An education from the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences extends far beyond classroom lectures. By actively engaging in student organizations, volunteering and undertaking impactful internships, students become equipped with a well-rounded learning experience that prepares them for successful careers.

Aggies graduate from the College not just with degrees, but with a competitive edge in their chosen fields, ready to navigate and lead in diverse professional landscapes.

This summer, we invited 15 exceptional students from the College’s 15 departments to share their transformative internship journeys. From the NFL’s Carolina Panthers to John Deere, join us as we delve into how these student interns are enriching their education beyond the classroom.

Zoë Meeks ’26, National Cotton Council of America

Zoë Meeks is a junior studying in the Department of Agricultural Economics with a minor in philosophy and a certificate in philosophy pre-law. After completing her undergraduate education, she plans to attend law school to earn her Juris Doctor degree. Growing up in Dalhart, near her family’s crop operation, Meeks developed a strong connection to the agricultural industry. Inspired by her father’s dedication to farming and her own experiences in agriculture, her passion for agricultural policy led her to Texas A&M. Given her family’s background in cotton production and her future aspirations, Meeks is interning for the National Cotton Council of America, NCC, in Washington, D.C., this summer.

Zoë Meeks, who is completing an internship at the National Cotton Council, stands in a purple suit while giving a thumbs up movement in front of the Washington, D.C., capitol building.
Zoë Meeks, who is completing an internship at the National Cotton Council, stands next to another young woman at a baseball game.
Zoë Meeks, who is completing an internship at the National Cotton Council, stands in a white blazer on a rooftop overlooking Washington, D.C.

At the NCC, Meeks is assisting staff with various projects, meetings and tasks. She is currently working on a project for the CEO researching the threat urban development poses to U.S. cotton production by collecting data on changes in cropland acres throughout the Cotton Belt. When she is not working on this project, she often attends meetings and events with the NCC’s lobbying team, communicating the needs of the cotton industry to legislators.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to expand my knowledge of the U.S. cotton industry and advocate for policies that support American farmers,” Meeks said.

Morgan Marburger ’25, Corteva Agriscience

Morgan Marburger ’25 is a senior double majoring in agricultural communications and agricultural leadership and development in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication with a minor in agrifood sales. While Marburger has lived in the same small town of Schulenburg all her life, Texas A&M and its internship opportunities allowed her to experience life beyond Texas. She interned in the Midwest two years ago and is currently working for Corteva Agriscience in Colorado this summer.

“I feel valued as an intern, working in the pasture and land management sector, a specialty department within the company known for its innovation in seed and crop protection,” Marburger said.

A woman stands on the wing of a yellow airplane with her arms extended on both sides.
A woman stands giving a thumbs up in front of a field with the mountains in the background.
A woman stands in a floral shirt in front of a Corteva Agriscience building sign.

Marburger’s internship project involves obtaining testimonials from various customers throughout the western district, which has provided her with extensive travel opportunities. She has visited Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Missouri and California, and will soon travel to Idaho, Montana and Kansas. Each week, she rides with sales representatives, meeting customers, capturing success stories and learning about different aspects of the company. Highlights of her internship include a California forestry tour focused on herbicides and fire management, attending the Colorado Cattlemen’s Congress, visiting the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s campus and meeting other interns from across the country. At the end of the summer, Marburger will present her project to her district with a video and poster presentation, marking an enriching and unforgettable experience with Corteva Agriscience.

Analia Quinn ’27, Paws and Claws Wildlife Rehabilitation

This summer, Analia Quinn ’27, a sophomore in the Department of Animal Science, had the opportunity to intern at Paws and Claws Wildlife Rehabilitation in College Station, which has proven to be an immensely rewarding experience. During her internship, she has worked with a diverse range of animal species, including foxes, skunks, fawns, birds and many more.

A woman wearing grey scrubs feeds a baby racoon using a syringe.
A woman in grey scrubs feeds three small fawns in a grassy fenced area.
A woman in grey scrubs wearing large black gloves holds a large bird.

Quinn has taken on hands-on responsibilities such as daily feeding, cleaning and attending to the needs of these injured or orphaned animals. From the moment these animals are brought into the facility until their eventual release back into the wild, Quinn has been deeply involved in their care and rehabilitation. This experience has not only enhanced her knowledge and skills in wildlife rehabilitation but also strengthened her passion for animal welfare and conservation.

