Dr. Lemus is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology. Lemus was part of the inaugural ACES Fellow cohort class of 2019.  In his research agenda, Lemus documents the centrality of labor processes in driving cultural transformations among Mexican migrants and the politico-historical change that gives rise to a working-class formation—Los yarderos. This research is slated to be published as a book at the University of Illinois Press in May 2025 under Latinos in Chicago and the Midwest series with the title, “Los Yarderos: Mexican Yard Workers in Transborder Chicago.” 

MyKaela Johnston is a junior, class of 2026, from Belton, Texas. She plans to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in university studies with a concentration in society, ethics, and law with Departmental Honors and double minors in philosophy and communications. As a student at Texas A&M, MyKaela has had the opportunity to be involved in advocacy programs such as the Southeastern Conference in Washington D.C. Program and the Texas A&M Public Policy Internship Program, where she gained first hand experience in the public policy making process and how to effectively advocate for priorities on Capitol Hill. MyKaela also serves as the Vice President of the Student Government Association’s Legislative Relations Commission, where she works to provide students with a voice through analyzing legislation, developing policy briefs, and conversing with policymakers and stakeholders. These experiences have sparked MyKaela’s passions of protections for minority communities and human rights, especially through means of public policy. She has a drive to work in a field that enables her to use her passions and skills to make a difference.

Liceth Meza, a distinguished honors student hailing from Bryan, Texas is on track to graduate in 2026 with a Bachelor of Science in History and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Her academic journey is marked by a commitment to interdisciplinary learning, evident in her minors in Economics and Entrepreneurship, complemented by certificates in Philosophy Pre-law and Legal History. Liceth's academic pursuits are driven by her profound interest in legal history, business, law, politics, and economics, particularly where these fields converge.

Excitingly, Liceth is preparing to embark on a study-abroad experience this fall in Athens, Greece. There, she looks forward to delving into the birthplace of democracy and exploring its ancient legal heritage, which continues to influence legal systems worldwide. Beyond her scholarly endeavors, Liceth is actively involved in managing her own impartial history and politics channel, where she fosters open dialogue and critical thinking. She aims to leverage her participation in the UGSS seminar to investigate the impacts of AI on law and global economics, recognizing technology's pivotal role in shaping contemporary legal and economic landscapes.

Sidney Uy Tesy is a student at Texas A&M University, class of 2027, working to attain her Bachelors in Philosophy and later, Psychology. She is originally from South Texas and is intrigued by issues of consciousness, existentialism, and race. Her areas of interest are at the intersections of feminist theory, ethics of technology, and medical ethics, all prominent issues of today’s U.S. South. She is involved in Philosophy Camp for Children, Texas A&M Chamber Orchestra, and Pre-Law Society. After graduation, she intends to pursue law school, hoping to work for an NGO afterwards. Outside of research, she enjoys writing poetry and watercolor painting.