Washington, D.C.

Meet our summer 2022 ANRP intern cohort!

Grace Bennett American Farm Bureau Federation Grace Bennett is a senior at Texas A&M University pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Agricultural Business and will graduate in May of 2023. Grace is from Azle, Texas where she was involved in her local FFA chapter and exhibited Beefmaster cattle for six years. Her involvement in these programs led her to choose an agricultural related major at Texas A&M while still working towards a business career path. As an undergraduate student, Grace has been involved in both on-campus and off campus activities at Texas A&M. She has held positions such as Vice President of General Information as well as various recruitment chair positions in Kappa Delta Sorority and is an active member of the Aggie REPS in the Agricultural Economics Undergraduate Department. Her experiences in these organizations, as well as her job as a Teaching Assistant for an undergraduate Critical Thinking and Decision-Making course in the department, has helped her find a passion for policy, as well professional event organization and planning. Grace’s passion for agriculture sparked in high school but has continued to grow and expand throughout her college career thanks to many professors, advisors, and peers guiding her along the way. Through the Agricultural and Natural Resources Policy Internship Program, Grace has accepted a position with the American Farm Bureau Federation office as an Agricultural Management and Marketing intern in Washington D.C. for the summer of 2022.

Wyatt Harlan National Cotton Council Wyatt J. Harlan will graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Economics and a minor in agrifood sales in May of 2023. Wyatt’s hometown is Slaton, Texas, where he is involved in various aspects of his family’s diverse agricultural operation, raising pheasant, race-dogs, and cotton. Wyatt graduated salutatorian from Slaton High School in 2019, where he was very involved in FFA. During his time in high school, Wyatt served as president of Slaton FFA, Area I FFA, and State Vice President of Texas FFA post-graduation. At Texas A&M University, Wyatt is involved in both the Student Government Association and the College of Agriculture. He served two consecutive terms as a student senator and one as the off-campus caucus leader. In the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Harlan serves as president for the College of Agriculture Student Council, as well as president of the Dairy Science Club and captain of the dairy judging team. Wyatt has a passion for people and agriculture and hopes to find a career that connects the two. He is currently working towards a career at the intersection of public policy and agriculture. Wyatt interned with the Texas Ag Co-op Council in the summer of 2021. He also gained hands-on experience with Westex Coop Gin in Slaton & O’Donnell while increasing his exposure and understanding of agricultural policy in Austin. Wyatt will be interning with the National Cotton Council in Washington, D.C., this summer and is looking forward to exploring policy solutions that will increase economic efficiency for domestic and international cotton trade and improve the welfare of cotton producers not only on the South Plains but across the cotton belt.

William Howe Office of Congressman Pete Sessions William Howe is a junior at Texas A&M University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Leadership and Development with a minor in Agricultural Economics. He grew up in Austin, Texas, before moving to China Spring as a junior in high school. While still in Austin, William joined his local FFA chapter, as a junior member, in 7th grade. This began a passion for the agriculture industry that resulted in him exhibiting multiple livestock projects, securing chapter office, and competing as a member of the Agricultural Issues forum team. As his passion grew, William became more inspired to advocate on behalf of agriculture and promote the importance of the industry across the country, making sure everyone understands what drives our nation. This passion guided him to Texas A&M University, where unique opportunities like the Agricultural and Natural Resources Policy Internship Program are available to further his education in the policy-making process. After graduation, he intends to follow in his dad’s footsteps and promote policies beneficial to farmers and ranchers. William will be interning in the Office of Congressman Pete Sessions for the summer of 2022 and looks forward to experiencing the policy-making process firsthand.

Erin Kavanagh Office of Congressman Kevin Brady Erin Kavanagh is a graduate student at the Bush School of Government and Public Service, pursuing a Master of Public Service Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife and Fisheries Science through the 5-year program offered by Texas A&M. As a first-generation Aggie, Erin quickly got involved in learning more about A&M traditions through Freshman Exemplifying Aggie Spirit Together, where she also served as a mentor her sophomore year so she could introduce other first-generation Aggies to the Aggie spirit. Erin also works as a Student Coordinator for the Department of Residence Life, where she strives to be responsive to A&M residents’ needs and represent the Aggie Core Values. Erin is from Boerne, Texas, and grew up surrounded by hill country wildlife, which helped develop her passion for the great outdoors. Through her experiences working with wildlife rehabilitation centers and the San Antonio Zoo, Erin has become particularly interested in human-wildlife conflict, and how policy can be used to address this growing issue. She will be interning in the Office of Congressman Kevin Brady in the summer of 2022, where she looks forward to learning more about the policymaking process at the national level, and the coordination that is involved in developing legislation.

