in science. Outside the lab, she fostered community by leading discussion groups in a maximum-security prison. She looks forward to using the Graduate Archer Fellowship experience to learn how to leverage research on childhood trauma to inform evidence-based policies in child welfare and juvenile justice systems. 
Shayanne Martin | UTHealth Houston
Every Life Foundation for Rare Diseases Shayanne Martin is pursuing a doctoral degree in health promotion and behavioral science at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She graduated with a master’s degree in public health from Johns Hopkins University, with a concentration in community-based public health and global health, and a bachelor’s degree in health policy and management from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is a public health professional with 15 years of experience across the private, public, and academic sectors in the U.S., sub-Saharan Africa, Central America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. As the mother of a child with a rare disease, she co-founded the Channeling Hope Foundation to unite families and researchers in the search for a cure for NALCN diseases and currently serves as the organization’s executive director. In previous roles at UT Health San Antonio, the UCSF Institute for Global Health Sciences, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Martin focused on health workforce development to improve health outcomes. After graduation, she hopes to become an expert qualitative researcher to ensure that patient priorities are represented in rare disease clinical trials and in drug regulation. 
McKenzie McDaniel | UT Southwestern Medical Center
The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health McKenzie McDaniel is pursuing a master’s degree in public health with a concentration in health data sciences at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. She earned a bachelor’s degree in public health from the University of Arkansas, with minors in human development and family sciences and medical humanities. During her undergraduate studies, she served as outreach chair for the Public Health Student Advisory Board and interned at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, supporting early literacy initiatives for Marshallese- and Spanish-speaking Healthy Start participants and providing child passenger safety education across Northwest Arkansas. After graduation, she worked as an outreach coordinator with the Denton County Public Health Department, delivering health education and connecting residents to community resources. As a Graduate Archer Fellow, she seeks to deepen her understanding of federal public health policy to better advocate for evidence-based, community-centered interventions. 
Anfal Mohamed | UT Southwestern Medical Center
O'Neill Institute Center on Addiction and Public Policy Anfal Mohamed is pursuing a dual degree in medicine and public health at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. She graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience and minors in Arabic and sociology. During her undergraduate studies, she worked as a medical assistant and medical translator at a free clinic in Austin, helping expand access to healthcare. Shaped by her lived experience, she is committed to community-centered service and advocacy. She has worked with organizations such as the Global Impact Initiative to support students and families with educational and employment resources. Her interests center on medicine, public health, and health policy. Through the Graduate Archer Fellowship, she looks forward to gaining hands-on experience in policy and advocacy to promote equitable access to healthcare and reduce health disparities. She aspires to become a public health physician who advances policy-informed, community-driven solutions for underserved populations. 
Oluwadamilola Obalana | UT Rio Grande Valley
United Nations Association of the United States of America Oluwadamilola Obalana is pursuing a master’s degree in business administration at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. She earned a master’s degree in public health with concentrations in epidemiology and global health from Brigham Young University (BYU) and a bachelor’s degree in microbiology from Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria. During her undergraduate studies, she held leadership roles in organizations including the Elite Explorer Research Club and the St. George Charity Foundation. As a graduate student at BYU, she served as a research and teaching assistant, contributed to research projects, presented at conferences such as the American Public Health Association, and supported program evaluation efforts for community-based organizations, including The United Way. She also served as a board member of the Utah Chapter of the Society for Public Health Education and the Utah Global Leaders Fund. Her career interests include healthcare leadership, maternal and child health, public-private partnerships, and nonprofit development to improve healthcare affordability and access in underserved communities. 
Leslie Omeire | UTHealth Houston
Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs Leslie Omeire is pursuing a dual degree in medicine and public health at The University of Texas at San Antonio Long School of Medicine and The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health. She graduated magna cum laude from Dallas Baptist University with a bachelor’s degree in biology and psychology, while competing as an NCAA Division II tennis athlete and founding an instrumental mentorship program for inner-city high school athletes. As an aspiring obstetrician-gynecologist, she is dedicated to advancing equitable, compassionate care across the lifespan. Her academic interests center on bridging evidence and practice to improve maternal and infant health. She completed a public health practicum with the Texas Department of State Health Services as a maternal and child health intern and continued her work with the Center for Public Health Policy and Practice. She is grateful to have served on the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists District XI Advisory Council and the Texas Medical Association Committee on Reproductive, Women’s, and Perinatal Health. 
