Research Assistants

Alexia Baker is a third-year Texas Law student interested in state and federal religious freedom protections. She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from The University of Texas at San Antonio and interned in local government before starting law school. Last school year, Alexia gained first-hand exposure to the intricacies of the civil litigation process as a participant in the Law and Religion Clinic. Outside her studies, she serves as the Manuscripts Editor of the Texas Review of Law and Politics and the Executive Director of Texas Law Students for Life. After graduation, Alexia plans to begin her career as a litigator.

Jessie B Bolton is a second-year student at Texas Law with interests in conflict resolution and human rights. Before law school, she worked as a staffer at the Texas Capitol and in peacebuilding for the joint Israeli-Palestinian organization Parents Circle – Families Forum. Jessie B holds a B.A. in International Studies from Pepperdine University and a Certificate in Conflict Management from the Straus Institute of Dispute Resolution. At Texas Law, she serves in CLS and WLC leadership positions and is a member of the Board of Advocates. She is passionate about bolstering basic human dignity and religious freedom for all.

Sydney Jean Gottfried is a third-year student at Texas Law with interests in First Amendment and media law. Prior to law school, she worked in news and late-night television at NBC. At Texas Law, she is Editor-in-Chief of the Texas Law Review, is a member of the Supreme Court Clinic, and is a member of OUTLaw (the LGBTQ+ affinity group). Sydney Jean graduated from Georgetown University with a degree in Government. She is interested in protecting free speech and press freedom.

Jacob Taylor Page is a second-year law student at Texas Law. Before matriculating, Jacob earned his bachelor’s from the Texas A&M University, and his masters from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Jacob’s academic interests include constitutional law, human rights, and religious liberty. Beyond the classroom, Jacob prioritizes time with family, friends, and neighbors. When he’s not with family, you’ll find him cultivating his passions. He enjoys playing acoustic guitar, two-stepping, training for marathons, and watching Aggie football.

Veda Tsai is a third-year student at Texas Law, where her research and studies are focused on the First Amendment. She graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas, where she studied the intersection between healthcare and law. Before law school, she was a congressional intern for the House of Representatives in Washington D.C. and at the Federal District Court for the Northern District of Texas. Recently, she clerked for Chief Judge David C. Godbey in the Northern District of Texas District Court and is also the Chief Articles Editor of the Texas Law Review. Her motivation is her most beautiful cat, who enjoys chewing on Post-it notes.

Matthew Zavaro is a third-year student at Texas Law interested in preserving religious freedom and free speech. Before law school, he managed family-owned gas stations while studying economics and philosophy at San Diego State University. Matthew’s legal experience includes a Fall 2023 internship with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and a 2024 summer associate position with Foley & Lardner LLP. He has also gained experience litigating First Amendment issues by participating in the University of Texas Law and Religion Clinic and interning for Limandri & Jonna LLP, a small law firm led by Special Counsel for the Thomas More Society.