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Five UF Students Interning in Washington, D.C. for Summer 2025

The Bob Graham Center is proud to announce the five University of Florida students who are participating in the Center’s Washington. D.C. Internship program for Summer 2025. Students have earned positions interning with Florida members of Congress or within UF’s Office of Federal Relations.

The Washington, D.C. Internship is intended for students interested in public service, public policy, civic engagement, or government affairs.  Since its creation in 2020, 97 UF students have participated in the program throughout the spring, summer, and fall semesters.

Typical intern responsibilities include attending hearings, drafting reports and legislative updates, and supporting special projects, events, and essential front-line constituent relations.

Interns gain valuable hands-on experience in policy making and government affairs. With professional development opportunities and networking in the nation’s capital, their experience helps shape future careers in public service.

Read more about the interns and their placements below.

Selin CiltasSelin Ciltas

Selin Ciltas is a senior majoring in political science and economics with a minor in women’s studies and a certificate in data analytics. She has been active in public service, including working as a district intern in the Florida House of Representatives and conducting research on women state legislators as a Preston Haskell Scholar at the Bob Graham Center. Driven by a strong interest in domestic policy, Selin plans to pursue a graduate degree to deepen her understanding of public policy and its impact on governance.

She is interning with Rep. Lois Frankel (D, FL-22).

Mary Emma Cook is a WIP InternMary Emma Cook

Mary Emma Cook is a senior majoring in public relations with a certificate in political communications and a concentration in criminology. With a strong interest in public policy and legal affairs, she gained hands-on experience in the field through a legal internship at Jimerson & Birr in 2024. On campus, she serves as a Florida Cicerone, giving tours and hosting esteemed guests, and as press secretary for UF Student Government, where she manages communications and media relations. After graduation, she plans to attend law school to further her commitment to the legal field.

She is interning for Rep. Aaron Bean (R, FL-04) & Rep. John Rutherford (R, FL-05).

Grace Cullaro is a wip internGrace Cullaro

Grace Cullaro is a senior majoring in political science and anthropology. She plans to pursue a career in foreign policy, with a focus on European affairs or anthropological research. She has interned at the 13th Judicial Circuit Court, which has provided her with the skills and knowledge on legal processes, and as a student assistant with the UF Admissions events team. On campus, she also serves as president of the Hooked to the Book club and secretary of the Student Admissions Officers. As she works toward her master’s, she hopes to apply these experiences to a future career in international policy

She is interning for Rep. Kat Cammack (R, FL-03).

Lily Haak is a WIP internLily Haak

Lily Haak is a senior studying economics. She serves as the student director of Project Navigate for the Digital Markets Initiative within the Public Utility Research Center. She is also a research candidate at the Center for Undergraduate Research and has written for undergraduate journals including the Stanford Economic Review, Harvard Undergraduate Foreign Policy Initiative, and the Florida Undergraduate Law Review. Additionally, she writes for The Independent Alligator covering economic issues. Her research focuses on technology regulation, the digital economy, and consumer rights on the internet. Looking ahead, she plans to pursue a graduate degree in economics.

She is interning for the UF Office of Federal Relations. 

Isabel Penin is a WIP InternIsabel M. Penin

Isabel Penin is a senior majoring in political science with minors in business administration and public service. She actively contributes to campus life through her roles in UF Student Government and the External Affairs Agency, working to enhance student experiences and advocate for impactful initiatives. Isabel has also gained valuable legislative experience through internships in district offices at both the state and federal levels. Committed to hands-on learning and service, she strives to make a lasting impact in public service and beyond.

She is interning for Rep. Mario Diaz Balart (R, FL-25).

Learn more about the Washington, D.C. internship program.