Meet Our Summer 2026 Religion & Social Life Cohort!

Connor Brown is a junior at Baylor University pursuing a B.B.A. in Business Fellows, Economics, and Mathematics alongside an Accelerated Master’s in Economics. A member of the Honors Program, his research focuses on the application of econometric and causal inference methods to contemporary policy analysis. For two consecutive years, Connor has been awarded the Professor Thomas Kelly Scholarship for his work as an outstanding research assistant. In this capacity, he applies advanced econometric modeling to address complex policy questions. Beyond his academic and professional endeavors, Connor is a William Carey Crane Scholar and leads a small group at his church. Upon completing his dual degrees in 2027, he plans to pursue a career in economic research within the public or academic sectors. This summer, he will intern at the American Enterprise Institute’s (AEI) Housing Center.

Miriam Daniel is a student at Baylor University majoring in Medical Humanities on the pre-law track, with minors in Sociology and American Sign Language. A consistent Dean’s List honoree and DeBakey Scholar, she is actively involved in campus leadership as an ASL Teaching Assistant and Tutor and through organizations including Alpha Chi Omega, the Christian Pre-Health Fellowship, and the ASL Club. Her volunteer work with the Family Abuse Center and the SHINE ministry at Highland Baptist Church, which serves children with disabilities, has strengthened her interest in healthcare policy, ethics, and patient advocacy. This summer, Miriam will intern with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Center for Faith, where she will gain experience in healthcare policy, public service, and community outreach. Following her anticipated graduation in 2027, she hopes to pursue a career focused on healthcare access, equity, and advocacy.

Lucy Dennis is a sophomore University Scholar and English Literature major with concentrations in Sociology, Creative Writing, and Rhetoric & Public Discourse. A recipient of the Getterman Scholarship, Lucy is interested in how storytelling and language illuminate human dignity, public service, suffering, and hope. At Baylor, Lucy serves as Student Body External Vice President, working to strengthen partnerships with alumni, the Waco community, peer universities, and institutional stakeholders. Drawn to both language and tangible advocacy, she has interned as a Public Policy Innovation Fellow with the City of Waco’s Housing and Community Development Department and currently works as an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Honors College and English Department. Her research explores topics ranging from Dostoevsky’s theological anthropology to faith perspectives within ecological narratives. Her creative writing has been awarded through the Beall Poetry Festival and published in The Phoenix Literary Magazine, where she serves as a Poetry Editor. In the future, Lucy hopes to pursue a career in law or academia. This summer, she will intern with the Washington Legal Foundation.

Yasmina Haddad is a junior in the Honors program pursuing a BA in Political Science, with a secondary major in Theatre Performace and two minors in History and French. As a pre-law student, she spends some of her free time volunteering for the Baylor Law school Practice Court as witness and juror in simulated trial proceedings. For demonstrating a passion for self-government and a capacity for leadership, in Spring 2026, she was awarded the Sumner's Foundation At-Large Scholarship for her last 2 years at Baylor. As a Sumner's Scholar, she attends civic programs with cross/non-partisan organizations like the Association of Former Members of Congress and Braver Angels, attempting to bridge the partisan divide through civil discourse. After graduating in May 2028, Yasmina plans on attending law school to realize her commitment to advancing civil society. This summer, she will intern at Thrive Achitects, a public policy and professional development firm.

Zach Henry is a sophomore at Baylor University pursuing B.A. degrees in Political Science and University Scholars, with concentrations in International Studies, Great Texts, and Philosophy. A member of the Honors College, his research centers around the effects of mass migration on international security, particularly in the United States and Europe. In 2024, Zach was selected as a member of Baylor’s inaugural Getterman Fellows cohort, a program dedicated to intellectual formation and community leadership. As a Baylor Ambassador, Zach engages with legislators at the state and federal level to advocate for student financial aid. Outside the classroom, Zach works as a freelance tennis coach and serves as manager for the Baylor Men’s Tennis team. Upon completing his degrees in 2028, he plans to pursue graduate studies in international relations. This summer, he will join World Relief as a Policy and Advocacy Intern.

