Maryam Paykar

(She/Her)

Maryam Paykar, a sophomore Biology major on the pre-med track, is a Dean’s Honors Scholar and an undergraduate researcher in Dr. Maria Croyle’s lab. She also works as a research assistant at Ascension Dell Seton’s Transplant Clinic, investigating disparities in organ transplantation. Passionate about healthcare equity, she actively engages in organizations dedicated to addressing disparities within the community. She also serves as Head Ambassador for Forté UT and community building lead for Partners in Health.

Her commitment to service stems from caring for her siblings and assisting new immigrants at her local refugee center and these experiences allowed her to truly identify her “why” in wanting to become a doctor. Despite losing family members to cancer, she finds purpose in aiding those with a chance at survival by raising over $10K for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. In her free time, she runs races for St. Jude’s and explores topics beyond her studies. As a Walker Fellow, she aims to address social issues and support underserved communities, channeling her dedication to education and impact. The Fellowship serves as a platform for Maryam to channel her dedication to education, service, and impact, fostering a sense of purpose that extends far beyond the confines of the academic realm.

 

Vijay Davis

(he/Him)

Class of 2027, majoring in International Relations & Global Studies and Plan II.

 

Aarushi Garg

(She/Her)

I am majoring in International Relations (IRG) and Plan II. I have spent a large part of my life in India. I truly realized how privileged I was when I moved to North Carolina 2 years ago.. This transition has made me passionate about contributing to my community and thinking about the welfare of others. In the past, I have tutored students in Uganda, interviewed forest inhabitants in India on circular economy practices, and worked with students attending government schools in Bangalore, India. I am a polyglot and speak 5 languages! I am hoping to use language to create meaningful change in the community of Austin through the Walker Fellowship.

 

Arshia Verma

(SHE/HER)

Arshia is a second-year Neuroscience major from Sugar Land, TX. She is also pursuing certificates in public policy, computer science, and interdisciplinary studies. She is a polymathic honors student. She has grown up near Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Houston, all cities with extremely high rates of drug use. Arshia has a keen interest in addiction science as well as local level substance use and mental health policy. She currently does undergraduate research on the genetic predisposition to alcoholism using data visualization techniques, and hopes to go into addiction research post-grad. In her free time she enjoys reading historical fiction and nonfiction, watching political dramas, puzzling, and trying out new piano pieces. As a Walker Fellow, she is excited to identify local issues and help the Austin community.

 

Ananya Bharadwaj

(She/her)

Hi! My name is Ananya Bharadwaj and I am a third-year student double majoring in Biochemistry and Health and Society. My interest in bridging the existing gap between research and action implementation led me to work as a research assistant with the Department of Population Health at Dell Medical on a project aiming to provide accessible cancer screenings around Austin. I am also working with Project Advance Austin to support the Disability Cultural Center through its recent development at UT. These projects have encouraged me to continue pursuing health policy and advocacy work. Along with these projects, I enjoy wet lab research, leading me to join the Seidlit's Lab working on creating microfluidic devices for restoring neurological functions. I also love fashion and am currently taking a sewing class while crocheting on the side (attempting to), and love reading/writing poetry! As a Walker Fellow, I look forward to exploring civic engagement and implementing it in Austin and to continue pursuing medicine and healthcare policy reform.

 

Lucas Williams

(he/him)

Lucas is a third year student from Houston, TX. He is a Honors Biochemistry major with a Computational Science and Engineering certificate in Dean's Scholars. Lucas is from Houston, Texas, where he first got exposed to research in a genetics lab at the Baylor College of Medicine. He is passionate about innovation, whether it be in the lab or through social entrepreneurship. He currently is a researcher in a protein engineering lab creating tunable enzymes for alternative energy and novel chemical syntheses. Additionally, he is also an intern for an startup at the intersection of epigenetics and AI. Through the Walker fellowship, Lucas aspires to hone his entrepreneurial spirit by creating comprehensive solutions for the local Austin community.

 

Sophia Hernandez

(SHE/HER)

Sophia Hernandez is a first-year student from Fort Worth, Texas and double-majoring in Plan II Honors and International Relations and Global Studies. Her passion for philanthropy began through working with organizations like National Charity League, St. Jude, Rivertree Academy, Birthday Brigade, and the Trinity Valley School Community Service Club. Specifically she loves working with kids, and is interested in learning how to make a greater social impact in order to better serve the communities in Austin and beyond. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, playing tennis, learning about art, and trying new restaurants.

 

Evelyn Cho

(SHE/HER)

I'm Evelyn Cho, a proud mother of two adorable kittens, and I call the Taos Coop community my home. My heart is deeply connected to animal welfare, and I'm passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of our furry companions. Currently, I'm on a journey as a psychology student, unraveling the mysteries of the human mind. Taylor Swift's music speaks to my soul, providing the soundtrack to my life. Surprisingly, I find a strange satisfaction in the act of vacuuming, which soothes my mind.

In Taos Coop, I embrace life as a mother, a student, and an advocate, guided by my love for animals, my pursuit of psychology, and life's simple pleasures.

 

Rafael Reynal

(HE/HIM)

Rafa is a second year Plan II, Economics, and Government student passionate about geopolitics, literature, and emergent technologies. He enjoyed an international upbringing as the son of two South American immigrants with roots in Latin America, Western Europe, and the Balkans. Rafa enjoys studying complex systems through his work as a research assistant analyzing alternative currencies and mass fraud at the McCombs School of Business and Latin American legislative policy at Rice University. In the coming years, he hopes to pursue his deep interest in emergent technologies through entrepreneurial ventures. Rafa believes that accelerated technological progress is the key to propelling humanity forward.

 

Reva Prodduturi

()

I'm a sophomore from Frisco, TX. I'm a Plan II major, with minors in Philosophy of Law, Business & Public Policy, and French. I'm also pursuing a certificate in Criminal Law, Justice, and Inequality. On campus, I am also involved with the KIPP Partnership program, where I mentor a middle school student at a KIPP school here in Austin. I am also a part of Student Conduct Board and Texas Lonestars! I am passionate about service and look forward to engaging in meaningful and impactful community engagement with the Walker Fellowship. Specifically, I am interested in reforming the disparities in the criminal legal system and the prison industrial complex. My passion for justice and equality drives my interest in innovation and change. In my free time, I love to bake for my friends, watch trashy reality TV, and buy overpriced lattes at cute coffee shops.