Summer 2026 PPIP Cohort
Alexander Andre
U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the Solicitor General
About Alexander
Alexander Andre is a political science and economics double major from Kyle, Texas. He is also pursuing a minor in philosophy and the Philosophy Pre-Law Certificate. At Texas A&M, he serves as the Chief Justice for the TAMU Student Government Association Judicial Court, is a member of the Pre-Law Society, University Honors, and Class Councils. Additionally, he is an editor for the TAMU Undergraduate Journal of Law and Society.
From reading law review articles and listening to Supreme Court oral arguments in his spare time, Alex is deeply interested in and passionate about politics, economics, and law (specifically constitutional law). These passions motivated him to intern in Washington, D.C. during the summer of 2026, where he hopes to learn more about the intersection between these disciplines.
Following graduation, he plans on attending law school and earning a J.D. From there, he hopes to clerk for a federal judge before entering the legal world. In his career, he hopes to focus on constitutional law at either a firm or a government agency such as the Office of the Solicitor General. Someday, he aspires to become a federal judge himself.
Alexander Bastia
U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Southeast Asia
About Alexander
Alexander Bastia is a junior finance and business honors major with a minor in economics and a certificate in philosophy pre-law. Motivated by the desire to help individuals and businesses succeed in the economy, he plans to pursue a career in business law as an attorney in the securities sector.
He is currently secretary of the Texas A&M Mock Trial team, where he participates in simulated trials at competitions across the nation and leads the organization’s communication and recordkeeping. He is also a justice for the Student Government Judicial Court, where he makes decisions for university-wide student policies and ensures that the proper procedures are followed throughout elections, finance allocations, and other issues. Alexander is also a managing editor for the Undergraduate Journal of Law and Society, and worked with an author to edit a paper for the journal’s second ever edition. These opportunities have strengthened his skills in communication, public speaking, and critical thinking before attending law school.
In D.C., Alexander is interning with the Department of Commerce, International Trade Association, Office of Southeast Asia. He hopes to expand his knowledge of business and regulatory policy, connect with professionals in policymaking, and make a difference in a national office.
Christopher "Lance" Bumgardner
Office of Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett
About Lance
Lance Bumgardner is a second-year master’s student at Texas A&M University and will be earning a Master of Public Service and Administration from the Bush School of Government and Public Service in May 2027. Growing up in Charlotte, North Carolina, Lance developed an early understanding of how socioeconomic factors influence the distribution of civic knowledge and resources. Driven by these insights, his academic work emphasizes system-level problem solving and the creation of more accessible, user-centric government frameworks.
On campus, Lance has been heavily involved in a variety of organizations, including the Bush School Graduate Student Government Association, the International City and County Managers Association, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and serving as a graduate assistant in the Fraternity and Sorority Life Office. Through these leadership roles, Lance served his peers by advocating for their needs on their behalf.
Outside of his academics, Lance continues to develop himself as a well-versed advocate. He has attended multiple conferences aimed at providing individuals with the resources to become effective agents of change, such as the Careers in Politics conference hosted by the Anette Strauss Institute for Civic Life at UT Austin.
This summer, Lance is interning in Washington, D.C., with the Office of Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett.
Vance "Josh" Collins
Bose Public Affairs Group
About Josh
Josh Collins is a first-generation Aggie from Houston, Texas, and a senior in the Business Honors Program at Mays Business School. He is a President’s Endowed Scholar pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management with a minor in Homeland Security and Emergency Management and a certificate in International Business.
On campus, Josh is involved in Brothers Under Christ (BYX), Maroon Coats, and the Mays Business Fellows Program. He was recently elected as the President of Maroon Coats for the 2026-2027 school year. He has previously served as secretary of BYX, a coordinator for the Business Honors Peer Leader Program, and a delegate to the MSC Abbott Family Leadership Conference. Additionally, he was elected as a Student Senator representing the Lowry Mays School of Business for the 78th Session of the Texas A&M Student Senate. Off campus, Josh serves as a volunteer at The Bridge Ministries and is an active member of First Baptist Church of Bryan. In his free time, he enjoys using his pilot’s license to fly over College Station, playing pickleball with his roommates, going on adventures, and spending time with friends.
This summer, Josh is working in Washington, D.C., with Bose Public Affairs Group, where he is gaining hands-on experience in public policy and advocacy. Upon graduation, Josh will commission into the United States Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer, where he hopes to combine his leadership and service background to serve his country with excellence.
McKinsey Criss
Twenty-First Century Group
About McKinsey
McKinsey Criss, originally from Santa Fe, Texas, is a first-generation Aggie in her senior year at Texas A&M University. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with the goal of building a career in consulting and public policy.
