McDermott Scholar Alumni

Members of the first five classes of Scholars attend some of the nation's most prestigious graduate schools

2005 Scholars

Logan Acton

Hometown:  Frisco, TX

Graduated with a B.A. in Arts & Performance and a minor in Political Science from UTD in 2009

Currently pursuing an M.A. in Aesthetic Studies from UTD and is working at The Dallas Museum of Art where he holds the McDermott Fellowship

David Bindel

Hometown:  San Marcos, TX

Graduated with a B.S. in Computer Science and a minor in Business Administration from UTD in 2007

Graduated with an M.S. in Applied Cognition & Neuroscience, Intelligent Systems from UTD in 2009

Currently working as software engineer at Arcanum Consulting

Sara Clingan

Hometown:  Springfield, MO

Graduated with a B.A. in Political Science and Economics from UTD  in 2009

Currently pursuing a J.D. the University of Virginia Law School

Katie Enderle

Hometown:  Frisco, TX

Graduated with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Art History from UTD in 2009

Currently pursuing an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from UTD

Jessica Harpham

Hometown:  Dallas, TX

Graduated with a B.S. in Biology from UTD in 2009

Currently pursuing an M.D. at University of Texas Southwestern Medical School

Steven Horne

Hometown:  Elbert, CO

Graduated with a B.S. in Physics and Mathematical Sciences from UTD in 2009

Currently pursuing an M.S. in Nuclear and Radiation Program Mechanical Engineering Department at The University of Texas at Austin

Paul Ingram

Hometown:  Beeville, TX

Graduated with a B.S. in Economics from UTD in 2009

Currently pursuing an M.S. in Applied Economics from UTD and works for Precision Corp.

Felicity Lenes

Hometown:  Mount Pleasant, SC

Graduated with a B.S. in Molecular Biology and a minor in Economics from UTD in 2009

Currently pursuing an M.D. at Yale University

Juliann Peterson

Hometown:  Austin, TX

Graduated with a B.S. in Molecular Biology at UTD in 2009

Currently pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) at The University of Texas of Austin

Alejandro Ramirez

Hometown:  San Jose, Costa Rica

Graduated with a B.S. in Arts and Technology from UTD in 2009

Currently pursuing an M.A. in Arts and Technology at UTD

Holly Roelse

Hometown:  Pasadena, TX

Graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from UTD in 2008

Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Psychological Sciences in Developmental Psychology from UTD.

Roman Starsky

Hometown:  Dallas, TX

Graduated with a B.S. in Finance and with an M.S. in Accounting from UTD in 2009

Roman is currently working as a private equity analyst for Fiduciary Network

Austin Swafford

Hometown:  Abita Springs, LA

Graduated with a B.S. in Molecular and Cellular Biology with a minor in Nanotechnology from UTD in 2009

Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from the University of Cambridge through the National Institutes of Health Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program. 

Bradley Wallace

Hometown:  Houston, TX

Graduated with a B.S. in Computer Science and a minor in Biology from UTD in 2009

Currently pursuing an M.D. at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. 

Molly Wurzer

Hometown:  Houston, TX

Graduated with a B.A. in Political Science from UTD in 2009

Currently pursuing a J.D. from The University of Texas at Austin

Ben Yelverton

Hometown:  Orange, TX

Graduated with a B. A. in Political Science from UTD in 2009

Currently pursuing a J.D. at Baylor University Law School 

 

2004 Scholars

Laura Mirielle Anderson

Hometown:  Lafayette, LA

Graduated with a B.S. in Molecular Biology from UTD in 2008

Currently pursuing an M.D. at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center

Zac Cox

Hometown:  Dallas, TX

Graduated with a B.S. in Mathematical Science and a minor in Physics from UTD in 2008

Currently pursuing a J.D. at Stanford University Law School

James Fickenscher

Hometown:  Monahans, TX

Graduated with a B.S. in Mathematical Sciences from UTD in 2008

Currently pursuing a graduate degree at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO

Hannah Frank

Hometown: Austin

Graduate with a B.A. in Literary Studies and a B.A. Art and Performance with a minor in History in May 2008.

