Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University Selects Congressional Interns

Texas Tech University has named 13 students to serve as Congressional interns for the fall semester.

The Office of the President at Texas Techsponsors and provides the scholarships for the Presidential Congressional Intern Program, while the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources sponsors the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Congressional Intern Program.

As participants in the program, students can observe how the government functions while working for senators and representatives. Students are selected through an interview process.

“In many cases, our internship program has been a life-changing experience for the students,” says President Jon Whitmore. “Regardless of their career choice, the students will benefit from the experience of seeing first-hand how the political process will affect their futures.”

The new interns are:

  • Jennifer Adams, a junior public relations major from Amarillo, who works in the office of U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas.
  • Katie Comerford, a senior marketing major from Coppell, who works in the office of U.S. Rep. Kay Granger of Fort Worth.
  • Lyndsey Escobar, a public relations graduate student from San Antonio, who works in the office of U.S. Rep. John Carter of Round Rock.
  • Jeremy Faulk, a junior psychology major from Sugar Land, who works in the office of U.S. Rep. Jeb Hensarling of Dallas.
  • Case Fell, a junior finance major from Austin, who works in the office of U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar of Laredo.
  • Kelly Harris, a junior marketing major from Dallas, who works in the office of U.S. Rep. Sam Johnson of Richardson.
  • Amanda Hinojosa, a graduate mathematics student from Lubbock, who works in the office of U.S. Rep. Michael C. Burgess of Flower Mound.
  • Martha Hoskins, a senior political science and German major from Corsicana, who works in the office of U.S. Rep. Kenny Marchant of Irving.
  • Effie Laman, a graduate student from Hagerman, N.M., studying special education, who works on the House Committee on Education.
  • Joseph Llanas, a graduate general business student from Lubbock, who works in the office of U.S. Rep. Randy Neugebauer of Lubbock.
  • Mary Lois Spain, a graduate business administration and agricultural and applied economics student from Decatur, who works in the office of U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith of San Antonio.

There are also two Congressional interns from the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. They are:

  • Tobin Ellison, a senior agricultural and applied economics major from Seagraves, who works on the House Committee on Agriculture.
  • Jessica B. Neitsch, a senior agricultural and applied economics and business administration major from Seminole, who works in the office of U.S. Rep. Mike Conaway of Midland.

Katie Comerford, working in Rep. Kay Granger's office, says being an intern is giving her a close-up view of how public policy is made.

"Throughout my internship, I hope to gain a better understanding of the government process and policies," Comerford says. "It is interesting to see the way things take shape out here. Constituents' comments and opinions play a huge role in shaping policy, and it is refreshing to see that. I want to go into event planning, specifically in fundraising, and to be out here and see the political side of it is extremely interesting."

Kelly Harris, who is assigned to Rep. Sam Johnson's office, says her internship has given her a glimpse of the university's impact on the world.

"It is amazing to see how many Tech alumni graduate and then move to the D.C. area, working as public servants," Harris says. "Our alumni are everywhere in Washington, bringing recognition to our program and our school. My office was so excited to receive a Tech intern. I think this is because Tech students are hard workers who are eager to learn. The Presidential Internship Program finds the best and brightest Texas Tech has to offer to represent them in Washington, D.C. All interns know that everything they do reflects on our university."

More information about Texas Tech's internship program is available at
http://www.congressionalintern.ttu.edu.

 

Jan 15, 2020