Peer Mentors
We would like to introduce the Jefferson Scholar Mentors. Our peer mentors are carefully selected upperclassmen that indicate an enthusiasm for the program and willingness to offer support and guidance to our incoming freshmen. However, if you are a continuing Jefferson Scholar please feel free to contact our mentors with questions or to participate in group activities. All Jefferson Scholars are welcome!
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Ben Aguillon
Hi Y’all! My name is Ben and I am from San Antonio, Texas. I’m currently a junior studying Plan II, Government, and Philosophy, with a minor in Spanish on the pre-law track. During my time here at UT I have been active on campus, working in Student Government, Innovations for Peace and Development, and the plan II Kipp program. I am a major fan of mitski, traveling, beekeeping, and playing poker. I became a peer mentor because I wanted to help others through the challenges which everyone experiences when adjusting to college, and I am excited to meet you all!
Bena234@icloud.com
Gabriel Babineaux
Gabriel is a third-year student studying government here at the University of Texas. In his free time, he enjoys procrastinating, video games, and devoting his time to organizations on campus. His favorite book is Crime & Punishment and his favorite source of calories is root beer. He is delighted to assist the scholars of the Jefferson Scholars Program.
gabrielp.babineaux@gmail.com
Sydney Baker
Sydney is a third-year student majoring in Government and Corporate Communications. On campus, she is involved with Longhorn International Justice Mission, TX Votes, and research with Global Disinformation Lab. When she is not studying, she can be found rating new coffee shops around Austin, going to concerts, volunteering at Casa Marianella, and enjoying the great outdoors. She looks forward to guiding and encouraging new students as they find their place at UT Austin.
snbaker17@gmail.com
Debbie Chu
Debbie is a sophomore majoring in Plan II and Government with minors in Korean and Business and Public Policy. She is interested in America's foundational principles, politics, public policy (especially regarding the foster care and education systems), and their intersection with classical and modern Christian thought. Outside of JSP, she is the Affordability Policy Director in Student Government, a fellow of the Civitas Institute, a counselor for Ignite, and a writer and Social Media manager for the Christian academic journal Terrain. In her free time, Debbie loves exploring Austin with friends and indulging in anything music and nature-related!
debbiechu16@gmail.com
Lily Jarlsjo
Lilly Jarlsjo is a junior majoring in Plan II, Economics, and History. During the Summer of 2024, she interned with the Department of State’s Bureau of Budget and Planning in D.C. On campus, she worked on IPD's Trade War with China research and is currently on URAP’s research Investigating Crime, Law, and Justice in Texas. She also participates in the Plan II KIPP program as a mentor for young students and is a long-time member of the Texas Equity Group. 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
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
Eli Lang
Eli is a second year architecture student. He joined JSP during the spring last year and has come to love the community within JSP. Eli is especially interested in the JSP book clubs and social hours and is always trying to read more of the classical literature canon. He is excited for what JSP has to offer in the upcoming year!
elisolang@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
Kathryn Leaumont
Kathryn is a second-year Economics major with a minor in Core Texts & Ideas. Outside of class, she can usually be found crocheting, reading, or trying new coffeeshops in search of the perfect mocha. She is thrilled to be back in Austin and to meet the newest Jefferson Scholars. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or just to chat!
kleaumont@utexas.edu
Madeline McKinney
Maddy is a senior in environmental science with an emphasis in geography. In class, she loves reading natural science history, and she doesn't love fighting with GIS software. You can find her at work in the Classics library or at home with her cat, King Arthur, and she would love to show you around UT's libraries and museums! While her greatest passion is fish, she will happily chat about memoirs, podcasts, and art.
madelinegracemckinney@gmail.com
Brooke McMullan
Brooke is a sophomore studying History and Government in the Liberal Arts Honors program. On campus, she is involved with Alpha Phi Omega, the L.O.V.E. Club, and activist organizations. Her hobbies include reading, talking to people about books, going on hikes that are really much closer to being walks, and napping. She can’t wait to get to know this year’s new Jefferson Scholars, and she hopes that they reach out to her for anything they might need!
bcmcmullan@utexas.edu
Justice Morris
Justice is a junior studying History and Mexican American Latina/o Studies in the Liberal Arts Honors program. She is a published author, writing for Hook’d Magazine, where she expresses admiration for her culture and fashion. Outside the classroom, she can be found watching movies, at a concert, or journaling.
justice.elise@utexas.edu
Nikita Nair
Nikita is a junior triple-majoring in Canfield Business Honors, Finance, and History, completing a minor in Global Leadership and Sustainability and a certificate in Core Texts and Ideas. Outside of Jefferson Scholars, Nikita is heavily involved in the Sustainability Investment Group and the Texas Undergraduate Law Journal. In her free time, she loves trivia, reviewing movies, listening to classic rock vinyls, and attempting to improve her hand-eye coordination through Spikeball. She is excited to get to know all the incoming JSP students!
nikitanair@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
Anu Pillai
Anu is a senior studying Government and Law, Justice, and Society here at the University of Texas. Her future plans include applying to law school this fall and hopefully becoming a lawyer. In her free time, she enjoys trying new food spots around Austin, soaking in the live music scene, and captaining the Texas Mock Trial team. The Jefferson Program has fueled her passion for politics and philosophy, an enthusiasm she is excited to share with all the new scholars! If you are down to explore Austin, have questions about the program/ pre-law, or just want to hang out - hit her up!
ananya.pillai@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
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
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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
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Grant Walther
Grant is a sophomore majoring in Government and minoring in Business on the pre-law track. He is a member of the Texas Pre-Law Honor Society, where he enjoys participating in the semesterly mock trial competition. He also serves as Beta Theta Pi’s service chair, planning events to give back to the community. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking, listening to music and planning his next global adventure. He loves to talk about travel so if you have any stories to share he’s excited to hear them and always feel free to just say hello!
grantwalther@gmail.com
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DJ Wu
Born and raised in Austin, Dixon Wu is a sophomore pursuing a double major in Plan II and Business Honors, with a certificate in Core Texts and Ideas. He is a Fellow at the Civitas Institute and serves as the Vice 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
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Jefferson Scholar Program Positions
Nicolas Boyd
Tutoring Coordinator
Nicolas is a fourth-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
Andrew McKiernan
RA for LLC
(NB: Andrew is part of the mentoring program, but since he's the LLC's RA, he cannot accept students for mentoring requests)
andrewmckiernan.college@gmail.com
Mia Li Rodriguez
Book Club President
Mia Li Rodriguez is a senior studying Music and Plan II. She serves as president of the Jefferson Book Club, is an undergraduate fellow for the Civitas Institute, and participates at the Hill House Christian Study Center. Mia Li also volunteers with Communities in Schools to help improve education outcomes for young students and enjoys serving at her church.
mialirod@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