Gabriella Ganser ’26, Baylor College of Medicine SMART Program

Gabriella Ganser ’26 is a junior studying genetics in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics. This summer, she has been interning at Baylor College of Medicine through its Summer Undergraduate Research Training, SMART, program. She is studying telomere proteins, which cap the ends of chromosomes and consist of repeated DNA segments and associated proteins in the lab of Alison Bertuch, M.D., Ph.D. These telomeres protect genetic material from unnecessary DNA repair, which could lead to cancer development and other consequences.

A woman in a white coat and blue latex gloves stands with both thumbs up in a lab.
Three men and two women stand in a line with their thumbs up.
A woman in a white lab coat looks through a microscope.

Beyond participating in cutting-edge research at the world’s largest medical center, the SMART program has provided Ganser with numerous enriching opportunities, such as daily research lectures and development sessions from renowned faculty members. She recently advanced to the final round of an elevator pitch competition, where participants explained their research projects in 90 seconds or less. This experience has helped her hone her science communication skills, which she believes are as crucial as the research itself. Planning to pursue a doctorate to become a physician-scientist, Ganser feels grateful to be surrounded by leaders in her chosen field. She began her undergraduate research journey in the spring semester of her freshman year in the lab of Ryland Young, Ph.D., emeritus, in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, sparking a passion for research that continues to grow. This internship has further fueled that passion, and Ganser looks forward to her future development as a young scientist.

Ben Williams ’25, John Deere

This summer, Ben Williams ’25, a senior student in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, has had the privilege of working on the small tractor and high-value crop production systems team at the John Deere World Headquarters in Moline, Illinois. In this position, he collaborates closely with both the marketing and engineering departments to determine how John Deere can leverage current technology offerings to better suit the needs of 5-Series utility tractor customers. A significant portion of his responsibilities includes obtaining customer and dealership feedback on John Deere’s current technology offerings. This feedback has proven invaluable, as it informs changes for future 5E and 5M series tractor design based on customer needs.

A large green tractor with double tires.
A man stands next to a sign for the Deere & Company world headquarters.
A man stands with his thumb up in front of a green combine.

Working with utility tractors primarily used by hay and livestock producers, Williams’ internship hits close to home. His rural upbringing around livestock and utility tractors, combined with his studies in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering have provided him with a strong foundation for this position. His agriculture background enables him to better understand the needs of John Deere’s customers, the utility tractor business and the challenges of engineering technical solutions. The internship has revealed to him the complexities of the business, but Williams believes he has found his calling and aspires to work for John Deere full-time post-graduation. Extremely grateful for the opportunity to intern with John Deere, he looks forward to applying his experiences to his coursework and extracurricular activities as he continues his studies at Texas A&M.

Caleb Catlett ’25, Timmons Group

This summer, Caleb Catlett ’25, a senior in the Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, is interning in the environmental department at Timmons Group in Raleigh, North Carolina, a civil engineering company based out of Virginia. His work involves a variety of tasks, including wetland delineations on diverse sites ranging from 2,000-acre cutovers slated for solar farm construction to small plots of land being developed for new neighborhoods. Additionally, he engages in other environmental due diligence work such as monitoring stormwater runoff around construction sites, conducting surveys of trees and endangered species habitat.

A man wearing an orange vest stands with a large pole in the forest.
A man wearing an orange vest stands while writing in a notebook in a forest.
A man wearing an orange vest squats with while writing in a notebook in the forest.

Catlett said the environmental scientists he works with are highly knowledgeable and possess a diverse range of expertise. Throughout his internship, he has gained substantial knowledge about the different soil types found in North Carolina and the identification of numerous plant species on their project sites. He has also been learning about local environmental regulations and laws, as well as navigating the complex process of site remediation or mitigation when wetlands and other critical habitat are impacted by construction projects.

Brayden Bailey ’25, Denton County Police Department

Brayden Bailey ’25 is double majoring in forensic and investigative sciences and entomology in the Department of Entomology. This summer, he is interning in the Denton County Police Department’s forensic science unit. He has found the experience incredibly rewarding, participating in various activities such as attending crime scenes, burglaries, death investigations and crime scene reconstructions. Bailey has also been involved in the training of a new team member, gaining personal instruction on the proper methods for photographing, documenting and collecting evidence from crime scenes. Additionally, he has learned to visualize numerous substances, such as bodily fluids on different substrates, and performed ballistics work.

A man sits with googles on next to a woman wearing goggles.
A man in a white lab coat stands in a lab looking at two small cups.
A man wearing a white lab coat and goggles stands in a dark lab using a blue light.

