Meet our Spring 2025 Austin, Texas ANRP intern cohort!
Audrey Burchett
Office of State Representative Angelia Orr
Audrey Burchett, a class of 2026 agribusiness major at Texas A&M University, is from San Antonio, Texas. Through her involvement in many diverse activities, Audrey has developed a strong work ethic while strengthening her leadership, communication, and time management skills. She is a highly involved and dedicated individual. Audrey is an active member of her Christian women’s organization, Philadelphia Sisters in Christ, where she devotes significant time to community service, leadership positions, and coordinating events with other members. She also volunteers at her church and for her organization’s philanthropy, Save Our Streets. In addition, Audrey was a teacher’s assistant for two agricultural economics classes under Dr. Menzies in Texas A&M’s Agricultural Economics Department, where she enjoyed working with and interacting with other students within her department. Audrey has a passion for supporting agriculture and producers through policies. Her other areas of interest include food security, abortion laws, and border security. With these passions, Audrey is excited to be interning with the Office of State Representative Angelia Orr during the 89th Texas Legislative Session and is eager to see where this experience takes her.
Caitlin Castro
Office of State Senator Pete Flores
Caitlin Castro, a senior at Texas A&M University, is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Rangeland, Wildlife, and Fisheries Management (RWFM) with a concentration in Natural Resource Management and Policy and a minor in Agricultural Communications and Journalism. Caitlin is committed to connecting all people with nature while fostering healthy, sustainable relationships between natural and man-made environments. Her passion for service and leadership is evident through her involvement as a peer mentor for Hullabaloo-U, a first-semester experience for freshman and transfer students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (COALS). She also served as an RWFM representative in the COALS Council and Ambassador groups. Caitlin has supported various departmental events and research and played a role in establishing the RWFM Stewards program, an outreach initiative for current and prospective RWFM students and sponsors. Caitlin’s interest in public policy was ignited through working with the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute, where she assisted with Endangered Species Act compliance on military lands. While interning with the Office of State Senator Pete Flores in Austin, Texas, this spring, Caitlin hopes to obtain invaluable experience in public service, as she prepares for a career in military conservation and strives to make conservation a reality across Texas.
Jose “Diego” Chapa
Texas Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association
Jose Diego Chapa is a junior at Texas A&M University, pursuing a degree in agricultural economics at the Higher Education Center at McAllen. Born and raised in deep South Texas, Diego gained firsthand experience in agriculture by helping his father and uncle with various cattle-related activities, which instilled in him an understanding of the dedication required by ranchers and farmers. Diego participated in an internship program with Owyhee Produce for two consecutive summers. His role involved managing the flow of orders in and out of their cross-docking facility and maintaining quality control of onions imported from Mexico. At the start of his junior year, he founded the student organization the McAllen Agricultural Economics Club to connect Texas A&M’s agricultural economics students at the McAllen campus with industry professionals, aiming to enhance their career prospects for post-graduation. In addition, Diego has served as the Agricultural Economics Department’s student worker at McAllen, where he assisted with research, graphic design, and recruitment activities. While interning with the Texas Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association this spring, Diego aims to gain valuable insights into the Texas State Legislature and professional life, helping him clarify his future career path.
Braden Clampit
Office of State Senator Lois Kolkhorst
Braden Clampit, a third-generation Texas A&M graduate from Gonzales, Texas, received his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Leadership and Development with a minor in Poultry Science in December 2024. From a young age, Braden has been immersed in agriculture on his family’s ranch and raised to be a steward of the land. His parents have instilled in him the value of hard work, dedication, integrity and involvement within his community. Throughout his years in high school, Braden’s leadership experiences in 4-H paved the way for his interest in public affairs and agricultural advocacy. During his time in college, Braden was a member of the Future Business Leaders of America and Saddle and Sirloin. His coursework kept him engaged in interpersonal communication and public presentations. In addition, summertime employment included working as a student assistant researcher for the Texas A&M Poultry Science Center, an intern at Holmes Foods-Nixon, and a ranch hand. During his junior year, he was a student worker for the office of Texas A&M AgriLife Administrative Services. Braden’s time at Texas A&M allowed him to network, build friendships, and explore his interests in public policy. The Agricultural Natural Resources and Policy Internship gives Braden a unique opportunity to pursue his passion for government policy. He is excited to be serving as an intern in the Office of Senator Lois Kolkorst during the 89th Legislative Session in Austin, Texas.
Kaitlyn Cloud
Texas Farm Bureau -and- Texas Ag Council
Kaitlyn Cloud, a first-generation Aggie from Carthage, Missouri, graduated in December 2024 with a degree in agricultural communications and journalism. As a transfer student to Texas A&M University, Kaitlyn actively engaged in organization like Saddle & Sirloin, Aggie Cattlewomen, and the Animal Science Ambassadors. She was also a member of the Reserve National Champion Texas A&M Livestock Judging Team. Before transferring to Texas A&M, Kaitlyn attended Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, where a professor sparked her interest in public policy. With a strong background in production agriculture and diverse experiences, Kaitlyn has developed a deep passion for agricultural policy and advocacy. This spring, she is interning with the Texas Farm Bureau in Austin, Texas, where she looks forward to gaining firsthand insight into the legislative and policy processes. Aspiring to become a lobbyist in the agricultural industry, Kaitlyn is eager to apply her knowledge, expand her network, and develop the skills needed to effectively represent and support the future of the agricultural community’s future.
Elena Estremo
Office of State Representative Stan Kitzman
Aiden Hunter
Office of State Senator Bob Hall
Greyson Philippovic
Office of State Representative Ben Bumgarner
Greyson Philippovic recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and an Equine Science certificate. Growing up deeply involved in the equine industry, he was inspired to join the 2023 Horse Judging Team, where he and his team were named national champions at the AQHA World Show. His experiences in the equine world, along with internships at the Rockafellow Law Firm and Gardiner Angus Ranch, sparked his passion for advocacy, especially within the agriculture and livestock sectors. He is planning to attend law school in the fall of 2025, with a focus on real estate, estate planning, and livestock and land management law. His goal is to help landowners, ranchers, and agricultural producers navigate complex legal issues and preserve their legacies for future generations. Through his internship with the Office of State Representative Ben Bumgarner this spring, Greyson is excited to engage in the legislative process and for the wide variety of networking opportunities.