Our Current Cohort

Ruthie Anandraj is a sophomore at Baylor University majoring in International Studies with a minor in Arabic. In Waco, she is an executive board member of A Moment of Magic, a student assistant for Baylor’s Department of Modern Languages, and a member of the Baylor Model United Nations team. This spring, she is interning with the National Security Institute.

John Calandri is a junior from Lancaster, CA, who will graduate from Baylor University in May 2027 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. This spring, John will be serving as an intern for Senator Steve Daines, while also participating as a full-time student in the Baylor in Washington program. John’s prior experience includes an internship with the California Attorney General’s Office of External Affairs, and an internship with Lancaster’s Department of Economic Development. During his free time, John serves as President of his fraternity, Phi Gamma Delta, and as a part-time member of Model United Nations. His philanthropy experience includes the coordination of fundraising events in support of the American Red Cross and previously acting as a student representative for his high school where he played a pivotal role in raising $14 million for a new athletic complex. In the future, John plans work in a corporate setting with a focus on government relations.

Maya Dulock grew up in Lindsay, TX and is a junior on the Pre-Law track at Baylor University. She is majoring in Political Science with a minor in Legal Reasoning & Analysis in the Honors Program. Her experiences as a presiding officer in the UIL Student Congress competition, a news reporter at the Baylor Lariat, and an intern at the District Attorney’s Office in Cooke County have influenced her desire to pursue a career in law and politics. Additionally, studying abroad this past summer in Oxford has influenced her honors thesis and future international academic and professional goals. Following her graduation in May 2027, she plans to study international law in the UK and continue her current research on the influence the Church of England has on immigration policy from 2000-present. This spring, she is excited to gain experience on Capitol Hill during her internship in the U.S House of Representatives with Congressman Troy Downing

Elizabeth Gijsbertsen is a junior at Baylor University majoring in International Studies and pursuing minors in Spanish, Political Science, and Business Administration. As an Honors student in the Baylor Interdisciplinary Core, she engages in rigorous, cross‑disciplinary liberal arts study that strengthens her analytical and global perspectives. Growing up in the Netherlands and now based in Houston, Elizabeth brings an international background to her academic and professional pursuits. Her passion for diplomacy is demonstrated through her involvement with Baylor University’s Model United Nations Team. Elizabeth also works as a Baylor Experience and Admissions Representative, where she serves as an ambassador to prospective students visiting the campus. After graduating in May 2027, Elizabeth plans to pursue a career in foreign policy. This semester, Elizabeth will be interning at The Heritage Foundation in the Truluck Center for Leadership Development.

Nik Gillaspie is a senior from central Massachusetts graduating from Baylor University in December 2026. He is a double major in History and Political Science with multiple years’ experience studying Chinese. Nik has enjoyed the opportunity to pursue research during his time at Baylor, and is most proud of his work set to be published in Waco Heritage and History on the legacy of “Tiempo Newspaper,” a prominent bilingual Mexican-American publication that ran in Waco for many years. Nik is an alumni of the Fulbright Summer Institute program, which allowed him to study Scotland's history at the University of St. Andrews last summer. He will be interning for a US Congressman this semester and is excited to learn and prepare for graduate and law school.

Anneli Hellgren is a sophomore from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania pursuing a triple major in Baylor Business Fellows, Political Science, and Economics, with a minor in Studio Art. She is a member of the Honors Program, Baylor Women’s Club Soccer, Baylor Pre-Law Society, and is a recipient of the Baylor2Baylor Law Scholarship. She is active in Baylor Ambassadors, a student organization which advocates on the state and national level for federal financial aid and research funding. Additionally, Anneli works as an undergraduate researcher in the McManamay Lab at Baylor University where she contributes to research on the effectiveness of autonomous imaging systems and machine learning for biomonitoring in aquatic ecosystems and the economic impacts of national parks on surrounding infrastructure. After graduation Anneli plans to pursue a career in comparative politics and international climate law. This spring Anneli will be an institute relations and grants intern at the Atlas Network.

Jacob Jones is a current Political Science student at Baylor University with a strong academic background and a commitment to leadership and personal growth. His academic interests include political science and the humanities, and he has been recognized for his dedication to excellence through honors such as the Dean’s List and nomination to the National Society of Leadership and Success. This spring, he will intern with the U.S. House of Representative’s Speaker of the House Office.

Arianna Latterell is a sophomore from Plymouth, Minnesota pursing a bachelor’s degree in International Studies on the Pre-Law track with minors in Chinese and Business Administration at Baylor University. Her passion for public service, which is rooted in her faith, drives her interest in national security and international affairs. Arianna demonstrates this commitment through her involvement in the Baylor Model Organization of American States team, where she served as a delegate on a committee ensuring the ethical use of artificial intelligence. In her free time, she is also an active member of Alpha Phi sorority and works at Waco Surf. Following graduation, Arianna plans to attend law school or pursue a master’s degree in national security. This spring, she will intern with the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation.

