Grapeland Grad Begins Legislative Fellowship in Rep. Brady’s Office

Special to The Messenger

GRAPELAND – Congressman Kevin Brady (TX-08) announced today that Jessica Wyers, a former resident of Grapeland, Texas, began a new legislative fellowship in his Washington, DC office.

“I look forward to having Jessica in my office the next few months,” said Congressman Brady. “Her experience in public education and her academic work in media and public policy will provide an interesting perspective. We’re glad to have her on board.”

“All doctoral students hope to get a fellowship of this caliber to enhance their study,” Wyers said. “I have a hope that my future academic research will make impactful change in education and digital media literacy. This experience will provide me with first-hand experience and networks to implement what my future research might suggest. I am beyond grateful for the chance to learn from Team Brady and my time in D.C.”

Born in the Houston area, Wyers moved to Grapeland at the age of eight and graduated from Grapeland High School in 2007. Wyers then attended West Texas A&M in Canyon, Texas, getting her bachelor of arts in mass communications.

Now a second-year doctoral student at Louisiana State University, Jessica is pursuing a Ph.D. in media and public affairs. She obtained her master’s degree in digital media studies from the University of Houston-Clear Lake where she conducted research investigating the relationship between public schools and social media.

In 2013, Wyers started with Teach For America in Houston ISD as a 3rd grade teacher, then moved to Alvin ISD as a Kindergarten teacher while finishing her masters and completing Technology Education certifications. She then taught at Pearland ISD in Career and Technology Education, teaching Digital and Visual Communications and certifying students in industry programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator and Premiere.

Jessica is gaining partial credit toward her doctoral program during her time in D.C. As a fellow, she hopes to learn as much as possible about the legislative system and foster her interests in public policy around education as well as digital technology and privacy. She also hopes to tap into the academic community and learn outside the office as well.