Washington, D.C.

Meet our Spring 2025 Washington, D.C. ANRP intern cohort!

Matthias “Clay” Bluntzer Office of Congressman Ronny Jackson Matthias “Clay” Bluntzer is a second-generation Aggie from Orange Grove, Texas, currently pursuing a degree in agricultural economics with a concentration in policy and economic analysis at Texas A&M University. He is set to graduate in December 2025. Clay’s passion for agricultural economics policy began in his youth, through active participation in FFA and 4-H competitions, as well as raising livestock. These experiences ignited his interest in how policy can shape the future of agriculture and rural communities. In the summer of 2024, Clay gained valuable hands-on experience working for the King Ranch in Kingsville, Texas, where he contributed to the farm sector operations and deepened his understanding of the production side of agriculture. This practical experience has enriched his academic studies and further fueled his desire to impact agricultural policy. Clay has been an active member of the Texas A&M Young Americans for Freedom Chapter, where he has advocated for open dialogue on policy issues and defended conservative principles. Outside the classroom, Clay is dedicated to service and leadership, volunteering regularly at his church, where he leads small groups and facilitates activities during their student retreat, Aggie Awakening. In his junior year, Clay participated in a public policy trip to Washington, D.C., where he engaged with policy experts, government offices, and advocacy groups. This experience played a pivotal role in shaping his career aspirations, strengthening his commitment to public service, and reinforcing his passion for policy as a tool for positive change. This spring, he will intern in the office of Congressman Ronny Jackson.

Benecio Gonzales Office of Congressman Randy Weber Benicio Gonzales is a first-generation Aggie from San Antonio, Texas, pursuing a degree in wildlife and fisheries sciences with a minor in rangeland, wildlife, and fisheries sciences. His past summer internships took him across Texas, where he collaborated with state authorities to conserve and manage the state’s pristine lands. These experiences inspired Benicio to seek ways to make a broader impact in the field, igniting his passion for agricultural and natural recourses policy. At Texas A&M, Benicio is an active member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, where he has served as Vice President, Warden, and Brotherhood Chair. In these roles, he worked to empower his peers by fostering community engagement, promoting professional opportunities, and enhancing leadership development. His efforts helped increase member retention between members by creating an environment that encouraged personal and collective success. With a collegiate career focused on collaboration and continuous improvement, Benicio is excited to explore the intersection of the science and the policies impacting our daily lives. While he has spent his life enjoying Texas winters, he is thrilled to experience a Washington, D.C. winter during his spring 2025 internship.

Hiram Hartnett Office of Congressman Randy Weber Hiram is a senior from Austin, Texas, currently pursuing a degree in agricultural economics at Texas A&M University. With a deep interest in understanding the intersection of public policy and agriculture, Hiram is committed to exploring how policy decisions impact farmers, consumers, and the broader agricultural industry. In addition to his studies, Hiram has gained valuable professional experience through his part-time role with Pegasus Logistics Group’s marketing and business development team. This position has been instrumental in developing his analytical skills, as he has engaged in various tasks that require critical thinking and data interpretation. Outside of academics and work, Hiram is an active member of the Texas A&M wakeboard team, where he spends much of his free time practicing on Lake Bryan. Wakeboarding not only serves as a recreational outlet for Hiram but also fosters teamwork and discipline.  As graduation approaches, Hiram is eager to leverage his education and experiences to broaden his understanding of the real-world implications of policy in Washington, D.C. this spring.

Zachary Iovine Todd Strategy Group Zachary Iovine is a second-generation Aggie and a senior biochemistry major from Allen, Texas. From a young age, he has had a strong interest in healthcare and service. Over his time at Texas A&M, Zachary has worked in various medical offices and actively engaged in student-run organizations. These experiences have strengthened his commitment to helping others and shaped his passion for making a positive impact on his community, particularly through his involvement in research. This spring, Zachary is excited to be interning with the Todd Strategy Group. Through this internship, he hopes to deepen his understanding of how public policy influences healthcare decision-making for Americans nationwide.