Lindsey Johnson is a junior at Baylor University graduating in May 2028. She is double majoring in Finance / Management and double minoring in Mathematics / Religion. She has been on the Dean’s List for 2 years and has maintained a 4.0 GPA. She is part of Business Fellows at Baylor, a highly rigorous program for the top 5% of Business Students. Lindsey enjoys leading Baylor’s top spirit organization, BearPit, as recruitment chair. BearPit is one of three Baylor sponsored organizations on campus and supports 10 division one sports. Additionally, Lindsey enjoys participating in Bass Fishing Club, Country Line Dance Club, and Outdoor Adventure Club. Lindsey enjoys giving back to the Waco, Texas community through her involvement in Hoops Huddles and Mission Waco. Hoops Huddles is an urban outreach program which coaches underprivileged kids in the sport of basketball. Lindsey also volunteers with Mission Waco at My Brother’s Keeper, a local homeless shelter. She recently completed an internship with Mission Waco in executive administration and strategy. This summer Lindsey is an intern with World Vision, one of the world's largest Christian humanitarian, development, and advocacy organizations.

Trent Johnson is a rising junior from Orange County, California, majoring in Business Fellows, Economics, and Mathematics with a minor in Biochemistry on the pre-medical track at Baylor University. He conducts undergraduate microbiology research in the Wright Lab, studying ulcerative colitis through chemical probes, cell sorting, and integrative omics alongside a PhD student. Trent supports student well-being through Baylor’s Student Health Advisory Council (SHAC) and volunteers with Redeemer Waco and Journey Church serving underserved communities. Passionate about global health, he participates annually in international medical mission trips through HEARTFIRE Missions. He is also a member of Bear Jiu-Jitsu and previously served as a Research Mentor in Baylor’s Laparoscopy Lab program and Event Planning Coordinator for Baylor Club Climbing. This summer, Trent will intern with Diaryz, a startup focused on preventing caregiver burnout, and L’Arche, a nonprofit fostering inclusive community living for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Norah Ramsey is a sophomore at Baylor University pursuing a B.B.A. in Business Fellows, Economics, and Arabic & Middle Eastern Studies alongside minors in Philosophy and Mathematics. Her academic focus centers on the intersection of global economic development, humanitarian aid, and international policy. In her capacity as an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Department of Economics, Norah applies microeconomic analysis to investigate how regulatory policies impact domestic violence, financial development, and social justice. Beyond her academic and research endeavors, she is an award-winning member of the Baylor Model United Nations team and a William Carey Crane Scholar through the Institute of Faith and Learning. Globally, Norah expanded her cross-cultural and linguistic expertise through an intensive language immersion at the Qasid Arabic Institute in Amman, Jordan. Upon completing her degrees in 2028, she plans to pursue a career dedicated to international economic development and global policy. This summer, she is further developing her professional interests as an intern with the Policy Team at the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC).

Lauryn Rios is an Honors Professional Writing and Rhetoric major at Baylor University, set to graduate in May of 2027. She is well versed in multiple genres of writing and her studies have developed her time management and organizational skills. Lauryn tutors at Baylor’s Center for Writing Excellence, where she enjoys supporting writers through rough drafts, idea generation, and thoughtful feedback. Within the Honors College, she works as a research assistant under Dr. Sarah J. Murray, writing a thesis, aiding grant and funding research, and exploring biblical connections in Boethius’ Consolation of Philosophy. Lauryn serves her community by leading a life group at her church and being active in volunteer events. This summer, she will work with the Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS) as a Writing and Development Intern, contributing to professional communications, conference support, and organizational initiatives that enhance member engagement.

Kaylah Walker is a student at Baylor University pursuing a B.B.A. in Accounting alongside a Master of Accountancy and CPA certification, with an anticipated graduation date of Fall 2027. She is a member of both the Baylor Honors Program and the selective Getterman Fellowship Program, which emphasizes academic excellence, thoughtful leadership, and community engagement. At Baylor, Kaylah serves as the Assistant to Student Recruitment for the Honors College, where she supports faculty engagement events and assists in planning recruitment programs such as Baylor Bound and Baylor Premiere. She was also recently a member of VirtuOSO, Baylor’s competitive a cappella group, which competed in the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA) and was recognized as a Top 10 group in the world. This summer, Kaylah will intern with the Institute for Global Engagement. Upon completing her degrees, she hopes to pursue a career in forensic accounting.