McKinsey has gained experience in local government and research through her former position as an Administrative Intern with the City of La Marque. In that position, she conducted demographic research and presented a proposal for the formation of a Youth Advisory Council, which was later approved by the City Council. For her work in increasing transparency and youth engagement in her community, she was awarded the John Parr Youth Leadership Award by the National Civic League.
McKinsey is especially passionate about voter engagement and increasing youth participation in the political process. She hopes to apply research and strategic thinking to help organizations navigate complex policy challenges while encouraging greater civic education and involvement. As an intern in Washington, D.C., McKinsey aims to bring a strong sense of dedication and compassion to her work while contributing to the continued representation of Texas A&M in our nation’s capital.
Colin Gaszak
Office of Congressman Troy Nehls
About Colin
Colin Gaszak is a recent graduate of Texas A&M University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Pre-law Philosophy Certificate in May 2026. On campus, Colin served as the philanthropy chair for The Aggie Gentlemen of Integrity, where he got the opportunity to lead service projects and fundraising events that benefited nonprofit organizations in the Brazos Valley. Additionally, Colin has worked as a camp counselor and volunteered as a youth basketball coach, helping mentor young athletes and instill principles of teamwork and confidence in those he serves. Colin has brought this background of service and community engagement to a larger stage as a congressional intern this summer.
Originally from Keller, Texas, Colin is grateful for the opportunity to serve his fellow Texans through his internship with the Office of Congressman Troy Nehls and learn more about the congressional process and the link between tax dollars and representation. Following his internship, Colin will matriculate to law school, where he looks forward to bringing the valuable experiences that he has gained this summer. Colin plans on combining a legal education with a commitment to public service in his future career as an attorney.
Brendan Hurt
The Nathaniel Group & Van Scoyoc Associates
About Brendan
Brendan Hurt is a junior at Texas A&M University, double-majoring in political science and public service and administration through the Bush School of Government and Public Service, with a concentration in homeland security and emergency management. A native of Abilene, Texas, and a first-generation college student, Brendan’s background gave him a personal understanding of the barriers underserved communities face and a conviction that effective policy is ultimately measured by the people it reaches.
Brendan’s policy interests center on national security, fiscal policy, and education access. As Chair of the Legislative Relations Committee in the Student Government Association, he has lobbied on behalf of the Texas A&M student body on issues ranging from affordability and housing policy to curriculum reform, and authored legislation expanding grant funding for first-generation students, drawing directly on his own experience to advance broader opportunity.
Brendan is a Terry Scholar and Gilman Scholar, and is interning with both The Nathaniel Group and Van Scoyoc Associates, where he hopes to deepen his understanding of federal policy and contribute substantively to public service in Washington, D.C.
Joshua Lee
Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training
About Joshua
Joshua Lee is a graduate student at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University, pursuing a Master of International Affairs with concentrations in National Security and Grand Strategy. Before graduate school, Joshua served as an intelligence analyst with Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC) and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, supporting special operations in the Middle East and joint training missions across the Indo-Pacific. His service gave him a ground-level perspective on the intersection of intelligence, diplomacy, and national security that continues to shape his academic work.
Joshua’s intellectual formation began at St. John’s College, where he earned degrees in Liberal Arts and Eastern Classics through the Great Books program. At the Bush School, he has built on that foundation through his studies in grand strategy and international relations theory, engaging with thinkers like Thucydides, Schelling, and Gaddis to sharpen his understanding of how states navigate competition, coercion, and diplomacy.
His policy interests lie at the intersection of diplomatic history, intelligence, and national security. Joshua is drawn to the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training (ADST) mission of preserving the institutional memory of American foreign policy, a record he believes is essential for the practitioners and analysts who will shape it next. This summer at ADST, he is deepening his understanding of American diplomacy’s role in the defining crises of the post-war era. After graduating, Joshua plans to pursue a career in public service, focused on national security and diplomacy.
Harris Manchac
U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Policy and Strategic Planning
About Harris
Harris Manchac is a member of the Class of ’28, where he is pursuing a degree in finance and business honors. Originally from Westlake, Texas, Harris found a passion in the energy sector following the 2021 Texas Power Crisis, where he saw firsthand how influential energy is on the economy, national security, and the prosperity of Americans. Through his coursework, Harris has developed a passion for the intersection of energy, finance, and public policy.
At Texas A&M, he is a member of the Trading, Risk, & Investments Program (TRIP), where he studies commodity and energy markets. In addition, Harris is a proud member of Sigma Chi Fraternity, where he serves as the Vice President of Finance and oversees the financial operations of the chapter. He is spending the summer in Washington, D.C., interning with the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Outside of his academic and professional pursuits, Harris enjoys spending time with his two older brothers, Will and Clayton, and little sister, Lindy. Above all, he loves his black pug, Carlo. Harris enjoys playing golf and pickleball, listening to country music, and visiting Montana to go fly-fishing with his brothers, dad, and grandpa.