The remainder of Bailey’s internship promises to be as engaging and educational as the experiences he has already had. Each day brings new adventures, he said, making the internship feel more like a hobby than a job.

Maddie Shults ’25, McCormick

This summer, Maddie Shults ’25, a senior in the Department of Food Science and Technology, is working at McCormick and Co. spices and seasonings in Hunt Valley, Maryland, as a research and development intern. Her focus is on consumer goods, specifically working to reduce the sodium content in McCormick’s products. This internship is providing her with valuable high-impact experiences in lab settings and allowing her to apply her food science knowledge in practical ways. Additionally, she is benefiting from numerous networking opportunities, which are enhancing her professional development.

A woman wearing a white shirt and green pants stands with her thumb up next to a welcome sign for McCormick summer interns.
A woman wearing a white shirt and green pants stands with her thumb up next to an old bay seasoning mascot.

“My involvement with the Food Science Club and the Department of Food Science and Technology at Texas A&M played a significant role in securing this internship,” she said. “Through these organizations, I have been able to build a strong foundation in food science and connect with industry professionals. This summer at McCormick is proving to be an invaluable experience, helping me to grow both academically and professionally.”

Victor Lopez ’25, Yount Mill Vineyards

Victor Lopez ’25, a senior in the Department of Horticultural Sciences, is interning in Napa, California, at Yount Mill Vineyards. This internship is providing him with valuable connections and hands-on experience in viticulture. He began his internship learning about disease and pest management, applying sulfur foliar sprays to prevent the growth of powdery mildew and using pheromone ties to manage vine mealy bug populations.

A man wearing his hat backwards and a grey, long sleeve button down shirt handles grapes on a vine.
A man wearing his hat backwards and a grey, long sleeve button down shirt stands next to grapes on a vine.
A man wearing his hat backwards and a grey, long sleeve button down shirt walks between rows of grape vines.

After learning about pest and disease management, Lopez moved on to preharvest preparations. Alongside two other interns, he meticulously collected sample clusters from each block spanning the 500-acre vineyard. He counted grapes on these clusters to estimate overall yields and determine the equipment needed for harvest. An upcoming critical step for assessing grape quality is checking the Brix levels, or sugar content, in the grapes, which will dictate the timing of the harvest based on the winery’s requested thresholds.

“My experience at Yount Mill Vineyards has reinforced my passion for viticulture and confirmed that I am pursuing a degree in a field I find truly fulfilling,” Lopez said.

A woman wearing a striped tan and white tank top and tan pants stands in front of trees and a stone building.

Callie Scott ’25, Four Seasons Resort in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Callie Scott ’25, a senior in the Department of Hospitality, Hotel Management and Tourism, is a food and beverage intern at the Four Seasons Resort in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. This opportunity has provided her with a valuable learning experience, especially since she had no prior experience in the hospitality industry. Her responsibilities include working closely with the resort’s food and beverage department, shadowing management, attending monthly meetings and completing a final project. Through these activities, Scott has gained a deep understanding of the behind-the-scenes operations that keep a luxury hotel running smoothly.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of my internship has been experiencing the close-knit, family-like environment at the resort,” Scott said. “The team here has welcomed me warmly, and I feel grateful to work alongside such amazing individuals. I have not only broadened my knowledge of the hospitality industry but also built meaningful connections and learned from experienced professionals.”

Lauryn Roehnelt ’25, Down Home Ranch

Lauryn Roehnelt ’25, a senior in the Department of Nutrition, who is on the didactic program in dietetics track, had an enriching experience working at Down Home Ranch in Elgin, for six weeks this summer. She served as the camp nutrition assistant, responsible for preparing all meals — breakfast, lunch and dinner — for the campers while accommodating their dietary restrictions provided by parents or guardians. Roehnelt designed two rotating menus each week and tailored dinner themes such as Marvel Monday, Tropical Tuesday, Western Wednesday and Throwback Thursday to enhance the camp experience.

A woman wearing a green t-shirt and a green hat stands with her hands on her hips in a kitchen.
A woman wearing a light blue t-shirt and white latex gloves stands in a kitchen while making sandwiches.
A woman wearing a light blue t-shirt stirs a ladle in a large metal pot in a kitchen.

With camp attendance varying from 16 to 36 campers weekly, Roehnelt carefully planned and cooked meals to ensure everyone — including staff — was well-fed. She also supervised ranchers and residents of the ranch during food preparation, serving, and kitchen and cafeteria cleanup after each meal. This role not only honed her culinary skills but also taught her patience, supervisory skills and the broader implications of nutrition beyond food composition and nutrient values.

