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The Archer Center
"Where Texas meets the world."
The University of Texas System
1901 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW,
Suite 700
Washington, D.C. 20006

202.955.9091 Phone
202.955.9039 Fax
archer@utsystem.edu

Spring 2009 Fellows

Omar Alanis – UT Pan American

Omar is a senior at The University of Texas – Pan American, where he is majoring in Marketing. He was an active member of several campus organizations, including SIFE, the American Marketing Association and Hispanic Business Student Association. He also took part in several internships, which included the Dallas Cowboys and Sherwin-Williams. This past Fall semester, Omar volunteered in his university’s television and radio program where he was a radio broadcast announcer and also participated in the semester’s final television newscast as a lead anchor. His plans for the future are to become a well-known and successful bilingual broadcaster, for Spanish and English networks. While in DC, Omar will be interning with the CBS News Radio network.

Rachel Almaraz – UT San Antonio

Rachel, originally from Baltimore, Maryland, will be graduating in May with a Tier II Honors B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Political Science from The University of Texas at San Antonio. While at UTSA, she has been a thesis student in the Honors College, finishing her thesis, “Shared Prototypes of Crimes Committed by Individuals of Different Ethnic and Racial Groups” in the Fall 2008 semester. During the Fall 2007 to Summer 2008 semesters, Rachel was a Resident Assistant and Chaparral Village and Laurel Village at UTSA. In the summer of 2008, she was part of the Pre-Law School Preparation Academy at UTSA. In her spare time she volunteers with non-profit organizations and spends time with her good friends and family. After obtaining her degree, she will be attending law school in the fall 2009 semester. While in DC, she will interning for Representative Jerrold Nadler (NY-08).


Katie Berger – UT Austin

Katie is a third year government and Plan II major at the University of Texas at Austin. She's been honored to receive a Texas Exes Award for Scholarship and Leadership, a National Merit Scholarship, and a Robert C. Byrd Scholarship. She was recently named Ampla Cum Laude Et Magna and a member of Phi Beta Kappa. In Austin, Katie has worked as an intern for the Texas Exes Alumni Association and Texas Democratic Party and has held summer jobs at Policy Studies Incorporated and The Daily Texan. She also volunteered with the 2008 South by Southwest festivals and conferences. In Washington she will work with the US Senate HELP (Health, Education, Labor and Pensions) Committee in the Oversight and Investigations office.

Maya BouAli – UT Dallas

Maya, a native of Beirut, Lebanon, is a senior graduating in Spring 2009 with a degree in Finance from the University of Texas at Dallas. During her stay at UTD, she acted as a Distinction Scholar, President of the Management Honors Program, Vice President of the Finance Club, a Finance Supplemental Instructor, and was an active member of Golden Key Club and SIFE. In her spare time, Maya enjoys volunteering at the North Texas Food Bank and the Salvation Army, and acts as a mentor at Richardson elementary schools. While in Washington, she will be working at Marathon Oil's governmental affairs office. She is interested in seeing how business and politics come together and is hoping to pursue a graduate business degree in London.

 

Robert Collier – UT Tyler

Robert Collier is a senior at the University of Texas at Tyler pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance with a minor in International Relations.  He has been involved in several student organizations, including the Financial Management Association, College Democrats, Black Student Association, International Student Organization, and a VIP on-campus student recruiter.  He is also the Vice-President of SIFE where he has initiated a project to provide clean water to a deprived region in Mexico, and conceived a website allowing students to market themselves beyond their resumes to conduct live online interviews with employers called Interview Me Live.  Robert is also a Talent Scholarship Recipient for the university’s prominent debate team.  Upon graduation in December 2009, Robert plans on obtaining a position in finance with the ability to travel internationally, and eventually wants to become an entrepreneur in the business field. While in DC Robert will be interning with the American Bar Association.