Madison "Madi" Moore
National Farmers Union
About Madi
Madi Moore is from Corpus Christi, Texas, and is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History at Texas A&M University. Through her studies, she has built a strong foundation in government, politics, and the historical forces that shape institutions today. As a third-generation Aggie, Texas A&M’s core values have been instilled in her from a young age, inspiring her commitment to public service and her interest in advancing gender equality and civil rights.
Previously, Madi interned with the Office of Management Strategy and Solutions M/SS at the U.S. Department of State through the Virtual Student Federal Service program. In this role, she conducted research on the future of diplomacy and contributed to the development of a training curriculum for future diplomats, deepening her understanding of the evolving field of international politics. She also interned under the Honorable Judge Inna Klein of the 214th District Court in Nueces County, Texas, where she gained firsthand exposure to court proceedings and the judicial process.
As a dedicated member of several on-campus organizations, including the Memorial Student Center Wiley Lecture Series, Women in Public Service, Class Councils, and Fish Council, Madi has taken on impactful projects and volunteered with campus-wide initiatives. As a member of the MSC Wiley Lecture Series Main Program Committee, she supported logistics and helped bring influential political speakers to campus for the 2026 annual program, The American Dream at 250: Still Within Reach?
Passionate about effective and equitable policymaking, Madi plans to pursue a career in public service where she can promote positive change. This summer, Madi is interning with the National Farmers Union in Washington, D.C., where she looks forward to gaining hands-on experience in the policymaking process and advocating for family farmers at the national level.
Katie Pang
U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia
About Katie
Katie Pang is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Health with double minors in Biology and Business at Texas A&M University. Her academic path reflects her passion for health equity and her interest in how law and policy shape the way communities access and experience care.
At Texas A&M, Katie has been actively involved in research as an undergraduate researcher for multiple projects. She has pursued research on inequalities in pediatric vaccination rates across multiple states, working to examine how systemic and legislative barriers affect vulnerable populations. Additionally, she has contributed to computational research on cattle methane emissions forecasting.
Beyond research, Katie has taken on leadership roles in organizations, including the MSC Wiley Lecture Series and Aggie Minority Women in Law. Her experiences in these student organizations have strengthened her communication, collaboration, and organizational skills, while deepening her understanding of how law, policy, and advocacy intersect to create meaningful change.
Katie is passionate about healthcare access, equity, and how public policy can affect communities, guiding her decision to pursue an internship with the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia in Washington, D.C.
Carter Spawn
U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Southeast Asia
About Carter
Carter Spawn, originally from Chesterfield County, Virginia, is a first-year Master of International Affairs student at the Bush School of Government and Public Service, with a concentration in Grand Strategy and Foreign Policy, as well as Intelligence within the National Security and Diplomacy track. Driven by a strong commitment to public service and a long-standing interest in international affairs, Carter plans to pursue a career in government service after graduation.
Carter’s interest in foreign policy was first shaped during his undergraduate experience at Hampden-Sydney College, where he became involved in the Alexander Hamilton Society and the Government and Foreign Affairs Department. His academic path has been further informed by a combination of professional experiences and a family tradition of public service, both of which continue to guide his career ambitions.
Carter previously interned in the Office of Representative Darin LaHood, where he supported legislative staff through policy research, drafting written materials, and engaging with constituents. He also gained international experience through a public health internship in Livingstone, Zambia, where he applied his medical training in a global context. Working at the community level, Carter developed a deeper understanding of development aid and how strategic competition is experienced on the ground—an experience that continues to shape his perspective on foreign policy.
Outside of policy, Carter’s commitment to service is reflected in his extensive background in emergency response. He served for four years as a volunteer firefighter EMT, including leadership roles such as Assistant Chief and EMS Captain of the Hampden-Sydney Volunteer Fire Department. He also worked as a Basic Life Support provider with Meherrin Fire & Rescue. These experiences reinforced his ability to lead in high-pressure environments and strengthened his dedication to serving others.
On campus, Carter has been involved in leadership and service-oriented organizations, contributing to initiatives focused on professional development, event planning, and international engagement. Through these experiences, he has built a strong foundation in teamwork, leadership, and organizational management.
This summer, Carter will be interning in the Department of Commerce, Office of Southeast Asia in Washington, D.C., where he looks forward to gaining further experience in the policymaking process and deepening his understanding of international trade and Southeast Asian affairs. He is particularly interested in opportunities that will allow him to engage with issues of strategic competition and supply chain development, as well as those that will help him build the skills necessary for a future career in public service.
