Peer Mentors
We would like to introduce our student leaders. Jefferson Scholars peer mentors are carefully selected upperclassmen who indicate an enthusiasm for the program and willingness to offer support and guidance to our incoming freshmen. The mentors also take the lead in planning outings and group activities for all Jefferson Scholars. We also have two book club co-presidents, a tutoring coordinator, and a resident assistant in our Living and Learning Community. All of them would love to hear from you if you have questions, suggestions, or offers to help!
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Peer Mentors and Book Club Co-Presidents
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Zach Lacy
Zach is a sophomore studying government and philosophy, with a focus on classical liberal thought, liberal education, Christian theology, and American foundational principles. Additionally, Zach is the president of UT’s Thomistic Institute chapter, a contributor to the Christian academic journal Terrain, and a fellow of the Civitas Institute. Outside of academic work, you may find Zach spending time outdoors, listening to music, engaging in various discourses, or reading literature and watching films. His favorite books are The Brothers Karamazov and Emile. He greatly looks forward to leading peer mentor events and assisting this wonderful program!
zachlacy@utexas.edu
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Hannah Legatowicz
Miss Hannah Legatowicz is a third year studying philosophy and humanities. The crux of her scholarship examines literature, philosophy, and religion in political revolutions and regimes, notably in 17th century England. Paralleling her academics, she spends her time preparing for law school and/or graduate studies. When Miss Legatowicz is relinquished from her obligations, she can be found reading, writing, and philosophizing with a spot of tea listening to Liszt; or— perhaps more frequently— engaging in discourse with her peers. She is delighted to be a peer mentor and encourage her fellow students to treat their education as an end itself. What a joy it is to learn!
P.s. Her favorite authors (as she writes this) are Dostoevsky, Austen, and Proust.
hl32537@my.utexas.edu
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Peer Mentors
Sydney Baker
Sydney Baker is a rising senior at the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in Government and Political Communications. On campus, she leads the Longhorn International Justice Mission chapter, a faith-based organization focused on student advocacy against human trafficking. When she is not studying, she can be found rating new coffee shops around Austin, going to concerts, and enjoying nature. She looks forward to guiding and encouraging new students as they find their place at UT Austin!
snbaker17@gmail.com
Lilly Jarlsjo
Lilly Jarlsjo is a prelaw senior majoring in Plan II and History Honors with a minor in Applied Economics. During the Summer of 2024, she interned with the Department of State’s Bureau of Budget and Planning in D.C. On campus, she has worked on IPD's Trade War with China research project and URAP’s research Investigating Crime, Law, and Justice in Texas. Lilly is President of the Texas Swedish Club. She also mentors young students through the Plan II KIPP program and is a long-time member of the Texas Equity Group. She has a background in energy transition and international policy. Lilly has the gift of gab, so she is always happy to chat!
lillyjarlsjo@utexas.edu
Josiah Jones
Josiah is a sophomore studying Public Relations in the Moody College Honors Program on the pre-law track. He loves reading (like any good JSP student), writing, snowboarding, playing drums, cooking, watching detective movies, and playing board games. His favorite pastimes in Austin are photography, biking, going to concerts, and obsessively seeking out new coffee shops in search of the best in the city. He loves JSP and is excited to help new Jefferson Scholars get involved in the most incredible community that UT Austin has to offer. Feel free to reach out with questions, music and movie recommendations, or just to say hello!
josiahjones@utexas.edu
Gage Lagueux
Gage is a junior studying orchestral music performance. Outside of JSP he enjoys frisbee, tea, film, public radio, and exploring the outdoors of Austin. He is especially interested in the intersection of the arts and philosophy. Gage is here to help new Jefferson Scholars feel at home in the program and the university!
gagelagueux@utexas.edu
Emily Mandel
Emily is a sophomore studying government and economics on the pre-law track. She is a member of Alpha Epsilon Phi serving on their philanthropy committee and is active in Longhorn Legal Coalition as well as student government agencies. During her free time, Emily enjoys baking, running, or exploring Austin with friends. She is always ready to try out a new coffee shop. She is really looking forward to getting to know the new JSP students!
emilymandel@utexas.edu
Elif Painaik
Elif is a sophomore double majoring in Government and Economics with a certificate in Core Texts & Ideas and a minor in Law, Justice, and Society. She is a pre-law student and is active in several on campus organizations as well as in local politics. In her free time she enjoys hiking, playing the violin, and hanging out with her two cats. She's excited to provide support for the newest class of Jefferson Scholars!