Merry Colclasure ’25, Four Rivers Nuclear Partnership

This summer, Merry Colclasure ’25, a senior in the Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology majoring in environmental studies, is interning at Four Rivers Nuclear Partnership, a contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy in Kevil, Kentucky. She is stationed at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, originally built for producing enriched uranium for both national defense purposes and later for commercial nuclear power production. The plant is now undergoing deactivation and decontamination processes.

A woman in a green sweatshirt and dark pants stands with her thumb up in front of a sign for the U.S. Department of Energy.
A woman in a white hard hat, sunglasses and a safety vest stands with her hands folded in front of her.
A man adjusts a black pole while a man and a woman wearing sunglasses and safety vests watch.

In her role within the environmental compliance department, Colclasure collaborates closely with the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy to uphold standards that protect human and environmental health. Her internship has provided extensive exposure to various facets of a decommissioned power plant, including the operations of water treatment facilities, steam plants, monitoring wells, outfalls and landfills.

Tommy Egbert ’26, Simmons Foods

Tommy Egbert ’26, a junior in the Department of Poultry Science, is completing an internship with the learning and development, L&D, team at Simmons Foods in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. On his first day, Egbert was assigned a project focused on analyzing the recertification process for supervisors at Simmons.

The recertification process requires supervisors to complete 16 hours of continuous learning annually to enhance their role-specific skills. Egbert’s responsibilities include designing surveys, shadowing supervisors and gathering feedback to improve this process. His ultimate objective is to identify practical ways for the L&D team to enhance the recertification process, aligning with Simmons’ commitment to continuous improvement.

A man wearing a light blue polo shirt stands in front of a dark blue Simmons backdrop while holding his thumb up.
Two men wearing safety vests stand at the back of a Simmons semi-truck trailer with a cone, ladder, boxes and dolly.
A man wearing a long white lab coat and a plastic hair net stands with his thumb up in front of a concrete wall.

While Egbert’s primary focus is on his project, he has also had firsthand opportunities to witness Simmons’ core value of “put people first.” In his first week, he participated in a community outreach effort to distribute food, water and supplies to families affected by recent tornadoes in Decatur, Arkansas. Egbert values the chance to gain corporate experience while contributing to both the L&D team’s initiatives and community service efforts at Simmons Foods.

Kyus Saha ’25, Palacios Marine Agricultural Research

Kyus Saha ’25, a senior in the Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management, is completing a summer internship at Palacios Marine Agricultural Research, PMAR. Focusing on oyster stewardship, cultivation and seed production, he has been integral to spawning oysters, contributing to the hatchery team’s production of over 1 billion larval oysters.

Six people in a warehouse stand around a rectangular table organizing oyster specimen.
A man and a woman on a boat adjust black cages of oysters.
Three women and one man stand in the water with a cage of oysters.

In addition to oyster-related tasks like cleaning and maintaining equipment, feeding larval oysters and caring for broodstock, Saha has gained hands-on experience in plumbing, fiberglass work, heavy equipment operation and carpentry within PMAR’s facilities.

“I appreciate the opportunity provided by Texas A&M and PMAR to deepen my skills and knowledge in marine biology and facility maintenance,” Saha said.

Megan Muesse ’25, NFL’s Carolina Panthers

Megan Muesse ’25, a senior turfgrass science major in the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, is doing an internship with the NFL’s Carolina Panthers. She assists the grounds crew in maintaining athletic fields, including Bank of America Stadium’s artificial turf and the football practice fields natural turf. Bank of America Stadium is used by both the Carolina Panthers NFL team and the Charlotte Football Club MLS team, providing Muesse with diverse experience in turfgrass techniques for different sports.

A woman in a black shirt and black short uses large stencils to paint white lines on a football field
A woman uses a rake to apply white fertilizer to a football field.
A gold ring sits on top of a roll of turf grass in front of the Bank of America stadium.

Her daily responsibilities include mowing and painting the fields according to the specific requirements of each sport. Muesse has gained valuable skills such as performing maintenance on mowers, adjusting the height of cut, and back lapping equipment. She has also learned about the fertility program for Tahoma Bermuda grass and the management of artificial turf, including techniques for paint removal and the differences between paints used for natural versus artificial fields.

Additionally, Muesse has participated in three sod installations, gaining insights into the construction aspects of sports fields and enhancing her understanding of field management and maintenance practices. Her internship with the Carolina Panthers has provided her with hands-on experience and valuable learning opportunities in the field of athletic field management.

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