Amanda Baxter is a rising junior in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science with the Equine Certificate. Amanda grew up in College Station, Texas where she participated in both 4-H and FFA activities. Through her time in both of these activities, she developed a love and appreciation for agriculture. Now at Texas A&M, she is involved in the TAMU Horseman’s Association as she loves surrounding herself with people that share her passion for horses. She has previously worked as a student worker in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Dean’s Office and with the Policy Internship Programs office where she enjoys observing opportunities and helping students find a career. After working hands on in the office with the current and future interns, Amanda became extremely interested in the Agricultural and Natural Resources Policy Internship Program. She is very excited to have the opportunity to go to Washington, D.C. this summer and work in the Office of Congressman Bill Flores. Amanda sees herself finding a career in AgriLife Extension, as she enjoys working with and educating kids, but knows there is a lot of time for plans to change and for her to find passion in a different career.
Allison Compton
Office of Congressman Randy Weber
Allison Compton graduated in May 2019 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science. Her passion for agriculture began in her high school’s FFA program where she raised show goats, participated in multiple speaking contests as well as poultry judging, and served as president in her senior year. Through her time at Texas A&M, Allison has been a member of the Pre-Vet Society and two leadership organizations, Sophomores Leading and Motivating and Class Councils. Allison has also volunteered at the Winnie Carter Wildlife Center, worked at the Texas A&M Small Animal Hospital in the Internal Medicine Department, and worked on an undergraduate research project developing a line of sheep to be used to study a developmental disease that affects muscle and bone development in children. She wants to continue to pursue a career in agriculture – mainly focusing on the animal industry. Allison is excited and grateful to spend her summer in Washington, D.C. working under Congressman Randy Weber.
Blane Counsil
Texas A&M University System Office of Federal Relations
Blane Counsil attends Texas A&M University where he is pursuing a BS in Agricultural Economics with an emphasis on policy and microeconomic analysis and also a Masters in Public Policy Analysis at the Bush School of Government and Public Service. He is in the Honors Program in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and recently completed his four years as a member of the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets. During his time as an undergraduate he has worked as an undergraduate research assistant for the Department of Agricultural Economics and now works as a graduate research assistant for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. He also participated in a Congressional internship in spring 2018, which allowed him to work alongside lawmakers’ staff during the development of the 2018 Farm Bill. Growing up on a ranch during his childhood, Blane hopes that he will be able to use his knowledge gained to one day positively influence the policy development process in agricultural industry.
Hannah Hawkins
Office of Congressman John Ratcliffe
Hannah Hawkins graduated in May 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics, with a focus on Policy and Economic Analysis and a Certificate in International Trade and Agriculture. She is a second-generation Aggie from Canyon, Texas. From a young age Hannah was instilled with an appreciation for agriculture and her passion for it was strengthened during her time as a 4-H and FFA member. This led her to study agricultural economics at Texas A&M University. Within the Department of Agricultural Economics Hannah was a member of Aggie Reps, the quiz bowl team, and the honors program. She completed an undergraduate thesis and participated in a study abroad trip to Ireland. She also served as an officer for Texas Runner’s Against Cancer and Freshman Leadership Experience. In addition, she worked in the Department of Agricultural Economics Writing Lab as a writing teaching assistant. Hannah is looking forward to learning about policy first hand and is excited to intern for Congressman John Ratcliffe this summer before starting graduate school in the fall.
Bailee Higgins
Office of Congressman John Carter
Bailee Higgins was born and raised in Austin, Texas. Her roots there travel far back to the early 1900s, where her great grandpa ran a dairy farm in the heart of Austin. She is a recent A&M graduate who got her degree in entomology. Her career goals are to get her master’s degree from Cornell University in vector biology. Following, Bailee would like to work for the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Fort Collins, because this is where the division for vector-borne diseases is located. When she wasn’t busy catching bugs, Bailee was usually planning events for her sorority. Bailee was a part of Alpha Delta Pi since starting school at Texas A&M, where she gained recruiting and communication skills that have aided her in her endeavors. Bailee also worked for Dr. Craig Coates in an imaging lab, making 3D models of insect vectors for the CDC. This summer she will be interning for Congressman John Carter, who happens to be the congressman for the district she lives in, district 31. She is excited about this new experience, learning more about the agricultural field, and Washington D.C.!
