Austin, Texas

Dru Barkis

Office of State Representative Phil Stephenson

Dru is a recently graduated student of Texas A&M who studied agricultural economics. Dru’s interest in politics began in high school, during the previous presidential election cycle. This interest was fostered and strengthened during his time as an undergraduate whose major focus concerned policy and economic analysis. Outside of school, he spends much of his time working. Previously positions held by Dru include working in the campus’ Recreation Center, the Evans Library, as a teacher’s assistant for a former professor, and most recently as a bouncer in the Northgate bar district. Upon learning of the opportunities offered to participants of the ANRP program, Dru was immediately interested. As a lifelong Austinite, he has been intrigued with the state capitol for many years. The chance to learn about and be engaged with the intricacies of Texas governance first-hand aligned perfectly with Dru’s desire to contribute to the lives of his fellow Texans. He hopes that his time in the ANRP program will prove worthwhile for himself, but more importantly for the people he works for and with.

Tatum Hausman

Office of State Representative Ben Lehman

Tatum Hausman is a senior from The Woodlands, TX. She is currently pursuing a degree in agricultural economics with a concentration in food systems and management with a minor in agrifood sales, and a certificate in international trade. Tatum’s passion for agriculture started in high school when she joined 4H and FFA. Tatum is involved in Kappa Alpha Theta where she has held numerous leadership positions. She has studied aboard in Ireland where she deepened her understanding of agriculture and international trade. Tatum is interning for Representative Leman who represents Texas House District 13. While interning for Rep. Leman, Tatum hopes to gain a better understanding of state politics and how policy affects the agricultural industry. Tatum plans to attend graduate school post-graduation where she plans to study agricultural business with a focus on international trade.

Mihir Kulkarni

Office of State Representative Ed Thompson

Mihir Kulkarni is a recent graduate of Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Bioenvironmental Sciences. Mihir grew up in Houston, Texas and aspired to attend Texas A&M University from an early age. As a first-generation Aggie, Mihir has come to embrace and love all of the traditions and values of Texas A&M. During his undergraduate career, Mihir was involved in the Bioenvironmental Science Undergraduate Research Scholar program as a research fellow. In addition, Mihir was employed as a research assistant within the department and did lab work for Dr. Sanjay Antony-Babu. For multiple summers, Mihir was employed as a research and development intern with Advanta Seeds where he assisted in multiple field and lab experiments. Throughout his undergraduate career, Mihir was heavily involved in the service fraternity; Chi Psi Beta Fraternity, Inc. and was eventually elected president during his senior year. Mihir’s desire to leave an impact on the environment was the driving force in selecting his major. After receiving his degree, Mihir intends on continuing his education in law school, and eventually become a lawyer. In the future, Mihir hopes to enact policy changes that will help the environment and society as a whole. While he serves as an intern for Representative Ed Thompson, Mihir is looking forward to learning more about the policy making process and interacting with professionals in the Texas State Capitol.

Hanna Lisenbe

Office of State Representative Four Price

Hanna Lisenbe is a senior animal science major from Cleburne, Texas. Her passion for agriculture started at a young age through FFA and 4-H and only grew as she became more involved at Texas A&M University. As an undergraduate Hanna has been involved in the Student Government Association through Legislative Relations, which advocates for students in higher education in Austin, Texas; as well as serving as an officer for the Terry Foundation, and a member of the College of Agriculture and Life Science Council. She has also had the opportunity to work as an intern for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo furthering her passion for educating the public on agriculture. In addition, she has worked for the Texas A&M Vet School at the Reproductive Sciences Complex doing research involving clinical and industry applications of transgenic animals. In the fall of 2019, she also had the honor of interning the office of Congressman Kevin Brady in Washington, D.C. where she gained an understanding of the national legislative branch. After graduation she hopes to pursue either a career in agricultural research or policy. She is beyond excited to serve in the office of Representative Four Price to experience and explore policy making at the state level.