Currently in Ghana, Africa, with the Peace Corp

Lelia Gowland

Hometown:  New Orleans, LA

Graduated with a B.A. in Sociology and Minor in Political Science from UTD in 2008

Currently pursuing an M.A. in Public Policy at University of Michigan

George Graham

Hometown:  Rowlett, TX

Graduated with a B.A. in Criminology with a minor in Political Science from UTD in 2008

Currently working for the Fort Worth Police Department

Alessandro Gregorat

Hometown:  Dallas, TX

Graduated with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and with a B.S. in Biology from UTD in 2008

Currently pursuing an M.D. at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX

Holly Kwan

Hometown:  Plano, TX

Graduated with a B.A. in Literary Studies and in Arts & Humanities from UTD in 2008

Currently teaching junior and senior English in Austin, Texas

Iris Kwong

Hometown:  Frisco, TX

Graduated with a B.S. in Economics & Finance from UTD in 2007 and with an M.S. in Management and Administrative Science from UTD in 2008

Graduated with an M.P.A. at The University of Texas at Austin in 2009

Currently works at Deloitte & Touche

Rachel Markowitz

Hometown:  Overland Park, KS

Graduated with a B.A. in Political Science from UTD in 2008

Currently a Fulbright Fellow in Rabat, Morocco

Erica Neiser

Hometown:  Albuquerque, NM

Graduated with a B.S. in Physics from UTD in 2008

Currently pursuing a M.S. in Materials Science at the University of Virginia

Alex Raw

Hometown:  St. Louis, MO

Graduated with a B.A. in Psychology and a B.S. in Chemistry from UTD in 2008

Currently pursuing an M.D. at University of Pittsburgh Medical School.  

Liam Skoyles

Hometown:  Katy, TX

Graduated with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from UTD in 2008 and with an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from UTD in 2009

Currently working at Raytheon Corporation

Benedict Voit

Hometown:  Mt. Pleasant, SC

Graduated with a B.A. in Political Science with a minor in Economics from UTD in 2008

Currently working for ALM First Financial

Kerri West

Hometown:  Shelbyville, TX

Graduated with a B.A. in American Studies from UTD in 2008

Currently working as an associate at Human Rights Watch, Arms Division in Washington, DC

Jordan Youngblood

Hometown:  Weatherford, TX

Graduated with a B.A. in Literary Studies from UTD in 2008

Currently pursuing an M.A./Ph.D. in English at the University of Mississippi


2003 Scholars

Chris Affolter

Hometown:  St. Louis, MO

Graduated with a B.S. in Biology and minors in Art History and Government & Politics from UTD in 2007

Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Microbial Pathogenesis at Washington University in St. Louis.  

Derrick Chen

Hometown:  Plano, TX

Graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from UTD in 2004 and with a B.A. in Biology from UTD in 2006

Graduated with an M.S. in Applied Cognition & Neuroscience from UTD in 2006

Currently pursuing an M.D. at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Neha Chinai

Hometown:  Mumbai, India

Graduated with a B.A. in Literary Studies and a B.S. in Finance from UTD in 2007

Currently working for Mesirow Financial Consulting

Caitlin Dooley

Hometown:  Houston, TX

Graduated with a B.S. in Neuroscience from UTD in 2006

Currently pursuing an M.D. at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. 

John Keese

Hometown:  Albuquerque, NM

Graduated with a B.A. in Arts & Technology from UTD in 2006 and with an M.F.A. in Arts & Technology from UTD in 2008

Currently working at Multimedia Designer, Dallas Market Center

Jonathan Lane

Hometown:  Albuquerque, NM

Graduated with a B.S. in Computer Science and a B.S. in Mathematical Sciences from UTD in 2007

Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Statistics at Rice University.

Melissa Lent

Hometown:  Richardson, TX

Graduated with a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Music from UTD in 2007 and with a B.S. in Child Learning & Development with a minor in Physics from UTD in 2007

Graduated with an M.S. in Applied Cognition & Neuroscience from UTD in 2008

Currently pursuing an M.Res. (Masters in Research) in Psychology at St. Andrews University in Scotland. 