Merrick Irvin
National Association of Wheat Growers
Merrick Irvin grew up in the small town of Godley, Texas. Growing up on a small farm, Merrick quickly found his passion for agriculture. At his childhood home, his family raised whitetail deer and exotics, managed a wildlife ranch, and owned & operated a feed company. In high school, he was heavily involved in FFA and Debate. FFA helped fuel his passion for agriculture where he learned more about the role agriculture plays in day to day lives. In debate, Merrick competed in “CX Debate” where he studied and argued various positions on policy. It was in debate, that his interest in policy began and brought him to applying for this internship. As a sophomore at Texas A&M University, Merrick is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science as well as working on his Meat Science Certificate. Currently, Merrick represents the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences as an Ambassador where he serves the college by providing a student perspective to the college and he interacts with prospective students, alumni, and donors. Additionally, Merrick has competed on the Texas A&M Wool Judging Team and currently competes on the Texas A&M University Meat Judging Team. This gives him an opportunity to compete on a collegiate level with other universities from across the country. In his free time, he is an active outdoorsman and enjoys making dog chews and antler art through his company Aggie Antlers. Merrick intends on pursuing a career in the meat industry, ruminant nutrition, or agriculture policy. Postgraduation, Merrick seeks to pursue further education in an agriculture related field. Merrick looks forward to working under the National Association of Wheat Growers in Washington, D.C. during the summer of 2019.
Rebecca Kirkpatrick
USA Foreign Agriculture Service
Rebecca Kirkpatrick is a first year Ph.D. student in the Animal Science department, focusing on agricultural and food safety policy. She graduated with her B.S. in Animal Science in December 2015 and her M.S. in Animal Science in May 2018. Rebecca grew up in Bryan, Texas and developed a love for agriculture through her 4-H and FFA activities. During her time at Texas A&M, that love for agriculture evolved into an interest in the policies that affect our farmers and ranchers every day. She has completed two international internships: first with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Rome, Italy and second with the Foreign Agricultural Service in Brasilia, Brazil. Rebecca also interned with the National Pork Board in Des Moines, Iowa. Each of these experiences have deepened her passion for agricultural and food safety policy, but have also created a desire to work internationally on behalf of U.S. agriculture. Rebecca is excited to intern with the Animal Division within the Foreign Agricultural Service this summer in Washington, D.C. She hopes to be able to learn more about the agency and how it works within USDA.
Gretchen Kuck
House Committee on Agriculture
Gretchen Kuck is a junior agricultural economics major from La Grange, Texas. Her family has a strong agricultural history, and she hopes to continue their legacy of hard work and dedication to the industry. Though she has always had an interest in foreign and public policy, Gretchen’s curiosity about agricultural policy was sparked during a summer internship with the Texas Department of Agriculture. A second-generation Aggie, Gretchen has been active in many areas of interest while at Texas A&M. She has greatly enjoyed her time participating in Orange and Maroon Legislative Day, the Grand Challenges Challenge Competition, and Aggies for Global Food Security. Her awareness of policy led to her most recent endeavor, organizing a program featuring Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (and hosting him while on campus) in her capacity as the Director of Development for the MSC Wiley Lecture Series. After graduation, Gretchen hopes to further study global food security and agricultural efficiency. She is absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to intern with the House Committee on Agriculture this summer and is eager to utilize the knowledge and skills that she has gained in college.
Mackenzie Lewis
Office of Congressman Kevin Brady
Mackenzie Lewis is a senior at Texas A&M University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science. She will receive her degree in May 2020. Her passion for all things agriculture began at a young age and flourished through her involvement in the National FFA. Through her college career at Texas A&M, that passion has blossomed into a burning desire to make a difference in the industry and advocate for agriculture. She has used this ambition to explore the Ag industry, including a study abroad to New Zealand in the summer of 2017, and a planned reciprocal exchange with the University College of Dublin Ireland this coming fall. She is also active within Texas A&M, having held three separate officer positions in the Texas A&M Horsemen’s Association, including her most recent position as President. She is a mentor in the International Student Mentor Association, and a valued member in her other organizations. Mackenzie hopes to go into the public policy side of the agriculture sector as a lobbyist or advocate for the industry. She is ecstatic to be working in Congressman Kevin Brady’s office and hopes to refine her communication skills and gain hands on experience that will help her reach her future goals.