Umar Patel | UT Dallas
U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) Umar Patel is pursuing a doctoral degree in molecular and cell biology at The University of Texas at Dallas, where he served as a researcher in the Joshi Stem Cell Research Lab and as a teaching assistant in the Department of Biological Sciences. His research focuses on progenitor cell populations in the female reproductive tract, aiming to develop preclinical models to study the mechanisms underlying reproductive malignancies. He has presented his findings at national and international conferences and contributed to scientific outreach by mentoring and judging young scientists in research competitions. He has also been actively involved on campus, serving in leadership roles across multiple organizations, including as vice president of the Biology Graduate Student Council. As a Graduate Archer Fellow, Patel plans to explore how consumer protection and public health policies can better integrate scientific evidence to ensure that regulatory frameworks remain responsive to emerging technologies and scientific innovation. 
Merci Angela Paulhill | UT Austin
American Nurses Association Merci Angela Paulhill is pursuing a doctoral degree in nursing at The University of Texas at Austin, where she also earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing. Her research on interstitial lung disease examines psychosocial, behavioral, and socioeconomic factors that influence treatment adoption and adherence, informing policies to improve program effectiveness and patient outcomes. On campus, she served as a graduate research assistant in the Multiple Sclerosis Imaging and Outcomes Research Lab, contributing to one of the longest-running longitudinal studies of multiple sclerosis, spanning 28 years. Paulhill also worked as a perioperative nurse specializing in spine and neurosurgery and lectured undergraduate students on the intersection of clinical care and health policy. An advocate for health equity, she testified in support of eliminating the tax on menstrual products in Texas, which later became law. Through the Graduate Archer Fellowship, Paulhill aims to explore how research informs programs, guidance, and federal decision-making to improve chronic illness care. 
Christopher Perez | UT San Antonio
Office of U.S. Representative Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34)/Office of U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro (TX-20) Christopher Perez is pursuing a master’s degree in public administration at The University of Texas at San Antonio. He earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. His professional and community experience includes work with the Santa Barbara Tenants Union, where he supported tenant organizing and housing advocacy, and an internship with the Office of U.S. Representative Joaquín Castro (TX-20), where he assisted with constituent services and legislative research. He previously served as a conservation department intern at the San Antonio Water System, supporting community outreach and water conservation initiatives. Perez has also worked on a redevelopment project in San Antonio’s historic Westside, coordinating with city departments and community stakeholders. His career interests center on local government, public policy, and community-centered urban development. 
Neve Polavarapu | UT Dallas
The Nickles Group/United Nations Association of the USA Neve Polavarapu is pursuing a master’s degree in finance at The University of Texas at Dallas, where she also earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and a minor in Spanish and Hispanic area studies. During her undergraduate studies, Polavarapu was involved with the University Emergency Medical Response, the Student Wellness Center, and the Student Ambassadors program. She developed an interest in public health during the COVID-19 pandemic while working as a healthcare worker and organizing an on-campus vaccine clinic to address vaccine access gaps. After managing a small business, she gained an appreciation for how financial strategy can strengthen systems, sparking her interest in the intersection of business, public health, and policy. Polavarapu aims to leverage financial analysis to inform policy decisions, expand access to healthcare, and reduce health disparities. Through the Graduate Archer Fellowship, she aims to bridge her public health and finance backgrounds to support data-driven solutions that advance healthcare systems. 
Rebecca Roten | UT Arlington
Child Welfare League of America Rebecca Roten is pursuing dual master’s degrees in social work and public health at The University of Texas at Arlington, where she also earned dual bachelor’s degrees in psychology and critical languages and international studies with minors in biology, neuroscience, and clinical health psychology. As a graduate student, she has worked as a case management intern at a community food pantry and as a transplant social work intern at UT Southwestern Medical Center. On campus, Roten served as a graduate research assistant at the School of Social Work, supporting research projects on child welfare and child well-being. She is a student scholar with the Child Welfare Research Center, which harnesses research expertise to transform child welfare policies and practices. Roten hopes to eventually earn a doctoral degree in public health and become a public health professional and researcher focused on improving access to and uptake of preventive healthcare. 
Jordan Sanchez | UTHealth Houston
National Partnership for Women & Families Jordan Sanchez is pursuing a dual degree in medicine and public health at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Sanchez graduated summa cum laude from Texas Tech University with a bachelor’s degree in cell and molecular biology. During her undergraduate studies, she worked as a research assistant, contributing to translational research on alcohol use disorder. Before starting medical school, Sanchez completed a congressional internship with the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C., where she developed a strong interest in health policy and legislative advocacy. She later supported compliance efforts at a Federally Qualified Health Center in her hometown, serving underserved communities. Sanchez has held leadership roles in student organizations and community service initiatives focused on mentorship, health equity, and support for rural and underserved populations. Alongside direct patient care, her career interests include maternal health, reproductive justice, public health policy, and women’s healthcare. 