Katelyn Klawinsky Office of Congressman Jake Ellzey Katelyn Klawinsky is a sophomore at Texas A&M University, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics. Katelyn is from New Waverly, Texas. She grew up involved in various aspects of agriculture. Katelyn’s interests in public policy derived from her experience at Texas 4-H Congress, where she was able to act as a state representative while in high school. Upon graduation from Texas A&M University, she plans to work in agricultural policy to be a voice for those in the agriculture industry. During her time at Texas A&M, she has been involved in MSC FISH, Fish Camp, MSC Abbott, Aggie REPs, and Agricultural Economics Society. This year Katelyn was recognized as the Gamma Sigma Delta Outstanding Agricultural Economics Sophomore. Katelyn has accepted a position as an intern for Congressman Jake Ellzey’s Office in Washington, D.C. during the summer of 2022. She is looking forward to gaining insightful knowledge of the policy-making process, which will benefit her future endeavors.

Lauren Lee Office of Congressman Michael Cloud Lauren Lee is a first-semester Ph.D. student studying Meat Science and Food Safety within the Department of Animal Science at Texas A&M University. In December, Lauren completed her undergraduate degree in Animal Science at Texas A&M. During her time in school, she was a member of the 2019 Reserve National Champion Wool Judging Team, the 2020 Meat Judging Team, the 2021 Livestock Judging Team, and the 2021 Reserve Champion Meat Science Quiz Bowl Team. She was named an All-American Team Member for the wool, meat, and livestock judging teams. Additionally, Lauren is distinguished as a LAUNCH Undergraduate Research Scholar and was a student worker within the Meat Science Department. She is currently serving as The Texas A&M Meat Science & Technology Association President. After completing her Ph.D., Lauren hopes to pursue a career in food safety policy.

Helena MacCrossan National Council of Farmer Cooperatives Helena MacCrossan is a junior poultry science & agricultural leadership and development double major from New Braunfels, Texas. She will be interning with the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives in summer of 2022. Upon graduation next May, Helena hopes to go into agricultural policy and law, using the skills and knowledge gained from her time in ANRP. Throughout her time at Texas A&M, Helena has been involved across numerous corners of campus, including serving for two years in the Student Government Association Executive Cabinet, as the 1st Vice President of Sigma Alpha Sorority, and as a Resident Advisor for on-campus housing. She is looking forward to gaining experience with policy making, and how federal decisions impact the local levels of agricultural production.

Grant Miller Office of Congressman John Carter Grant Miller is a sophomore majoring in agricultural economics focusing on rural entrepreneurship at Texas A&M University. He is originally from Corpus Christi, Texas, where his passion for agriculture began. Grant grew up heavily involved in 4-H and FFA, and production agriculture which led him to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics, with a minor in Financial Planning. Grant is currently involved in Young Americans for Freedom and was recently elected as an officer for the organization.  After completing his bachelor’s degree at Texas A&M, he plans to attend law school to pursue a career in business law. From a young age, Grant’s father would tell him how great the Aggie interns were every time he returned from D.C. From this point on, he had his sights set on becoming an ANRP intern as soon as he could. This summer, Grant is interning for Representative John “Judge” Carter, where he is looking forward to experiencing the legislative process first-hand.

Nikolaus “Niko” Nemanic Office of Congressman August Pfluger Niko Nemanic is a sophomore at Texas A&M University studying agricultural economics. He has experience in ranch management while managing a ranch in Central Texas during his freshman year of college. He is a member of the National Honor Society and a dean’s list recipient from both Tarleton State University and Texas A&M University.  Niko is very interested in natural resources, especially water. He has worked on developing systems of farming that require less water, pesticides, and fertilizers since his junior year of high school. Niko has a passion for protecting farmers’ natural resources and plans on getting a law degree in natural resource rights. He further plans on protecting agriculture on a political level by protecting our nation’s most valuable resources in an economically feasible way. These passions have led Niko to study Agricultural Economics and intern through ANRP. He will be interning for the Office of Representative August Pfluger and hopes to gain a better understanding of what it truly takes to enact change in order to protect the people of District 11 and their interests.