Amber Thelen
Todd Strategy Group
About Amber
Amber Thelen, from San Antonio, Texas, is a senior and first-year graduate student in Texas A&M University's 3+2 program, pursuing a master’s degree in health policy and management. Raised in a military family, Amber developed a deep appreciation for service, leadership, and community from an early age. Frequent moves and high school internships in hospital settings shaped her commitment to public service and inspired her to pursue a career in policy.
Amber's passion for health policy was further solidified through her work as an EMT, where she witnessed firsthand the disparities that affect patient outcomes. These experiences sparked her desire to better understand and address the root causes of inequities through policy-level change to improve the health of communities. This spring, she served as a maternal health intern with Save Texas Moms, a nonprofit organization working to reduce healthcare and resource disparities in maternal care deserts across Texas.
On campus, Amber has demonstrated sustained leadership and service through multiple organizations. As a service officer in the Public Health Student Organization, she has organized food drives and coordinated community initiatives that connect students with meaningful public health outreach opportunities. Her work on the Philanthropy Committee for Aggie Royals has helped lead fundraising efforts in support of Soldiers' Angels and increased awareness of the challenges faced by deployed service members and their families, helping mobilize campus support and resources on their behalf. She is also a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Societies and a recipient of the Dean's Excellence Award for the School of Public Health.
This summer, Amber is interning with Todd Strategy Group in Washington, D.C., where she hopes to deepen her understanding of the intersection of policy, economics, education, and health outcomes while proudly representing Texas A&M.
Katherine "Katie" Thiele
Office of the Secretary of the Air Force for Public Affairs
About Katie
Katie Thiele is from Chandler, Arizona, and is a student at Texas A&M University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering with a minor in Artificial Intelligence and Business, as well as a Master of Science in Finance through the combined degree program. She is deeply interested in the intersection of quantitative analysis, public policy, and business for holistic problem-solving, a passion that has shaped both her academic path and her professional goals.
On campus, Katie serves as an Undergraduate Research Assistant at the Bush School’s Institute for Science, Technology, and Public Policy, where she worked on a project with the Texas General Land Office to tackle flooding in Central Texas by developing potential policy recommendations and reforms informed by stakeholder engagement. Outside of work, she is involved in the Horizons Consulting Guild, Aggie ACHIEVEMates, and Kappa Alpha Theta. She is actively engaged at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where she leads Bible studies, mentors other women, and is the Vice President of Emmaus, a Catholic Greek Life Ministry, overseeing operations, budget management, and event planning for large-scale student programs. In Kappa Alpha Theta, Katie serves as a Recruitment Data Analyst, where she designed a GPA grading tool that promotes equitable and consistent evaluation across hundreds of applicants each year and prepares her chapter for the upcoming recruitment process.
This summer, she is interning in Washington, D.C. at the Pentagon with the United States Air Force in the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force for Public Affairs, where she looks forward to combining her analytical mindset and commitment to service with hands-on experience in national security and public policy communication as she prepares for a career in strategy consulting.
Sidney Uy Tesy
Office of Congresswoman Julie Johnson
About Sidney
Sidney Uy Tesy is a senior at Texas A&M University, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. She is from South Texas, and her upbringing as the daughter of immigrants informs her ethics and community goals. Sidney aspires to become the first attorney in her family and plans to pursue a J.D. after graduation. Her career path is carved out through her work in humanities research, journalism, and advocacy.
Sidney is involved in various student-led organizations and helps cultivate spaces for students involved in academia and student media. Currently, she is an editor for Aletheia: The Undergraduate Journal of Philosophy, an opinion columnist for The Battalion, and an essayist for ALINE-Magazine. She was selected as a 2024-2025 research scholar for the Melbern G. Glasscock Center for Humanities Research. While working part-time as a full-time student, Sidney has balanced multiple projects and publications that focused on critical topics such as technology, embodiment, and political discourse. Her supervised research has been accepted to the History Graduate Student Organization Conference, the Texas A&M Undergraduate Humanities Symposium, and the American Society for Engineering Education Conference and Exposition. She has also served as a Supplemental Instructor Leader for a 200-student U.S. History course, and motivated students from diverse backgrounds to communicate with one another and hone their analytical skills. By writing every day, she has gained a richer understanding of how discourse works and why it is crucial to inform the public sphere.
This summer, Sidney is interning in Washington, D.C. with the Office of Congresswoman Julie Johnson. She is excited to gain experience and learn how relationships between think tanks, political advocacy groups, and representatives develop and influence public policy over time. She hopes that this opportunity will challenge her and transform her into a more well-rounded public servant.