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Incoming 1L Ricky Bayon-Barrera ’26, is originally from Toluca, Mexico, but moved to Houston when he was a child. He studied finance and economics at Texas A & M University. While there, he became the first minority and first Hispanic president of his fraternity. In this role he founded a philanthropic golf tournament to assist the American Diabetes Association. He also worked as a paralegal specializing in the preparation and execution of jury/bench trials of criminal cases.

Incoming 1L Matt Prager ’26, is originally from the Chicago suburbs and received his undergraduate degree from Denison University in central Ohio. Most recently, his work has included writing for the satirical fake newspaper, The Onion.

Welcome to Minnesota Law! Can you tell us why you chose the University of Minnesota Law School?

Minnesota Law is a great school in a lovely city and of course, they accepted me!

What are you looking forward to the most about starting law school?

Incoming 1L Eleanor Nagel-Bennett ’26, is originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan. She recently completed her undergraduate degree from Michigan State University.

Welcome to Minnesota Law! Can you tell us why you chose the University of Minnesota Law School?

I chose Minnesota Law because of the community. Every interaction I’ve had with faculty, staff, and students has shown me that Minnesota Law is a special place.  From my first visit, I knew Minnesota Law was the place for me.

Incoming 1L Pia Puentespina ’26, was born and raised in the Philippines, where her large, tight-knit family still resides. Her educational journey started at United World College in China. She came to Macalester College in St. Paul where she received her undergraduate degree in political science and international studies. She then served as an aide to the general counsel in the Minnesota governor’s office where her roles included coordinating extradition matters and preparing Board of Pardons meetings. She’s also active in the Council of Asian Pacific Minnesotans.

Incoming 1L Emily Sparling ’26, was born and raised in St. Paul, but has lived across the country. She earned her bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Wheaton College and a master’s degree in museology from the University of Washington. She’s worked as an educator at the Smithsonian, the Minnesota History Center, as well as her children’s elementary school. She and her husband and two young children live on a horse farm near the St. Croix River.

Incoming 1L Alex Mysler ’26, was born in the U.S. but has lived in Buenos Aires, Argentina since the age of two. He studied history at the Universidad de Buenos Aires, and worked as an educator in various settings. During the past year, he worked at a museum that preserves the story and memory of Anne Frank and victims of the Shoah, while advocating for human rights. He also was tutoring and wrote simplified high school history textbooks.

Welcome to Minnesota Law! Can you tell us why you chose the University of Minnesota Law School?

Professor Fionnuala D. Ní Aoláin was recently elected to the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) for a 5 year term. Established in 1952, the Commission plays a unique and prominent role in defending human rights and the rule of law worldwide. Served by a full-time staff with offices in every region of the world, ICJ is founded on the appointment by ballot of a fixed number of 60 eminent global jurists.

Incoming 1L Paul Leon ’26, is from the Twin Cities originally. After graduating from  the University of Minnesota, he joined the Jesuit Volunteer Corps and worked with people with developmental disabilities. He met his wife and then traveled around Europe before they settled in Chicago where he taught and was a volunteer coordinator. They recently moved back to Minnesota to be closer to family.

Welcome to Minnesota Law! Can you tell us why you chose the University of Minnesota Law School?

Incoming 1L Emily Miranda ’26, is a first generation American and college graduate. Her family is from Brazil, and she was born and raised in Massachusetts. She attended high school and college simultaneously at Florida Atlantic University and graduated with a degree in political science and criminal justice. While there she dedicated herself to volunteering in the community and accumulated over 500 community service hours, primarily in areas addressing food insecurity.

Incoming 1L Alex Mahmou-Werndli ’26, grew up in Wisconsin a little north of Madison. The University of Minnesota became his home during his undergrad years. He majored in Arabic and North African history. He also worked in the U's Department of Athletics and the Writing Center. After graduating, he taught English in Morocco where he met his wife. His experience in the Writing Center peaked his interest to earn a master’s in rhetoric/composition at Oregon State. He then returned to Morocco as a university faculty member.