Sonya Crocker – UT Austin

Sonya Crocker is double majoring in Plan II Honors and Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin and will graduate in spring 2009. She studied abroad in Guadalajara, Mexico for one year where she founded the Conversation & Culture Club which is now an active student organization at UT. Her most rewarding work experiences have been teaching with Breakthrough Collaborative in San Francisco and mentoring students as a Peer Academic Coach at the UT Learning Center. Last fall, Sonya was selected as UT's female Outstanding Student of the Year and received the Bonfire Unity Scholarship. She wrote her honors thesis on happiness/life satisfaction and hopes to work towards reforming the educational system in a way that promotes well-being, intellectual growth, and altruism in students. Sonya's biggest weaknesses are dark chocolate, good conversations, and Michael Jackson. She also loves to run, read, dance, eat, laugh, and spend time with family and friends. Sonya will be interning for Public Education Network while in DC.

Lorenzo Danielson – UT Austin

Lorenzo is a junior at the University of Texas at Austin pursuing a dual degree in Government and Communication Studies with a concentration in Political Communication and a minor in English. In addition to his major coursework he has aided a doctoral candidate by conducting independent research for her dissertation. Through his studies Lorenzo has developed an interest in Political Theory, Education Policy and Constituent Representation. Combining his passions for literature and education he has volunteered for the Texas Book Festival. After graduating in May 2010 he hopes to attend law school and obtain a joint degree of a J.D. and Masters in International Relations. In Washington Lorenzo will be interning for Senator John Cornyn.

Laura Fowler – UT Austin

Laura is a junior at the University of Texas at Austin majoring in Corporate Communication and pursuing a certificate in International Studies through the Bridging Disciplines Program.  Laura has enjoyed her involvement with many organizations in Austin and was especially passionate about mentoring under-privileged students through Community New Start.  Last year, Laura was honored to participate in the Normandy Scholars Program, an intensive study course focused on World War II, which also involved traveling through London, Paris, Normandy and Berlin.  During the fall, Laura studied abroad in Spain and loved her immersion in the Spanish language and culture.  In D.C., Laura is interning at the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage and will be working on a project for the upcoming Folklife Festival.

Zack Hall – UT Austin

Zack is a Government senior at the University of Texas at Austin from Frisco, Texas. An outspoken advocate for middle and lower-income students, Zack started his work as Legislative Relations Director in the UT Student Government. There, he led tax-free textbooks legislation through the Texas Senate and founded the “Big XII on the Hill” Conference in Washington, DC. He also worked on higher education affordability and accessibility as an intern at the U.S. Department of Education. In 2008, Zack turned his focus to electoral politics by working as an Obama for America field organizer during the Texas Primary. Later, as president of the University Democrats, Zack organized a record effort that registered 12,565 students to vote. He has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, ABC World News, and NBC Nightly News for his work. A former AmeriCorps and Salvation Army volunteer, he is also the recipient of the Texas Exes President’s Leadership Award. Zack will be interning in the Texas Office of State-Federal Relations while in DC.

 

Melissa Hong – UT Austin

Melissa is a senior at the University of Texas at Austin where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social work.  She is also in the Bridging Disciplines Program, concentrating on Social Entrepreneurship & Nonprofits and Social Inequality, Health, & Policy.  Melissa’s passions are human rights, social justice, and social change.  She has spearheaded advocacy campaigns on campus, such as World AIDS Week, A Night of A Thousand Dinners for landmine clearance, and an Anti-Human Trafficking Campaign.  Melissa has worked with diverse populations through internships with local non-profits in Austin, including Refugee Services of Texas, SafePlace, RGK Center for Philanthropy and Community Service, and The Settlement Home for Children.  This Spring, she will intern with the United Nations Information Centre.

Samia Hossain – UT Dallas

Samia is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in International Political Economy.  She is a Eugene McDermott Scholar, Student Government senator, Student Ambassador, and Model United Nations delegate.  Samia has worked with the International Rescue Committee helping newly-arrived refugees settle in the Dallas area, and has also enjoyed doing research for the Grameen Technology Center AppLab project.  She served as President of the UTD University Democrats during the 2007-2008 school year and was nominated for Student Organization Leader of the Year for her efforts.  Particularly interested in economic development in the Muslim world as a basis for countering political unrest, Samia hopes to attend law school and work for an international economic development institution.  As an Archer Fellow, she will be interning with the World Bank.

