Category: Advance Team

Lucy Johnson is from Rochester, New York and is currently a rising sophomore at George Mason University studying Government and International Politics with an interest in environmental policy. Outside of academics, she is a member of the school dance team, Zeta Tau Alpha, and is the Vice President of Events for Mason Ambassadors. She is excited to work her first summer with the Washington Scholars Program!

Emma Taylor is a rising junior from Charlotte, North Carolina who currently attends Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee. She is a Political Science major and an Anthropology/ Sociology minor on the pre-law track. At Rhodes, she participates in Mock Trial as a captain, serves as a campus tour guide, works in the Financial Aid office, and is a member of Kappa Delta Sorority. She looks forward to her third summer on George Mason’s campus!

Courtney Knapp is a Senior Event Coordinator in the Office of Admissions at George Mason University.  She started with the Office of Admissions in December 2022. She received her B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from North Greenville University in 2012, and her M.A. in History of Decorative Arts from George Mason University in 2016. In her free time, Courtney enjoys working out, traveling, and spending time with her spouse and their dogs.

Jalen Stephens is a sophomore at George Mason University majoring in business concentrating in marketing minoring in international business. Jalen is heavily involved on campus from working at the financial aid office, being a Mason Ambassador, and being involved in Greek Life at Mason. He is looking forward to working with the WJMC team and expanding his professional background.

Allison Alberty is the K12 Coordinator in the Office of Admissions at George Mason University and is both a WJMC and George Mason alumna. She received her BA in Communication and concentration in Public Relations in Spring of 2023 and is currently pursuing an MA in Strategic Communication. In her free time, Allison enjoys attending rock concerts, yoga sessions, adopting plants, and finding new brunch spots!

Paul Urban is a junior at Virginia Tech and studies Business with concentrations in Cybersecurity and Entrepreneurship. He is from Fairfax Station and is excited to work at George Mason this summer! Paul served as a lifeguard and worked at Cava while in high school. Besides school and work, Paul enjoys traveling and spending time with this family. He is excited to experience the summer programs and get to know the students and staff. 

Nathaniel Aponte is a senior at Christopher Newport University studying Marketing and Graphic Design. He hopes to pursue a career in digital marketing after finishing school. Nathaniel enjoys photography, museums, coffee shops, outings with friends, and listening to his favorite artist, Future.

Lukas Baines will be joining the advance team for 2022 and is looking forward to meeting and working with everyone.  He is a sophomore at GMU and is double majoring in electrical and mechanical engineering. He interned at Lockheed Martin and participated in Washington Workshops Congressional Seminar. He spends his free time reading or playing with his dog and currently works at REI’s bike shop but looks for every chance to get outdoors.

Soph Zelizer is an Advance Team member for 2022, and is very excited to be joining the team.  Soph is a George Mason alumna with a BA in Sociology and Global Affairs, and is currently a graduate student in the social work program at the University of Washington. They have spent the past few years conducting research on LGBT+ wellbeing in the United States, Brazil, and Argentina, as well as working on an oral history project with local intersectional activists. In their free time, they enjoy reading, baking with friends, and hiking.

Averi is an Admission Counselor in the Office of Admissions at George Mason University. She received her Bachelor’s in Communication at Texas A&M University, and is now pursing her Masters in Religious Studies at GMU. She is so excited for the opportunity to meet new people and experience new things at WYSE this summer. Averi loves sweet tea, fiction books, church, and playing board games.