The Bob Graham Center and UF Federal Relations are pleased to announce the 12 University of Florida students who are participating in the Center’s Washington Internship Program for Spring 2026. Students will be placed in internships with members of Congress or within UF’s Office of Federal Relations.
The Washington Internship Program is intended for students interested in public service, public policy, law and government affairs. Since its creation in 2020, 119 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 services. Interns gain valuable hands-on experience in policymaking and government affairs. With professional development opportunities and networking in the nation’s capital, their experience will shape future careers in public service.
If you are interested in participating in the WIP program, applications open Friday, January 16, 2026, for both Summer and Fall 2026 cohorts. A Zoom info session will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 4:00 pm.
Read more about our Spring 2026 interns and their placements below.
Andrea Engativa      
Andrea Engativa is a senior political science major pursuing dual certificates in international relations and legal history. She has led several cultural and professional student organizations and is committed to public service in Gainesville and beyond. Andrea currently serves on the Alachua County Human Rights Board and is in her second year of the IGNITE fellowship with Teach for America. She has experience as a junior research fellow for the Department of Political Science and hopes to apply her leadership and research skills as an international lawyer. Driven by her experiences as a first-generation American, she aspires to a career in diplomacy within Western Hemispheric relations.
She is interning with Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12).
Ashley Jorge
Ashley Jorge is a sophomore double majoring in political science and criminology with minors in public service and real estate. She is originally from Miami, and her background has inspired a strong passion for law, politics and community service. On campus, she is involved with The Florida Finibus and Phi Alpha Delta pre-law fraternity. Additionally, Ashley volunteers at the American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora and has gained professional experience as a legal assistant. She plans to attend law school and pursue a career as an attorney in public policy.
She is interning with Sen. Ashley Moody (R-FL).
Bailee Juszczyk         
Bailee Juszczyk is a sophomore majoring in psychology, criminology, and history. She has fostered a strong passion for law and has developed her interests by interning for the Hon. Gregory G. Green within the 13th Judicial Circuit Court. She also has experience interning for the law office of Shamika T. Askew and engaging in nonprofit organizations. Bailee is a campus leader of the Criminology & Law Honor Society and a member of Greenhouse College campus ministry. After graduation, she has plans to pursue law school and obtain further political and legal experience.
She is interning with Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL-19).
Caitlin E. Remmert 
Caitlin Remmert is a junior majoring in economics and history. She has interned with the Alachua County Clerk of Court through the Bob Graham Center’s CiviGators program and with UF’s Samuel Proctor Oral History Program, contributing to the Pensacola Environmental History Project. Currently, she serves as a co-president of the Students Oral History Club and holds a membership bench position with Gator Diplomats. Caitlin is passionate about economic and environmental policy and plans to pursue law school after graduation.
She is interning with the UF Office of Federal Relations.
Christopher Baker
Christopher Baker is a junior majoring in economics with a minor in East Asian languages and literature (Chinese). With a marked interest in foreign policy, Christopher brings legislative experience from his prior service in two U.S. House district offices. In the future, Christopher plans to attend graduate school to further his commitment to public service.
He is interning with Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL).
Elisa C. Romer           
Elisa Romer is a junior majoring in political science with a minor in public relations and Latin American studies. She serves as a student assistant in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences dean’s office and as a student ambassador for UF Student Legal Services. She previously interned in Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s district office, where she assisted with constituent services and community outreach. Combining her background in public relations and policy, Elisa is passionate about using communication to bridge the gap between government and the public. She hopes to pursue a career dedicated to advancing civic engagement and effective policy solutions.
She is interning with Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25).
Jason Spertus Newman     
Jason Newman is a senior pursuing dual degrees in Arabic and Hebrew, and in medical geography in global health, with a certificate in geospatial information analysis. He conducted pathogen genomics research at UF’s Emerging Pathogens Institute and authored an op-ed in The Times of Israel. Jason participated in UF’s study abroad program in Morocco and volunteered in Israel after October 7. He has developed a strong interest in Middle Eastern affairs and national security, and hopes to use his language skills and regional expertise to advance U.S. strategic interests in the Middle East.
He is interning with Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL-06).
Jess Chisholm            
Jess Chisholm is a junior studying political science and history. He has interned for the Education Equalizers Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to eliminating barriers to college admissions. An active member of the UF community, he has served as a Bob Graham Center student fellow and Freshman Leadership Council director. Passionate about promoting justice and equality, he hopes to pursue a career in public policy or law.
He is interning with Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL-22).
Maria P. Melo           
Maria Melo is a junior majoring in political science and criminology with a minor in Latin American studies. Originally from Brazil and a first-generation college student, she brings her background and lived experiences into her academic and professional pursuits. She serves as director of diversity for the Pre-Legal Honor Society and previously competed on the organization’s mock trial team. Maria has interned with the State Attorney’s Office for Florida’s 8th Judicial Circuit, where she gained hands-on experience in the legal system. With a passion for education, Latin American studies, and public service, she aspires to attend law school and pursue a career advocating for equity and justice.
She is interning with Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL-20).
Micah S. Barrett
Micah Barrett is a junior on the pre-law track studying political science with a minor in public service. He driven by a heartfelt commitment to serve others and strengthen his community. His passion for public service has guided him through impactful experiences, from engaging in voter outreach and campaign planning with the Alachua County Democratic Executive Committee to supporting community initiatives with the Broward County Commissioners Office in South Florida as an intern. At UF, Micah continues to nurture his interest in the law as assistant director of member affairs for First Generation Lawyers. As a proud Bob Graham Center student fellow, he works to enrich the civic spirit and well-being of the University of Florida, and after graduating, he plans to attend law school and run for public office.
He is interning with Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL-24).
Natalie Yates
Natalie Yates is a senior studying agriculture communications and leadership development with a minor in agriculture and natural resources law. A native of Sumter County, she has strong roots in the agriculture industry. She hopes to combine her passions of agriculture and policy in her future endeavors.
She is interning with Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL-03).
Sophia Berland         
Sophia Berland is a sophomore on the pre-law track majoring in political science and pursuing a minor in business administration. She has interned with Rep. Anna Paulina Luna’s district office and Wil Flores P.A., gaining experience in constituent services and legal operations. On campus, she has served as an assistant supervisor of elections in UF Student Government, a facilitator for Hillel LOC, and competes with the club tennis team. She has served the Gainesville community as a Miracle Maker for Dance Marathon and as an intern for the H.E.A.T. Center of Gainesville. After graduation, she plans to attend law school and enter public service.
She is interning with Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI-01).
Applications for the Summer ’26 and Fall ’26 cohorts of the DC Internship are now open!.