Lori Newton
Office of Congressman Lance Gooden
Lori Newton is a senior agricultural communications and journalism and agricultural leadership double major from Robinson, Texas. Lori grew up knowing the importance of agriculture even though she was never directly involved. The importance of agriculture was instilled in her at a young age on her grandparent’s ranch. This passion continued into high school where she was involved with FFA. Since then, she has been passionate about promoting ag literacy. Lori is proud to call herself a second generation Aggie. During her time at Texas A&M, she was involved in Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, International Justice Mission, and Aggies for Christ. During the summer after her freshman year, she was an intern at the March of Dimes in Waco. This May, Lori studied abroad in Namibia to learn about international agricultural development and photography. Lori is excited to intern with Congressman Lance Gooden and to see where this internship will lead her in life.
Colton Russell
Office of Congressman Filemon Vela
Colton Russell is a junior Agricultural Economics and Poultry Science double major from the small town of Beeville Texas, located in the 34th congressional district. He will graduate with his Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University in May of 2020. Throughout his past he has gained much of his work experience through the farms and ranches located on the outskirts of Bee county, giving way to an early found passion for hands on work in the agricultural industry. This interest led him to pursue a career in agriculture, furthering his field experience by working at the Texas A&M Agrilife Corn Research Farm with Dr. Seth Murray and his graduate students. Through these positions he has learned how to applicate what is taught in the classroom into real world field scenarios and seen first-hand the importance of research and development in the agriculture industry. In his time apart from academics and work Colton is involved with several agriculturally based organizations that strive to advocate for agriculture while educating the common public about our industry simultaneously. These include Saddle and Sirloin, the Agricultural Leadership Council, and the Texas A&M Poultry Science Club. Colton hopes that this internship will help to shed some light in the upcoming decision between a career in production agriculture or moving on to pursue graduate school through the department of Agricultural Economics at Texas A&M to help advance him towards becoming involved in the world of agricultural policy.
Destinee Vargas
Office of Congressman Michael Cloud
Destinee Vargas of Bryan, Texas graduated in May 2019 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics, focusing on policy and economic analysis with a certificate in international trade. Since her freshman year, Destinee has been employed part-time and has been involved in Agricultural Economics Aggie REPs, Texas Aggie Cattlewomen, TAMU Polo Club, Dance Arts Society, and St. Mary’s Kappa Theta Beta. In the summer of 2018, Destinee pursued the opportunity to learn and compare agribusiness policies and techniques internationally through a study abroad program in Scotland. Destinee is looking forward to the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the fundamentals of the United States government during her Congressional internship and hopes to apply that knowledge gained to the agricultural sector. This fall, Destinee will pursue a Masters of Agriculture in Poultry Science with a focus on food safety, advocacy and trade. She is excited to be interning with the Office of Congressman Michael Cloud this summer in Washington DC and is eager to learn more about public policy and its effects on the agricultural industry.
Lois-Anna Voelkel
Farm Credit Bank of Texas
Lois-Anna Voelkel is a senior wildlife and fisheries science major from Bellville, TX. She is interested in conservation and veterinary medicine. Her love for conservation developed from involvement through 4-H in middle school and eventually FFA in high school. Throughout her undergraduate career, she has been involved in Treehouse Lutheran Campus Ministries, working in service and justice with the Tacos on 21 ministry. She also served as the 2018-2019 International Director for Veterinarians without Borders, coordinating the pre-veterinarian trips for undergraduate students to go abroad. She has been involved with the Biodiversity-Lacher lab since January 2016, working with the International Union of Conservation Nature’s Small Mammal Specialist Group. Part-time, she works at the Small Animal Teaching Hospital as a student technician. Following her undergraduate career, she will be serving as a member of the Peace Corps in Senegal, Africa as an Environmental Change Agent. She hopes this internship will broaden her knowledge of the role policy has in agriculture, providing clarity for her future career in life science.
