Jake Herman
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My name is Jake Herman, and I am a Plan II and Psychology freshman from Southlake, Texas. My favorite things to do are listen to music (SZA is my all time favorite artist), travel, discover new restaurants, and write. I’m incredibly passionate about serving my community, and I am especially interested in focusing on combatting the issues of the education system and that are facing teachers today. I am excited and grateful to be a part of the Walker Fellowship, and I hope that I will be able to make a large impact on the Austin community!
Adithi Rallapalli
(SHe/HER)
Adithi is a first year student from Dallas, Texas, majoring in Biology, Economics, and Plan II Honors. Her passion for science and research has led her to pursue Microbiology and she currently works with synthetic biology within the Microbe Hackers lab. In addition, Adithi’s involvement in local social change issues has inspired her to work towards legislative change, working as a legislative aide within the Texas House of Representatives and volunteering with Texas Votes on campus. In her free time, she likes to spend time outside, listen to music, and explore the city around her. Following her undergraduate studies, Adithi is planning to work further in policy and consulting fields, aiming to impact others through public service. As a Walker Fellow, Adithi hopes to immerse herself in the Austin community and see the positive impact of the work of herself and her peers.
Benjamin He
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Hi! My name is Benjamin He, but I go by Benji! I'm a part of the Class of 2027, majoring in Neuroscience and Plan II Honors. As a former competitive swim coach and swimmer, I've had the opportunity to teach kids from all over Austin how to swim as well as listen to their hilarious stories. Additionally, I've served as a volunteer at St. David's hospital for three years, getting to talk to patients from all over the nation. I'm passionate about hearing all the stories that people have to tell, and building relationships with them in order to improve both education and healthcare. On campus, I'm involved with Plan II Pre-Med, Global Medical Training, Longhorn Swim Club, and the Senning Lab focusing on ion channel physiology. In my free time, I love swimming, playing basketball, hiking, and cooking random dishes that look tasty on Instagram.
As a Walker Fellow, I'm thrilled to be able to learn about providing equitable education and basic healthcare to the Austin community!
Micaela Guajardo
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Hi! I’m Micaela Guajardo, and I’m a current freshman studying Biology. My hometown is San Antonio, but I’ve always considered Austin a second home. I really enjoy learning about my major and exploring the outdoors, especially while running or biking. I’m so excited to be a part of the Walker Fellowship and I hope that I can help contribute to helping the Austin community!
Jessica Hector
(SHE/HER)
Jessica Hector grew up in Cedar Park, Texas and is now a third-year student majoring in Chemistry with a certificate in Forensic Science. In her free time, she enjoys listening to all kinds of music, reading, and spending time with friends. At UT, she is involved in ACS as well as research in Dr. Lauren J. Webb’s lab. Starting research has driven her passion further for using science to understand and model problems presented in the biological world to hopefully develop solutions that will help others. Through the Walker Fellowship, she is excited to learn more about civil engagement and cultivate a community within the fellowship and here in Austin.