Chetana Kuchibhotla Office of Congressman Al Green Chetana Kuchibhotla is a sophomore from Coppell, Texas, pursuing a degree in bioenvironmental science with a minor in philosophy, and is graduating in 2027. She served on the environmental justice team at Cbates, where she led efforts to allocate air quality and lead testing devices to low-income, minority communities in Dallas. Through the Glasscock Summer Scholars Program, Chetana is in the process of writing a thesis investigating the shift of environmental attitudes in India after colonialism. On campus, Chetana is an active member of Aggie Minority Women in Law, where she enjoys surrounding herself with aspiring lawyers and gaining insight into the legal field. Her interest in environmental science began with concerns about the increasing severity of natural disasters and narrowed into a focus on policy after noticing how extreme weather can disproportionately impact underprivileged communities. During her internship, Chetana aims to apply her knowledge of environmental science to address issues such as climate change, environmental justice, and public health. She is also enthusiastic about living in the nation’s capital and exploring the east coast.

James McComb Office of Congressman Michael Cloud James McComb is a recent graduate of Texas A&M University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics with minors in agrifood sales and economics. Originally from Guatemala City, Guatemala, he grew up as the son of American missionary parents. After graduating high school in Guatemala, James moved to the United States to pursue a college education. During his time at Texas A&M, James was heavily involved in service-based organizations, including Brothers Under Christ Fraternity, Pioneers Children’s Ministry, Faith Bible Church, Unbound Ministries, Impact Ministries, and the Student Government Association. In addition to his academic and extracurricular commitments, James spent his summers gaining practical experience through work and internships. Two years ago, he had the privilege of working for Schwertner Farms, where he learned the intricacies of running a cattle operation. Last summer, he spent seven weeks at a camp caring for individuals with special needs. These experiences have instilled in James a deep appreciation for excellence and selfless service, shaping his passion for both service and policy. James is excited about the opportunity to intern with the Office of Congressman Michael Cloud and looks forward to exploring a career in public service where he can apply his skills, knowledge, and values to create positive change. In his free time, James enjoys the outdoors, fishing, watching a good movie, and cooking. He values family, God, and enjoying life to its fullest.

Adriana “Amaka” Okonkwo The Fertilizer Institute Adriana Okonkwo, a College Station native, graduated from Texas A&M University in December 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a minor in Anthropology. During her time at Texas A&M, Adriana dedicated nearly three years to conducting research in Dr. Vishal Gohil’s lab, where she studied mitochondrial diseases and therapies. Her efforts resulted in two journal publications and recognition for her scientific communication skills, including first-place awards at the Rice University Undergraduate Research Symposium and Texas A&M’s Student Research Week in 2023. Adriana’s interest in policy emerged through her participation in the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce Junior Leadership Brazos program, where she gained insight into local governance and civic engagement. This ignited her passion for shaping policies at the intersection of science and public welfare. Beyond academics, she was an active member of the Vietnamese Student Association, reflecting her commitment to cultural exploration and community involvement. With aspirations for a career in science communication, Adriana looks forward to applying her unique perspective to the diverse policymaking environment in Washington, D.C.

Molly Soukup The Fertilizer Institute Molly Soukup, a third-generation Aggie from Seagoville, Texas, graduated in December 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics, concentrating in Policy and Economics Analysis. Her passion for agriculture began at a young age while working in her family’s horticulture business, Southwest Perennials, a leading producer of Texas native plants. During her time at Texas A&M University, Molly was actively involved in several organizations, including the Residential Housing Association, the Century Scholars Mentorship Program, the Appelt Aggieland Visitors Center, and the Agricultural Economics Society. Outside of Texas A&M, Molly most recently completed an internship with the Farm Service Agency in Lyons, Kansas, where she assisted farmers in engaging with various USDA programs. In her free time, Molly enjoys gardening, baking, and watching Aggie Football. This spring, Molly is excited to be interning with the Fertilizer Institute, where she hopes to study enhanced efficiency fertilizer markets and their importance to the agriculture sector.

Benjamin “Zach” West Office of Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz Benjamin “Zach” West, Class of 2025, is pursuing a degree in agricultural economics with a focus on finance and real estate. Originally from McAllen, Texas, Zach is a dedicated member of the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets and has served as the Executive Officer for Company E-1 Jocks. In this role, he gained valuable leadership experience and built a lifelong network of fellow Aggies. Zach’s passion for law began at a young age. As a member of the Texas A&M Pre-Law Society and through hands-on experience as a legal intern in civil litigation, he has witnessed and contributed to cases resulting in over $1,000,000 in jury verdicts. His studies in agricultural economics have further strengthened his commitment to Texas agriculture, inspiring him to advocate for enhanced government support programs for farmers. Zach aspires to earn a Juris Doctor degree with a focus on civil litigation, ultimately aiming to leverage his experiences in Washington, D.C., to pursue a political career dedicated to representing the needs of Texans.