Andrew Kulha – UT Austin

Andrew is a junior at the University of Texas at Austin, where he is double majoring in German and Government with Plan 1 Honors.  In Austin, he is the social chair of the UT German Club, a member of Pi Sigma Alpha, and dabbles in acting with the theater group Foot in the Door Theater.  He recently interned last summer with the German Parliament in Berlin.  While in DC, he will be interning with the Department of State, working on issues of European Security and Regional Policy.  Upon graduation, Andrew hopes to go on to study international law and pursue a career in international relations.

Karla Larios – UT San Antonio

Karla is a junior at the University of Texas at San Antonio majoring in accounting with a minor in Spanish. A member of the Honors College, she has participated in various Honors events including “Feed the Need” food and money drive. In 2006, she was selected to attend The Washington Center’s Inside Washington ’07 Academic Seminar along with six other UTSA students. Karla is very involved in producing flyers, programs, calendars, and power point presentations at her local church. She also contributes by teaching children and working with youth. In her spare time, she enjoys attending retreats and spending time with family. After graduating in May 2010, Karla hopes to pursue a Master's degree in accounting, earn her CPA, and continue to serve others.  Karla will be interning in Congressman Charles Boustany's office while in DC.

Crystal Lopez – UT Pan American

Crystal Lopez is a senior at the University of Texas Pan-American pursing a dual degree in Political Science and Economics.  She has avidly participated in a number of student organizations, some of which include the Political Science Association, the Pre-Law Society, and the History Club.  Crystal also had the opportunity to serve her University’s Student Government as a Senator for the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Her past work experience includes a management position and an internship at the Office of Student Development as an Assistant Director.  Further, in the fall Crystal worked as a research assistant for Dr. Robert Wrinkle at the Center for Research Development.  Her strong work ethic derives from these experiences and when she graduates, Crystal plans to attend law school. Crystal will be interning in Congressman Solomon Ortiz's office while in DC.

Matt Marquez – UT El Paso

Matt is a junior at the University of Texas at El Paso majoring in Biological Sciences and plans on attending medical school.  While in college he has developed a deep interest in politics and may even seek additional degrees in Political Science and Public Health.  During his undergraduate studies he has been an active member in the Student Government Association, Medical Professions Organization, and Student Leadership Institute.  Matt has also spent time volunteering to build/repair homes in Texas, Louisiana, and Mexico and even volunteered with the Obama campaign in New Mexico. By interning with Texas Congressman Silvestre Reyes, he sees himself gaining a better understanding of how policies are shaped, in particular, health care policies.  Matt loves being outdoors, reading, and listening to relaxing music.

Kimberly Miller – UT Dallas

Kimberly is a junior at the University of Texas at Dallas, majoring in Political Science and graduating in May 2010. With a passion for law and politics, Kimberly is active on campus with the school’s Moot Court team and pre-law society.  She is also steadily building her professional portfolio with past internships working for Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison in her Dallas-based office and also Criminal Courts Judge Jane Roden.  Kimberly has long been involved in various leadership roles – beginning in high school as president of her class and throughout her college years, most recently teaching leadership skills training to area high school organizations.  While in Washington D.C., Kimberly will be a government affairs intern for the Loeffler Group, a bipartisan lobbying firm.

Juan Navarro – UT Austin

Juan Navarro is a senior at the University of Texas at Austin majoring in Government and Radio-TV-Film. He is also pursuing an interdisciplinary certificate in International Studies with a focus on International Development. Juan studied abroad in Seville, Spain and spent the past summer in Cordoba, Argentina where he interned at a news station. Juan also actively participated in the university community as an Orientation Advisor, Camp Texas Counselor, and staff writer for Adelante newspaper. Juan will intern with Congressman Charles A. Gonzalez's office and plans to make D.C. his home after the program is over.