epainaik@utexas.edu
Rasikapriya Krishna
Rasika is a sophomore double-majoring in Psychology and Anthropology in the Liberal Arts Honors Program, with certificates in Core Texts & Ideas and Children & Society. She’s especially passionate about exploring how children imagine, reason, and make sense of the world around them. Outside of class, Rasika loves going to concerts, reading, and heading out on spontaneous boba runs. She’s so excited to be a peer mentor this year and to meet the new JSP Scholars! Whether you have questions about classes, research on campus, or just want to hang out, feel free to reach out to her!
rasikapriya.krishna@utexas.edu
Aurelia Savener
Aurelia is a sophomore majoring in psychology on the pre-med track, with a minor in core texts and ideas. Some of her hobbies include reading, knitting, yoga, playing video games, volunteering, and swing dancing. She is very excited to be a peer mentor this year, meet lots of new people, and plan fun events for everyone to hang out at together!
aureliasavener@utexas.edu
Molly Tompkins
Molly Tompkins is a sophomore majoring in Plan II and English, as well as studying Creative Writing. She enjoys running, writing, participating in RUF, baking, questioning, and hanging out with friends. She cannot pick a favorite book, but she has deeply enjoyed The Brother’s Karamazov, Manalive, and East of Eden. Please feel free to reach out to her to talk about anything—but especially books.
mollyrosst@icloud.com
Mollie Walters
Mollie is a sophomore majoring in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, as well as studying creative writing. Her hobbies include reading, filming videos, playing guitar, running, and sketching. She is a member of Hillhouse, TEDxUTAustin, and Women of Excellence. She is excited to meet the incoming JSP students!
molliewalters@utexas.edu
Clark White
Clark is a sophomore double majoring in Art History and Anthropology, pursuing a certificate in Core Texts & Ideas. His academic interests center on Indigenous Mesoamerican societies, with a particular focus on the Maya and their material culture. Outside of class, Clark works as a barista and spends his free time drawing, cooking, hiking, and playing chess. He also enjoys studying at local coffee shops, trying out new restaurants around Austin, and being outdoors. As a peer mentor, Clark looks forward to connecting with new Jefferson Scholars and offering support as they navigate the many transitions of college life.
clarkwhite@utexas.edu
Alvin Xu
Alvin Xu is a rising senior double majoring in Government Honors and Sociology, with a focus on Constitutionalism, civic engagement, and studying causes of and remedies to political partisanship. Alvin has served as Committee Chair in the first-ever student-led Model Constitutional Convention held by Arizona State University's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, and has spent this summer broadening their foreign policy expertise studying abroad with the Clements Center for National Security's London Maymester and the Global Challenges in Europe program. On campus, they serve as the Director of the Asian Desi Pacific Islander American Coalition, promoting intercultural dialogue and understanding between Asian communities, and Secretary for Gamma Rho Lambda, UT's first and only LGBTQ+ Greek organization. Alvin is an avid enthusiast for having deep conversations on modern politics and human nature; playing strategy board and video games; and reading fantasy fiction, manhua, and webtoons. They are excited to help students find community and discover all the great opportunities ready for them in JSP and the 40 Acres as a whole. Feel free to reach out!
alx66@my.utexas.edu
DJ Wu
Born and raised in Austin, Dixon Wu is a Junior pursuing a truple major in Plan II, Business Honors, and Accounting with a certificate in Core Texts and Ideas. He is a Fellow at the Civitas Institute and serves as the President of UT’s Undergraduate Moot Court Team. Dixon is also an active member of Ignite Texas Ministries, where he helps incoming freshmen get connected to the local church and Christian community on campus. In his free time, Dixon enjoys playing spike ball and discussing good books with friends. Upon graduating Dixon hopes to utilize his passion for debate and legal analysis by attending law school.
djw3141@gmail.com
Alvin Xu
Alvin Xu is a rising senior double majoring in Government Honors and Sociology, with a focus on Constitutionalism, civic engagement, and studying causes of and remedies to political partisanship. Alvin has served as Committee Chair in the first-ever student-led Model Constitutional Convention held by Arizona State University's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, and has spent this summer broadening their foreign policy expertise studying abroad with the Clements Center for National Security's London Maymester and the Global Challenges in Europe program. On campus, they serve as the Director of the Asian Desi Pacific Islander American Coalition, promoting intercultural dialogue and understanding between Asian communities, and Secretary for Gamma Rho Lambda, UT's first and only LGBTQ+ Greek organization. Alvin is an avid enthusiast for having deep conversations on modern politics and human nature; playing strategy board and video games; and reading fantasy fiction, manhua, and webtoons. They are excited to help students find community and discover all the great opportunities ready for them in JSP and the 40 Acres as a whole. Feel free to reach out!
