Meet the Team
Our Staff
Jaimie Hicks Masterson Director
“There are several TxTC projects with research efforts and engagement in Southeast Texas. This year, we were excited to be awarded our first-ever international grant (from Canada) with an international team (Canada, England, Switzerland, Columbia, Indonesia, and the U.S.) to explore sustainable and resilient home designs for communities of the Texas Gulf Coast, like Port Arthur!”
Jeewasmi Thapa Senior Program Coordinator
“This year, as we gathered in Nolanville at the Smart Museum to look ahead and joined residents at Monarch Fest, it was evident just how far the city has come. Ideas first imagined a decade ago are now a reality, thanks to the dedication of city staff, community members, and our faculty and students. This is a strong example of what long-term partnerships and local leadership can achieve.”
Cedric Shy Program Coordinator
“Seeing landscape architecture students dive into conversations with local stakeholders in Port Arthur, TX, for the first time was truly fulfilling. It brought their projects to life in a new way. Local planners were energized by the students’ ideas, and the students gained a meaningful, hands-on learning experience in return.”
John T. Cooper Jr. Director Emeritus
“I’m returning to the department after serving an appointment in the office of the provost and president. I have been excited about getting back in the swing of TxTC work and amazed at all of the improvements the team has made in managing our program. I’m looking forward to serving in a new capacity as a senior advisor and mentor for Texas target communities team members.”
Shanielle Veazie Administrative Coordinator
"It has been a pleasure to witness firsthand the dedication and service that Texas Target Communities provides. Watching our team actively engage with students and communities across Southeast Texas has been rewarding. As a Beaumont native, I know how meaningful this work is. Our team's efforts are not only making a difference, but also creating a lasting impact where it’s needed most."
Our Interns
Jenna Beyer
Jonah Williams
Jannatul Ferduas
Bhagi Chandrapati
The Texas Target Communities Dr. John T. Cooper, Jr. Foundation Excellence Award is an endowed scholarship for worthy and deserving students from under-represented groups enrolled in Texas A&M University at College Station, Texas. Recipients will have an interest in community service, public engagement, or community development and seek careers that support the advancement of community-based organizations, local governments, or on-the-ground community change. The scholarship will be awarded for one year, but any recipient will still be eligible to reapply in subsequent years.
Jaelin Lopez
“The upcoming generation, my generation, is the future. The lessons we’ve learned and will continue to learn will shape what’s to come. The cities we plan to develop and design are fundamentally based on the people they serve.”
Windya Welideniya
“My passion for community service and development is deeply intertwined with my career as an urban planner. I am driven by a desire to create equitable, resilient, and thriving communities where everyone could succeed.”