Hugo Sánchez Blas | UTHealth Houston
Georgetown University School of Health, Department of Human Science Hugo Sánchez Blas is a Fulbright Scholar pursuing a doctoral degree in behavioral science and health promotion at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. He graduated from medical school at the National Autonomous University of Mexico and earned a master’s degree in public health at UTHealth Houston. His publications focus on cancer epidemiology and the design of cancer control programs in global settings. As a doctoral student, Dr. Sánchez Blas has focused on bridging the gap between knowledge and practice by integrating evidence-based interventions into clinical care, expanding access to preventive services, and making a meaningful impact for patients. 
A.J. Savage | UT Arlington
Criminal Justice Coordinating Council A.J. Savage is pursuing a master's degree in political science at The University of Texas at Arlington, where he also earned a bachelor's degree in political science with Honors and minors in history and criminology and criminal justice. Savage served as a graduate teaching assistant at UT Arlington, supporting professors in their political science courses. His academic interests span constitutional and criminal law, judicial politics, and the institutional legitimacy of the federal judiciary. After graduating with his master's degree, he plans to attend law school, where he hopes to specialize in federal appellate advocacy. Throughout the Graduate Archer Fellowship, Savage hopes to deepen his understanding of the inner workings of the U.S. legal system. 
Amanda Saving | UT Southwestern Medical Center
Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions Amanda Saving is pursuing a master's degree in public health at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. She graduated from Rice University with a bachelor's degree in health sciences and social policy analysis. Saving's interests lie at the intersection of preventive health and public policy, with a focus on firearm injuries and maternal and pediatric populations. She currently researches the impact of anemia and COVID-19-related risk factors on women, as well as adolescent contraceptive access. Previously, Saving conducted pediatric health policy research at the Baker Institute for Public Policy and with Brady: United Against Gun Violence, examining healthcare providers' comfort with firearm safety conversations with patients. During her undergraduate studies, she held leadership roles in Planned Parenthood Generation Action, the Office of Academic Support for Undergraduate Students, and Basyk, an on-campus dance group. Through the Graduate Archer Fellowship, Saving aims to strengthen her skills in translating research into policy development. 
Sonali Singh | UT Dallas
American Public Health Association – The Nation's Health Editorial Internship Sonali Singh is pursuing a doctoral degree in public policy and political economy at The University of Texas at Dallas, where she also earned a master’s degree in economics and social data analytics. Singh served as an instructor of record for the American National Government course and as a graduate research and teaching assistant for resource economics and health policy courses. She received a master’s degree in development studies from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, and studied global economy at Sciences Po, Paris, as a recipient of the France Excellence Charpak Master's Scholarship. In 2024, Singh attended the ICPSR summer program at the University of Michigan, funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation. As a research analyst, she collaborated with nonprofit organizations to oversee program evaluation and policy assessment. Singh's thesis examines the effects of climate disasters on educational outcomes in Texas public schools. As a Graduate Archer Fellow, she hopes to bridge the gap between research and policymaking to address today’s pressing policy challenges with evidence-based solutions. 
Anna Stankes | UT Southwestern Medical Center
The John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress Anna Stankes is pursuing a medical degree at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. She graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and a certificate in social inequity, health, and policy. After graduation, she served as an AmeriCorps member with City Year San Antonio and worked as a technical solutions engineer at Epic Systems. In medical school, she has served as a manager at the Dallas Asylum Clinic and as a patient navigator, assisting unhoused individuals with enrollment in medical financial assistance programs. She is passionate about health equity and hopes to build a career as a physician focused on advocating for patients and improving healthcare. 
Wallis Turley | UTHealth Houston
O'Neill Institute Center on Addiction and Public Policy Wallis Turley is pursuing a master’s degree in health services organizations at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She earned a bachelor’s degree in international studies from American University, with a minor in Spanish. Turley previously served as a COVID-19 case coordinator at American University and as a congressional intern in the district office of a U.S. House of Representatives member, supporting constituent services and policy research. She also has experience in Spanish–English language work, including tutoring English learners, completing a Spanish translation certificate, and volunteering on a medical translation project. Turley is interested in policies and programs that address childhood food insecurity in the United States. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in public health policy and program evaluation. 
Megan Vasquez | UT Austin
Democratic Women's Caucus Megan Vasquez is pursuing a master’s degree in educational policy and planning at The University of Texas at Austin, where she also earned a bachelor’s degree in applied movement science. A fifteen-year veteran educator, Vasquez is a proud Austin native, born and raised in the community she continues to serve. She was named Austin ISD Teacher of the Year and Region 13 Teacher of the Year for her leadership, advocacy, and impact on students and school communities. Beyond her teaching, Vasquez has been an active union organizer and education advocate. She has worked at the district and state levels to elevate educators' voices in policymaking, including testifying at multiple Texas legislative sessions and advocating for policies that improved educator compensation, working conditions, and public participation in school governance. Her career interests center on education policy, teacher retention, and strengthening public education through people-centered policymaking. 
