This summer, seven University of Georgia students have embarked on the opportunity of a lifetime, serving as UGA Congressional Agricultural Fellows in Washington, D.C.
The offices of Georgia Senators David Perdue and Johnny Isakson and Representatives Sanford Bishop, Doug Collins, Buddy Carter, Rick Allen and Austin Scott are hosting the students during the 12-week fellowship in the nation’s capital.
The students, who attend UGA’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), prepare briefs, attend committee hearings and conduct food- and agriculture-related research. In addition, they have the option of earning credit hours towards graduation.
“Ag Fellows are full-time employees of the congressional offices and serve as apprentice staff members,” said Josef Broder, CAES associate dean for academic affairs and the fellowship program coordinator. “Many will be asked to serve as mentors to other student interns.”
Students representing the University of Georgia as 2015 Congressional Agricultural Fellows include Dowdy White, of Cordele, Georgia; Matthew Pace, of Lyerly, Georgia; Nicole Holden, of Greensboro, Georgia; Casey Chastain, of Helen, Georgia; Kelsie Bickett, of Chickamauga, Georgia; Katelin Benkoski, of Madison, Georgia; and Ethan Perkins, of Brooklet, Georgia.
Matthew Pace, a senior studying agricultural and applied economics, will be working in Sen. Johnny Isakson’s office. Matthew is the son of Wayne and Kari Pace.
Nicole Holden, a senior studying agribusiness with a certificate in agrosecurity, will be working in Rep. Austin Scott’s office. Nicole is the daughter of Don and Andrea Holden.
Kelsie Bickett, a senior studying agricultural communication, will be working in Sen. David Perdue’s office. Kelsie is the daughter of Todd and Alisa Bickett.
Katelin Benkoski, a senior studying animal science and agribusiness, will be working in Rep. Buddy Carter’s office. Katelin is the daughter of John and Julie Benkoski.
Dowdy White, a senior studying agricultural communication, will be working in Rep. Sanford Bishop’s office. Dowdy is the son of Billy and Gwen White.
Casey Chastain, a junior studying agricultural communication and education, will be working in Rep. Doug Collins’ office. Casey is the daughter of Brad and Lori Chastain.
Ethan Perkins, a junior studying agricultural communication, will be working in Rep. Rick Allen’s office. Ethan is the son of Emory and Kristie Perkins.
The Congressional Agricultural Fellowship is made available through the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Deans’ Promise program. A collection of enrichment opportunities ranging from internships to study abroad opportunities, the Deans’ Promise program encourages CAES students to take advantage of unique, out-of-the-classroom opportunities during their time in college.
For more information on the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, the Deans’ Promise or other opportunities available to UGA students, visit caes.uga.edu.