alx66@my.utexas.edu
DJ Wu
Born and raised in Austin, Dixon Wu is a Junior pursuing a truple major in Plan II, Business Honors, and Accounting with a certificate in Core Texts and Ideas. He is a Fellow at the Civitas Institute and serves as the President of UT’s Undergraduate Moot Court Team. Dixon is also an active member of Ignite Texas Ministries, where he helps incoming freshmen get connected to the local church and Christian community on campus. In his free time, Dixon enjoys playing spike ball and discussing good books with friends. Upon graduating Dixon hopes to utilize his passion for debate and legal analysis by attending law school.
djw3141@gmail.com
Alvin Xu
Alvin Xu is a rising senior double majoring in Government Honors and Sociology, with a focus on Constitutionalism, civic engagement, and studying causes of and remedies to political partisanship. Alvin has served as Committee Chair in the first-ever student-led Model Constitutional Convention held by Arizona State University's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, and has spent this summer broadening their foreign policy expertise studying abroad with the Clements Center for National Security's London Maymester and the Global Challenges in Europe program. On campus, they serve as the Director of the Asian Desi Pacific Islander American Coalition, promoting intercultural dialogue and understanding between Asian communities, and Secretary for Gamma Rho Lambda, UT's first and only LGBTQ+ Greek organization. Alvin is an avid enthusiast for having deep conversations on modern politics and human nature; playing strategy board and video games; and reading fantasy fiction, manhua, and webtoons. They are excited to help students find community and discover all the great opportunities ready for them in JSP and the 40 Acres as a whole. Feel free to reach out!
alx66@my.utexas.edu
alx66@my.utexas.edu
DJ Wu
Born and raised in Austin, Dixon Wu is a Junior pursuing a truple major in Plan II, Business Honors, and Accounting with a certificate in Core Texts and Ideas. He is a Fellow at the Civitas Institute and serves as the President of UT’s Undergraduate Moot Court Team. Dixon is also an active member of Ignite Texas Ministries, where he helps incoming freshmen get connected to the local church and Christian community on campus. In his free time, Dixon enjoys playing spike ball and discussing good books with friends. Upon graduating Dixon hopes to utilize his passion for debate and legal analysis by attending law school.
djw3141@gmail.com
Anna Thielemann
Anna Thielemann is a second year student studying Corporate Communications in the Honors Program with a business minor here at the University of Texas. In her free time, she enjoys songwriting, tennis, exploring Austin with friends, participating in RUF, (attempting to) bake, and staying active. Most of all, she enjoys meeting new people and is very excited to organize fun events and get to know everyone!
acthielemann@gmail.com
More JSP Student Leaders
Aidan Cournoyer
Tutoring Coordinator
Aidan Cournoyer is a third-year Social and Behavioral Data Science and Government double major with an additional minor in UTeach Liberal Arts and a certificate in Core Texts and Ideas. He is interested in education policy, and more generally, in improving systems of education across K-12 and at the college level with a particular interest in civic education. Outside of his professional life, Aidan is an outdoor enthusiast with a love for hiking and a fascination with local birds and is a small-time pen-maker. If you would like to know more about JSP's tutoring program, or if you have any questions about Aidan's work and positions, he would be more than happy to speak with you!
apc2749@my.utexas.edu
Genevieve Britten
LLC-Peer Mentor
Genevieve Britten is a sophomore from Manassas, Virginia here to study Music Performance with a Certificate in Core Texts and Ideas and a minor in English. Genevieve recently reached her seventh year playing oboe and hopes to one day have a professional career as a performer and private teacher. In her free time, she loves listening to music, re-watching her favorite cartoon shows, and wood carving small figurines or pendants. She can’t pick a favorite book, but she has a soft spot for poetry by Robert Frost. She can’t wait to get to know the new JSP students this year!
grb2266@my.utexas.edu
Gabriella Mauldin
Gabby is a sophmore majoring in biology. She is excited to be back in Austin this fall to explore all there is to offer inside and outside of the university. She is passionate about Star Wars, cold brew, farmers markets, and all things active and outdoors! Gabby is excited to meet all the incoming JSP and says please reach out at any point this year if you think she can be helpful!
gmauldin@utexas.edu
Justice Morris
Justice is a second year history and Latino studies double major, alongside being in Liberal Arts Honors. She is active on campus, a published author, who writes for The Liberator and Her Campus at Texas. In her free time, she loves boba runs, going to concerts, and soaking in the sun. She is ready to lend a helping hand to those who are in need!
justice.elise@utexas.edu
Paige Patton
Paige is a second-year student majoring in Government on the pre-law track. She enjoys reading, spending time with her loved ones, and exploring all Austin has to offer. She is so excited to meet the new JSP students and help them on their college journey.