John McLean

Hometown:  Houston, TX

Graduated with a B.S. in Neuroscience from UTD in 2007

Currently pursuing an M.D. at UT Health Science Center – Houston

Alyssa McMenamy

Hometown:  Lubbock, TX

Graduated with a B.S. in Neuroscience from UTD in 2007 and with an M.S. in Cognition and Neuroscience from UTD in 2007

Currently pursuing an M.D./Ph.D. at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston

Pamela Palagonia

Hometown:  Richardson, TX

Graduated with a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from UTD in 2007

Currently works for Powell Tate/Weber Shandwick in Washington, DC

Clarisse Profilet

Hometown:  Dallas, TX

Graduated with a B.A. in Political Science from UTD in 2007

Currently pursuing Masters of Accountancy and J.D. at The University of Texas in Austin

Adam Raw

Hometown:  St. Louis, MO

Graduated with an B.S. in Chemistry from UTD in 2007

Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at Northwestern University

Fern Yoon

Hometown:  The Woodlands, TX

Graduated with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and minors in Business Administration and in Music from UTD in 2007 and with an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from UTD in 2008

Currently working at Texas Instruments

2002 Scholars

Leia Biholar

Hometown:  Plano, TX

Graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration and a B.A. in Arts & Performance from UTD in 2006

Graduated with an M.B.A. in Business Administration from UTD in 2007

Currently working for GEICO in the Emerging Leaders Program

Jessica Cockrell

Hometown:  Amarillo, TX

Graduated with a B.A. in Literary Studies from UTD in 2005 and with an M.A. in Humanities from UTD in 2006

Currently working at Brigham Hill Consultancy

Vicki Dashley

Hometown:  El Paso, TX

Graduated with a B.S. in Biology and Business Administration from UTD in 2006

Graduated with a D.V.M. in Veterinary Science from Texas A & M University 2008

Thomas Elliott

Hometown:  Houston, TX

Graduated with a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies from UTD in 2006

Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Sociology at University of California at Irvine

Robert “Bobby” Janecka

Hometown:  Victoria, TX

Graduated with a B.A. in Literary Studies and Historical Studies with a minor in Government & Politics from UTD in 2006

Graduated with an M.A. in International Affairs, National Security Track at the George Bush School, Texas A & M University in 2009

Currently working as a teacher for the Teach for America Corps in Greater New Orleans, LA

Cheng Lee

Hometown:  Irving, TX

Graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration with minors in Economics & Finance and Government & Politics from UTD in 2006

Currently working for SunTrust, Richmond, VA        

Matthew “Matt” Leonard

Hometown:  Rowlett, TX

Graduated with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and minor in History from UTD in 2006 and with an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from UTD in 2008

Currently working for Raytheon Corporation

Mary Makary

Hometown:  Mesquite, TX

Graduated with a B.A. in Government & Politics from UTD in 2006

Graduated with a J.D. from Harvard University Law School in 2009

Sani Mathew

Hometown:  Sunnyvale, TX

Graduated with a B.S. in Neuroscience and a minor in Medical & Scientific Humanities from UTD in 2006

Currently pursuing an M.D. at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Kassandra McLean

Hometown:  Houston, TX

Graduated with a B.S. in Computer Science and a B.S. in Physics from UTD 2007

Currently working at Raytheon Corporation

Caleb Nelson

Hometown:  Prosper, TX

Graduated with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from UTD in 2005 and with an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from UTD in 2007

Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Plasma Science from UTD. 

Abraham Rivera-Olguin

Hometown:  Guanajuato, Mexico

Graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration from UTD in 2006 and with a B.S. in Economics, Political & Policy Sciences from UTD in 2007

Currently working at BBVA Bancomer Bank - Mexico

Sophie Rutenbar

Hometown:  Richardson, TX

Graduated with a B.A. in Government & Politics from UTD in 2006

Graduated with an M.A. in Conflict, Security and Development and an M.S.C. in Human Rights from Kings College London in 2008

Currently pursuing an M.S.C. in Human Rights at the London School of Economics and Political Science

Michael Seeligson

Hometown:  Dallas, TX

Graduated with a B.S. in Mathematical Sciences from UTD in 2006

Graduated with a J.D. from the University of Virginia Law School in 2009

Annie Toung

Hometown:  Carrollton, TX

Graduated with a B.S. in Biology from UTD in 2006

Currently pursuing a D.O. at Georgia Campus of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Kimberly Vela

Hometown:  Los Alamos, NM

Graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from UTD in 2006

Graduated with an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University in 2009