Jonah Woo is a sophomore from Ellicott City, Maryland studying Political Science and Philosophy with a minor in History in the Baylor Interdisciplinary Core in the Honors College. Jonah is also in the Army ROTC program. His academic interest thus far surround political philosophy, military history, constitutional law, public policy, and foreign affairs. Beyond academics, Jonah is an Office of Engaged Learning Vardaman Scholar, a William Carey Crane Scholar, a Political Science department mentor, the Recruitment Coordinator of the Beta Upsilon Chi fraternity, and a member of Hope Church Robinson. Previously, he interned at the District Court of Maryland for Howard County where he got to experience the legal process at the local level firsthand. He has also volunteers teaching ESL at McLennan Community College and with the Larry Hogan for Governor campaign. Recently, Jonah was selected to attend the Naval Academy Foreign Affairs Conference, which strengthened his interest in U.S.-China relations. Upon graduation, Jonah hopes to be commissioned as a Military Intelligence officer in the Army Reserves and pursue a job on the Hill. This summer, Jonah will intern with Congressman Nicholas Begich.

Asher Wood is a current junior at Baylor University and is originally from Van Buren, Arkansas. Asher will graduate from Baylor University in May of 2027 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in University Scholars, Political Science, and Communications, with a minor in International Studies. Asher’s past professional experiences include interning at Medlock & Gramlich, L.L.P. in Northwest Arkansas, as well as Pakis, Giotes, Burleson, & Deaconson, P.C. in Waco, Texas, with focuses on both litigation and transactional law. At Baylor, Asher has worked as an on-campus tour guide and as an undergraduate research assistant at Baylor’s Institute for Faith and Learning. Additionally, Asher stays involved on campus in his role as Secretary for Baylor’s Pre-Law Society. After graduating, Asher plans to attend law school with a focus in large contract litigation and international government affairs. This summer, Asher will be interning with the House Oversight Committee.

Spencer Yim is a senior from Westport, Connecticut, pursuing degrees in Political Science and Economics while also studying History and Chinese. A member of Baylor’s Honors College, he is a University Scholar with interests in government, politics, and public policy. Spencer serves as the sole voting Student Regent on Baylor’s Board of Regents, where he collaborates with Baylor’s President and President’s Council to represent the student perspective on strategic and confidential university decisions. On campus, Spencer works as the Community Outreach Coordinator for Baylor’s Department of Public Safety and Police Department, supporting student engagement initiatives. In 2024, he co-founded the Baylor University Innovation Fellows, a program empowering students to address campus challenges through innovative solutions. Spencer is a William Carey Crane Scholar through Baylor’s Institute for Faith and Learning and previously served as a Community Leader Mentor in the Honors Residential College. Spencer is an active member of Cedar Grove Baptist Church. This summer, he is interning with the Trinity Forum, and after graduation, he hopes to pursue a career in public service with the long-term goal of running for public office.

Curiosity-driven, Elise Zeigler studies Social Entrepreneurship, Sustainable Development, and Refugee Migration, combining her love of culture, creativity, and community. Growing up alongside New-American refugee families in St. Louis inspired her passion for empathy-driven social entrepreneurship and community resilience. At 15, she launched Selah Textiles, a tea towel textile-printing social enterprise supporting under-resourced refugee young women and fostering creative community in her neighborhood. Her research and experiences have taken her to Amazon Indigenous villages, Greek refugee camps, and human trafficking rehabilitation centers, where she studied how social enterprises preserve culture and support communities affected by forced migration. She has also researched Sustainable Impact Investing Entrepreneurship under Dr. Rachida Justo at IE Madrid University and studied with St. Andrews University’s Refugee & Forced Migration Network. Elise is a Truman Fellowship Finalist and Ashoka Changemaker. After graduation she dreams to start and consult social enterprises across the world. This summer she is interning with the Global Flourishing Study led by Gallup, Harvard, and Baylor University.