Cecille Navidad – UT Arlington

Cecille will be graduating in December with an honors Bachelor’s degree in political science. Born and raised in the Philippines, her family later moved to Texas. She has volunteered at Mission Arlington and the Dallas Veteran’s Affairs Hospital where she has completed over 750 volunteer hours. She works at UTA as a tutor and a supplemental instruction leader for elementary statistics. Cecille has been awarded the Mark Baum Political Science Scholarship, the Liberal Arts Academic Excellence Scholarship, and has been selected as a University Scholar. Her main interest is education policy and its implementation. In her free time, she enjoys sewing, swimming, and playing with her two Pekingese. After graduation, she hopes to be able to participate in the Teach for America program. Cecille will be interning with the DC Public School System Office of Youth Engagement while she is in DC.

Jonathan Nomamiukor – UT San Antonio

Upon being rejected from American Idol's fourth season, Jonathan decided to focus his undivided attention toward academia and pursued a college education. Leaving his hometown of Arlington, Texas to attend the University of Texas at San Antonio in the fall of 2006 provided Jonathan the opportunity to get involved with numerous extra-curricular activities, such as becoming President of UTSA's Honors College Student Association, working as a Supplemental Instructor, and writing for his University's newspaper “The Paisano."  In addition to being a mentor with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America, Jonathan is also a Volunteer Crisis Advocate for the San Antonio Rape Crisis Center, providing support to juvenile victims. Jonathan will be interning with the U.S. State Department during the Spring semester.

Alina Rizvi – UT Austin

Alina Rizvi is a Broadcast News Journalism senior at The University of Texas at Austin.  Her work in journalism has been published in the Houston Chronicle and The Daily Texan.  She also wrote and served as layout editor for the literary magazine Aquilae Stilus, which earned superior ratings.  Her broadcast stories have aired on both radio and television. Working on stories, along with classes on policy, spurred curiosity and became a catalyst for her to get involved in the legislative process. She looks forward to interning for Congressman Ciro Rodriguez, 23rd district of Texas, on Capitol Hill. Alina is also a proud alumna of Alpha Xi Delta, where she served as Chaplin and took an active role in philanthropy and academic endeavors.

Jonathan Shuffield – UT Austin

Jonathan Shuffield is a senior at the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in Government and minoring in History. He has interned in both Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison's and Governor Rick Perry's Austin offices. Jonathan spent the summer and fall of 2008 working to elect Senator John McCain and other Republicans in Arkansas and Pennsylvania. He has also done research for Dr. Sean Theriault's book Party Polarization in Congress. After completing his degree in May, Jonathan plans to work on the House Foreign Affairs Committee or at the US Embassy in New Delhi, India. During the spring, Jonathan will intern at the Heritage Foundation's Center for Asian Studies.

Sarah Strathearn – UT Dallas

Sarah, originally from New Brunswick, Canada, is a junior at the University of Texas at Dallas majoring in Political Science.  At UTD she is involved in Mock Trial, the John Marshall Pre-Law Society and a former member of the Women’s Cross Country team.   She coached Naaman Forest High School’s FFA speech team that went on to win the district competition.   Sarah participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in October and raised over $600 for the organization, thanks to her friends and family.  She has also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. While in Washington DC, Sarah will intern for Senator Patrick Leahy on the Senate Judiciary Committee. Upon graduation, she plans to attend law school and specialize in corporate law.

Lissette Villarruel – UT Dallas

Lissette is a junior at the University of Texas at Dallas. She is studying to acquire a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Affairs with a minor in Political Science by May 2010. A member of the University’s Collegium V Honors Program, Lissette is actively involved with a number of student organizations such as University Democrats and Students for Political Education, Action, and Knowledge, through which she and other members have helped to register hundreds of people to vote and have encouraged college students to become more politically aware. She has also continuously served her community by tutoring students as various elementary and junior high schools. During her time in D.C., Lissette will serve as an intern for the nonpartisan campaign Justice at Stake