Victoria Leidwinger is a junior from McAllen, Texas currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in International Studies with a secondary major in Russian Language at Baylor University. This spring, she will intern with the International Justice Mission’s (IJM) South Asia division, where she will focus on combatting bonded labor and child sex trafficking. At Baylor, Victoria is the Vice President of Advocacy for IJM’s chapter and is heavily involved in the planning of fundraising initiatives, raising over $27,000 in the fall of 2025. Through multiple study abroad experiences in Ireland and Latvia, Victoria has developed a deeper understanding of how culture, politics, and history shape international politics. After graduating, Victoria hopes to attend graduate school for a masters degree in International Affairs or Global Security Policy.

Joseph Morfoot is a junior from San Diego, California, majoring in Political Science on the pre-law track. He plans to pursue law school following the completion of his undergraduate studies and hopes to one day establish his own law firm. Previously, Joseph worked with Greater Waco Legal Services, a legal clinic that serves marginalized communities in Waco by providing legal assistance and education. This spring, he is thrilled to intern in the office of Representative Juan Vargas (CA-52), where he will gain firsthand exposure to the federal legislative process. Through this experience, Joseph hopes to better understand what it takes to effectively serve as a member of Congress and work in public service.

Leah Murray is a junior at Baylor University from Spring, Texas, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science on the Pre-Law track with minors in Legal Reasoning & Analysis and Sociology. Her academic, professional, and leadership experiences reflect a strong commitment to public service, civic engagement, and advocacy for marginalized and underrepresented communities. At Baylor, Leah has held multiple leadership roles, including serving as President of the Freshman Action Team and later as Community Involvement Coordinator for the Black Student Union. She is also a member of the Pi Mu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, where she has served in several leadership capacities. This spring, Leah will intern with Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware to gain insight into the legislative process and the impact of federal policymaking. Following graduation, she plans to attend law school and pursue a career in family or civil rights law.

CJ Romani is a sophomore University Scholars major at Baylor University with concentrations in Political Science and Philosophy and minors in Business Administration and Greek. He is from Oakton, Virginia, and plans to graduate in May of 2028. On campus, CJ attends Alexander Hamilton Society events to engage with high-level foreign affairs discourse and has contributed to The Standard, an independent student newspaper. CJ also leads life group with his church, Antioch Waco, volunteers with Baptist Student Ministries, and is a member of Baylor’s Honors Residential College Spiritual Life Committee. This spring, CJ is excited to intern at the American Enterprise Institute with senior fellow Ian Rowe and the F.R.E.E. Initiative.

Samantha Smith is a junior at Baylor University majoring in Professional Writing & Rhetoric with a minor in Political Science on the Pre-Law track. She is expected to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in May 2027. Originally from Spokane, WA, Samantha will intern with Congressman Michael Baumgartner, who represents Washington’s 5th Congressional District. She has gained professional experience in client communication and project collaboration through her remote role as a social media intern for Traction Resume. Furthermore, Samantha brings extensive research experience from her role as a project manager in Baylor’s Professional Writing & Rhetoric 3318 course in Fall 2024. On campus, she enjoys spending time with her Tri Delta Sorority peers and promoting the organization’s philanthropic values through campus-wide events. Samantha is excited to pursue a career in political communication, with a strong interest in research and legal writing.

Mather Snell is a current sophomore at Baylor University and is originally from Princeton, New Jersey. Mather will graduate from Baylor University in May of 2028 with a B.A. in University Scholars and Political Science on the Pre-Law track. After graduating, Mather plans to attend law school. This spring, Mather will be interning at Becket Law.

Yamini Srivastava is a junior from Novato, California, majoring in International Studies and minoring in Political Science and Medical Humanities at Baylor University. This spring, she is interning on Capitol Hill in the office of Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA 14). Her professional experiences include internships at Ultragenyx Pharmaceuticals in Novato, CA and Ryan Law PLLC in Waco, TX, as well as volunteer work with the Power to Soar Foundation. Yamini will graduate from Baylor University in May 2027 and plans to attend law school, with career interests in family law, medical malpractice, and healthcare policy.

Liv Tantalo is a junior at Baylor University studying Political Science on the pre-law track with minors in Legal Reasoning & Analysis and Corporate Communications. She decided to dedicate her time in Washington, D.C. to working for Senator Ted Cruz from Texas. In the past, Liv interned for Thorn Run Partners (Summer 2025) in D.C. and Ebby Halliday (Summer 2024) in Texas. Liv has also taken a special interest in education advocacy, small-business advocacy, and nonprofit organizations. 

Stella Tognocchi is a junior from Owings Mills, Maryland, pursuing a bachelor's degree in Political Science at Baylor University. She is minoring in Military Studies and Legal Reasoning & Analysis, and plans to graduate in May 2027. Previously, she completed a fellowship with the American Enterprise Institute on defense policy, served as a Student Senator for Baylor's Student Government, and tutored rhetoric for the Baylor Honors College. Currently, she is the Director of Communications for Baylor's Student Body President, a staff writer for The Standard, an officer of the Alexander Hamilton Society, and serves on the Public Relations Committee for the Honors Residential College. She will be interning for Senator Rand Paul during her time in Washington and aspires to pursue a career in defense strategy.

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 spring, Asher will be interning at the DGA Group as a government relations intern.