Carly Oldag National Association of Wheat Growers Carly Oldag is a junior poultry science & agricultural leadership & development double-major from El Campo, Texas. Although she is from in a rural, agriculturally based town, she grew up with no personal ties to anything related to agriculture. It was through her time in El Campo FFA’s program that she developed a passion for the agriculture industry, leading her to study at the first and finest agricultural college in Texas. With a non-traditional agriculture background, she hopes to bring a new perspective to agricultural issues specifically though policy and advocacy. In her time at Texas A&M she has been heavily involved in the Student Government Association (SGA), representing the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences as a Student Senator. Within Student Senate Carly has previously worked on Bryan/College Station local policy issues and with elected officials in local government as the Community Relations Chair. She now focuses on Texas A&M Student Government Association’s internal policies as the Rules & Regulations Chair. Within the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences she has served as an ambassador, undergraduate representative, and peer mentor to students through various advisory boards, award selection committees, organizations, courses, and departmental programs. Carly particularly has an interest in the recent policy revisions surrounding navigable waters and in the sustainability of our natural resources. She will be interning with the National Association of Wheat Growers in the summer of 2022 and looks forward to gaining a deeper understanding as well as first-hand experience with how policy affects the agricultural industry.

William Oliver Office of Congressman Tony Gonzales Will Oliver is a junior at Texas A&M pursuing a major in agricultural economics. He is from Ozona, Texas where his family has ranched for six generations and where he found his love for agriculture. After high school, he interned for the East Foundation in Hebbronville, Texas where he discovered the importance of both land and wildlife conservation. Will is currently the tailgate chairman for Aggie Cowboys, a social men’s organization on campus. During the 87th Texas Legislative Session, he worked for the government relations office of Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. While in Austin, Will found a passion for policy relating to agriculture and natural resources. Post undergrad, he plans to attend law school and return to policy work to help advocate and protect the agriculture industry and working lands. He will be interning in the Office of Congressman Tony Gonzales and looks forward to learning more about the policy process at the federal level.

Allison Orr Texas A&M University System Federal Relations Office – Agriculture & Natural Resources Allison Orr is a junior at Texas A&M University pursuing a degree in agricultural economics with a focus in policy and economics analysis. Allison grew up in Floydada, Texas, where she discovered her passion for agriculture through showing livestock and competing in many FFA contests. During her time at A&M, she has held several leadership positions that have allowed her to learn more about the logistics of advocacy in all areas of life. As a director of Freshman Leaders in Christ and a counselor for Impact Retreat, she has learned the importance of fostering a welcoming community to achieve a common goal. She looks forward to using these skills in her professional life. After completing her bachelor’s degree, Allison plans to continue her education at A&M by pursuing a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics. This summer, Allison will be interning with the Texas A&M Federal Relations Office and is excited to learn more about the policy-making process at the federal level.

Nicholas “Max” Valadez House Committee on Agriculture – majority office Max Valadez is a recent graduate of Texas A&M University from Corpus Christi, Texas. Max obtained his degree in agricultural leadership & development with a minor in youth development and a graduate certificate from the Bush School of Government and Public Service in Public Management. Upon completion of his internship, Max will begin his master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA) as a Graduate Assistant in the School of Public & International Affairs at the University of Georgia. His interest in public affairs and governance stems from his involvement in two different presidential election campaigns early in his college career as well as his time as a Volunteer Deputy Registrar for Brazos County, where he works to register voters in his current county of residence. Throughout Max’s coursework in leadership, he has taken a profound interest in how effective leadership and ethics play a major role in the success of our government and its institutions. Max was heavily involved in the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences Council and the ALEC Aggie Reps program while in his undergraduate career. He also has a passion for policy issues related to immigration, local government, and ensuring ethical leadership in government. Max is excited to learn about our nation’s political processes, the people involved, and how the relationships between them shape our nation’s policy and future.

Zach Vice The Fertilizer Institute Zach Vice is a Master of Science student in the Department of Animal Science focusing on food microbiology and safety. He is a first-generation Aggie from League City, Texas, and graduated from Texas A&M University with his bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Leadership and Development in 2015. Before continuing his education, Zachariah worked as a Feed & Fertilizer Investigator with the Office of the Texas State Chemist, a state-agricultural regulatory agency. During Zachariah’s master’s program, he has been highly involved in several organizations across campus, including the Animal Science Graduate Student Association, the Graduate and Professional Student Government, and the Aggie Honor Council. Zachariah is also an active member of the honor societies Gamma Sigma Delta and Phi Tau Sigma. Upon graduation, he will continue his graduate studies at Texas A&M with the pursuit of a Ph.D. in Animal Science with a continued focus on food microbiology and safety. After graduate school, Zachariah hopes to work in the realm of domestic or international food safety policy development with organizations such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Food Safety and Inspection Service, the Food and Drug Administration, or the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. This summer, Zachariah will be interning with The Fertilizer Institute in Washington, D.C. working on policy issues such as the upcoming Farm Bill and bio-stimulant regulations.