Aydan Villarreal | UT San Antonio
United Nations Association of the USA/The University of Texas System Office of Governmental Relations Aydan Villarreal is pursuing a master’s degree in health, community, and policy at The University of Texas at San Antonio, where he also earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a minor in community health. As UT San Antonio’s student body president for the 2024 – 2025 academic year, Villarreal and his executive cabinet prioritized student well-being, access to resources, and representation in institutional decisions. They also helped ensure student voices were included in the UT San Antonio and UT Health San Antonio merger process. As an academic affairs intern for The University of Texas System, Villarreal gained significant experience in policy and student affairs, skills he further applied while serving on the UT System Student Advisory Council. He served as the council’s chair for the 2025–2026 academic year and facilitated the drafting of formal recommendations to the Board of Regents. Villarreal’s thoughtful approach to leadership and dedication to student success make him well-suited for a career in public service. 
Siddarth Vyas | UT Rio Grande Valley
Aledade Siddarth Vyas is pursuing a medical degree at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine. He graduated from The University of Texas at Dallas with a bachelor’s degree in finance in 2016. Prior to medical school, Vyas worked as a senior financial analyst, where he led financial forecasting and developed valuation models for healthcare organizations. He also volunteered with Raise Your Voice to End Poverty (RESULTS), a grassroots organization focused on influencing congressional policies to end poverty in the United States and abroad. Additionally, Vyas served as a clinical cancer research scholar, conducting surgical oncology research and managing regulatory compliance for clinical trials. Passionate about health equity and infectious disease policy, Vyas is dedicated to ensuring U.S. leadership in global health security. As a Graduate Archer Fellow, he aims to deepen his understanding of the federal appropriations process and develop strategies to advance global health legislation. 
Jenna Maree P. Wong | UT Austin
The Education Trust Jenna Maree P. Wong is pursuing a doctoral degree in sociology at The University of Texas at Austin. As a President’s Scholar, she earned a bachelor’s degree in communicative disorders from California State University, Fullerton, in 2023. Through her research, Wong is committed to shaping policies and practices that expand educational access, particularly for students with disabilities, and help learners maximize the economic and professional returns on their educational pathways. She was named a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow for her research on graduate school pathways and a California State University Chancellor’s Doctoral Incentive Program Fellow for her commitment to advancing equity in higher education. On campus, Wong serves as president of UT Austin’s student organization Graduates for Underrepresented Minorities. Her career aspirations include shaping policy at the intersection of education, health, and labor markets to reduce socioeconomic stratification and improve population well-being. 
Catherine Wu | UT Rio Grande Valley
The John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress Catherine Wu is a medical student at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine. She graduated from Northwestern University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in business institutions. As a clinical research specialist at Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, Wu helped organize the launch of the Southeast Texas Cancer Exposome Research Study, which aimed to understand how unique environmental and biological drivers in Houston and surrounding communities are linked to obesity-driven cancers. This experience formed the foundation of her understanding of cancer disparities and became her primary motivation to improve the affordability of healthcare. In addition to her interest in policy, Wu serves on campus as a student ambassador and as a student representative on the Optimal Learning Education Committee. As a Graduate Archer Fellow, she hopes to apply her research expertise to help address financial barriers to healthcare for her future patients. 
Carly Young | UT Austin
Girl Up, United Nations Foundation Carly Young is pursuing a doctoral degree in sociology at The University of Texas at Austin. She earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and applied psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her research focuses on sexual and reproductive health equity and access in the United States. Young’s work has appeared in various academic journals and been presented at numerous conferences. She has taught as an adjunct professor at Concordia University Irvine, served as an instructor with the Texas Prison Education Initiative, and taught English in Panamá. As a Graduate Archer Fellow, Young aims to examine how federal funding and state protections for crisis pregnancy centers vary across the nation. 
Saima Zaheen | UT El Paso
District Department of Transportation Saima Zaheen is pursuing a doctoral degree in civil engineering at The University of Texas at El Paso, where she earned a master’s degree in civil and environmental engineering in 2025. Her research focuses on transportation engineering. She recently worked with the City of El Paso’s Intersection Safety Improvement Program, analyzing crash data and supporting safety-based decision-making for local intersections. She also contributed to micromobility and transit accessibility studies focused on underserved populations. Her research interests include transportation safety, micromobility planning, and intelligent transportation systems. Zaheen has held several leadership positions at UT El Paso, including serving as vice president of the Institute of Transportation Engineers UTEP Student Chapter and as organizing secretary of the Bangladeshi Students Association. Following graduation, she plans to continue contributing to innovative, data-driven solutions in the transportation policy landscape. |
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