Currently working at Child and Family Guidance Center

Richard Voit

Hometown:  Mt. Pleasant, SC

Graduated with a B.S. in Molecular Biology from UTD in 2006

Currently pursuing an M.D./Ph.D. at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Benjamin Weittenhiller

Hometown:  Big Horn, WY

Graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration with a minor in Spanish & Hispanic Studies from UTD in 2005

Graduated with an M.B.A. from UTD in 2006

Currently working at the American Heart Association

 


2001 Scholars

Justin Appleby

Hometown:  Dallas, TX

Graduated with a B.A. in Government & Politics from UTD in 2005

Kelsey Condra

Hometown:  Richardson, TX

Graduated with a B.A. in Arts & Humanities-Literary Studies and minor in Government & Politics from UTD in 2005

Graduated with a J.D. from George Washington University Law School in 2009

Currently working at Van Wey and Johnson, L.L.P.

Andres Correa

Hometown: Richardson, TX

Graduated with a B.A. in Government & Politics with minor in Economics & Finance from UTD in 2005

Graduated with a J. D. from New York University Law School in 2008

Currently working at Cravath, Swaine and Moore, LLP

Megan Creasey

Hometown:  Dallas, TX

Graduated with a B.S. in Physics and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from UTD in 2005

Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Physics at The University of Texas Austin

Daniel Erwin

Hometown:  Dallas, TX

Graduated with a B.A. in Literary Studies and Arts & Performance with minor in Government & Politics from UTD in 2005

Currently pursuing a Master of Design at the Institute of Design in Chicago, IL 

Morgan Feeney

Hometown:  Racine, WI

Graduated with a B.S. in Molecular Biology from UTD in 2005

Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Biology at Harvard University Medical School 

Emily Hinz

Hometown:  Plano, TX

Graduated with a B.S. in Geosciences and Computer Science from UTD in 2004 and an M.S. in Geosciences from UTD in 2007

Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Geophysics at Boise State University in Idaho

Tim Hise

Hometown:  Austin, TX

Graduated with a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies (Education & Math) from UTD in 2005

Graduated with an M.Ed. in Educational Administration from University of North Texas in 2009

Currently working with Dallas Independent School District at Greiner Middle School

Sarah Islam

Hometown:  Dallas, TX

Graduated with a B.A. in Government & Politics from UTD in 2005

Graduated with an M.A. in Near Eastern Studies from Princeton University in 2009

Eric Kildebeck

Hometown:  Frisco, TX

Graduated with a B.S. in Biotechnology from UTD in 2005

Currently pursuing an M.D.-Ph.D. at University of Texas Southwestern Medical School

DeLisa Lay

Hometown:  Kingwood, TX

Graduated with a B.A. in Government & Politics from UTD in 2005

Currently pursuing a J.D. from Yale University Law School and is the Director of the Lowenstein Human Rights Project and Student Director of Lowenstein International Human Rights Clinic

Laura Rashedi

Hometown:  Katy, TX

Graduated with a B.A. in Literary Studies and minor in Biology from UTD in 2005 and with an M.B.A. from UTD in 2006

Graduated with a J.D. from Emory University School of Law in 2009

Currently working at Marci Rosenberg, P.C. and Schiff Hardin, L.L.P

Aidan Skoyles

Hometown:  Katy, TX

Graduated with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from UTD in 2005 and with an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from UTD in 2006

Graduated with a J.D. from George Washington University Law School in 2009

Robert “Bob” Sterie

Hometown:  Grapevine, TX

Graduated with a B.A. in Historical Studies from UTD in 2004

Walter Voit

Hometown:  Mt. Pleasant, SC

Graduated with a B.S. in Computer Science with minor in Mathematical Sciences from UTD in 2005

Graduated as an Erik Jonsson Fellow with an M.S. in Computer Science from UTD in 2006   

Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology where he is a Presidential Fellow




DID YOU KNOW?

McDermott Scholars have won several prestigious fellowships and graduate school awards.  To list a few - Goldwater Fellow, Harry S. Truman Award, Leonard Reiser Fellowship, Marshall Scholar, Fulbright Award, and the State Department Critical Language Award.

 
  • Page Updated:  October 20, 2009