Paigevpatton@utexas.edu
Aurelia Savener
Aurelia is a sophomore majoring in psychology on the pre-med track, with a minor in core texts and ideas. Some of her hobbies include reading, knitting, playing video games, volunteering, and swing dancing. She is very excited to be a peer mentor this year, meet lots of new people, and plan fun events for everyone to hang out at together!
aureliasavener@utexas.edu
Julia Thompson
Julia is a second year history and government double major. Besides Jefferson Scholars, she is also a member of Texas Spirits, and plays the cello in an on-campus orchestra called EChO.
j822thompson@gmail.com
Molly Tompkins
Molly is a sophomore majoring in Plan II and English, as well as studying Creative Writing. She enjoys running, writing, participating in RUF, baking, questioning, and hanging out with friends. She cannot pick a favorite book, but she has deeply enjoyed The Brother’s Karamazov, Manalive, and East of Eden. Please feel free to reach out to her to talk about anything—but especially books.
mollyrosst@icloud.com
Nicolas Boyd
Tutoring Coordinator
Nicolas is a third-year history and Health & Society double major. He has a deep appreciation for trivia, travel, and family dinners. He is an avid outdoorsman, the president of Texas Trap and Skeet, and JSP's tutoring coordinator. If you would like to know more about JSP's tutoring endeavors, or if you have any questions about UT, Nicolas would be more than happy to speak with you.
nicolasboyd24@gmail.com
Alexix Hoeller
RA for LLC
Alexis is a third year International Relations and Global Studies & Asian Cultures and Languages double major. Outside of being a Jefferson Scholar and RA, Alexis is the President of Texas Spirits and is involved in UT’s Clements Center and Student Conduct Board. She’s excited to connect with new residents and JSP students this year!
(NB: Alexis is part of the mentoring program, but since she's the LLC's RA, she cannot accept students for mentoring requests!)
alexishoeller@utexas.edu
Gabriella Mauldin
Gabby is a sophmore majoring in biology. She is excited to be back in Austin this fall to explore all there is to offer inside and outside of the university. She is passionate about Star Wars, cold brew, farmers markets, and all things active and outdoors! Gabby is excited to meet all the incoming JSP and says please reach out at any point this year if you think she can be helpful!
gmauldin@utexas.edu
Justice Morris
Justice is a second year history and Latino studies double major, alongside being in Liberal Arts Honors. She is active on campus, a published author, who writes for The Liberator and Her Campus at Texas. In her free time, she loves boba runs, going to concerts, and soaking in the sun. She is ready to lend a helping hand to those who are in need!
justice.elise@utexas.edu
Paige Patton
Paige is a second-year student majoring in Government on the pre-law track. She enjoys reading, spending time with her loved ones, and exploring all Austin has to offer. She is so excited to meet the new JSP students and help them on their college journey.
Paigevpatton@utexas.edu
Aurelia Savener
Aurelia is a sophomore majoring in psychology on the pre-med track, with a minor in core texts and ideas. Some of her hobbies include reading, knitting, playing video games, volunteering, and swing dancing. She is very excited to be a peer mentor this year, meet lots of new people, and plan fun events for everyone to hang out at together!
aureliasavener@utexas.edu
Julia Thompson
Julia is a second year history and government double major. Besides Jefferson Scholars, she is also a member of Texas Spirits, and plays the cello in an on-campus orchestra called EChO.
j822thompson@gmail.com
Molly Tompkins
Molly is a sophomore majoring in Plan II and English, as well as studying Creative Writing. She enjoys running, writing, participating in RUF, baking, questioning, and hanging out with friends. She cannot pick a favorite book, but she has deeply enjoyed The Brother’s Karamazov, Manalive, and East of Eden. Please feel free to reach out to her to talk about anything—but especially books.
mollyrosst@icloud.com
Nicolas Boyd
Tutoring Coordinator
Nicolas is a third-year history and Health & Society double major. He has a deep appreciation for trivia, travel, and family dinners. He is an avid outdoorsman, the president of Texas Trap and Skeet, and JSP's tutoring coordinator. If you would like to know more about JSP's tutoring endeavors, or if you have any questions about UT, Nicolas would be more than happy to speak with you.
nicolasboyd24@gmail.com
Alexix Hoeller
RA for LLC
Alexis is a third year International Relations and Global Studies & Asian Cultures and Languages double major. Outside of being a Jefferson Scholar and RA, Alexis is the President of Texas Spirits and is involved in UT’s Clements Center and Student Conduct Board. She’s excited to connect with new residents and JSP students this year!
(NB: Alexis is part of the mentoring program, but since she's the LLC's RA, she cannot accept students for mentoring requests!)
alexishoeller@utexas.edu