Student Advisory Board members take part in summer internships around the world

October 12, 2026 - Features

by Abby Jones | Marketing and Communications Intern

From Sugarland, Texas, to Washington, D.C., and as far as Estonia, Dole Institute Student Advisory Board members gained valuable career experience through internships this past summer and early fall.

SAB members and University of Kansas students can receive financial assistance for their internships through the Dole Institute’s Lacy Internship Assistance Program. Created in 2012 with support from Chuck and Diane Frickey in honor of Director Emeritus Bill Lacy, the program supports students pursuing a career in public service, politics, museum studies, or related fields. In total, nine students received financial assistance for internships this summer and fall.

Ava Levin, a third year student, served as an intern for Barnds Law in Overland Park, Kansas. Barnds Law encompasses several areas of law, but mainly handles family law cases. 

“As an intern, I assist attorneys in notes for their client files, oversee client meetings and courtroom appearances, and draft documents critical to cases,” Levin said. “It has been a joy interning at this law firm, where I’ve been able to form a personal connection with all of their team members.”

Ava Levin, a recipient of the Lacy Internship Program for her summer internship with Barnds Law. Photo courtesy of Ava Levin.

Claire Ain, a junior, served as an intern in Alexandria, Virginia, for Systems Planning and Analysis (SPA), a multi-mission, multi-domain company that provides data-driven analysis to support critical national security programs around the world. Specifically, Ain worked in the Sea, Land, and Air Division, supporting operations analysis within the Undersea Technology Portfolio. Her team is overseen by the Chief of Naval Operations, and works to inform the Navy’s development of future fast-attack nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs).

“My primary responsibilities include conducting research on the historical design, construction, and capability evolution of submarines to help inform future undersea platform development,” Ain said. “I also support SPA’s AUKUS portfolio by assisting with seminar planning and coordination for the trilateral defense partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.”

Claire Ain, a recipient of the Lacy Internship Program for her summer internship with Systems Planning and Analysis. Ain is pictured alongside her team of fellow interns. Photo Courtesy of Claire Ain.

John Bray, a sophomore, was a congressional intern for Representative Rick Crawford (R-AR). In this role, he supported the office’s legislative and constituent services operations. Additionally, he researched policy issues, assisted with constituent correspondence, attended legislative briefings, and gave tours of the Capitol to constituents.

“This internship has been an incredible opportunity to learn more about the legislative process and how Congress serves its constituents,” Bray said. 

John Bray, a recipient of the Lacy Internship Program for his summer internship as a congressional intern for Rick Crawford. Bray is pictured alongside Crawford outside of the House of Representatives. Photo Courtesy of John Bray.

Kaitlyn Carson, a senior, serveed as an intern at the President Kalijulaid Foundation (PFK). PFK was founded by Estonia’s first female president, Kersti Kalijulaid. The foundation works to uplift Estonian society through anti-misogyny presentations to youth, international women’s sport leadership programs, and the employers against domestic violence initiative. In this role, Carson primarily focused on finding and synthesizing resources to support each of the foundation’s projects. Additionally, she was granted access to high-level meetings with the foundation’s staff.

“Researching, writing, translating, and representing the President Kalijulaid Foundation has been a great honor, which I will never forget,” Carson said. 

Kaitlyn Carson, a recipient of the Lacy Internship Program for her summer internship at the President Kalijulaid Foundation. Carson is pictured alongside Estonia’s first female president, Kersti Kalijulaid. Photo courtesy of Kaitlyn Carson.

Maddie Zeller, a junior, was an intern for the department of Strategic and Government Affairs in the city of Sugar Land, Texas. The department oversees the implementation of city-wide strategic plans and helps develop department-specific goals and strategic action plans. The department additionally collaborates with the Data and Innovation Team to ensure performance goals are being met. As an intern, Zeller was responsible for aiding in the facilitation of strategic planning efforts across the city, which involves collaborating with departments to define goals, success metrics, and next steps. 

“This internship has given exposure to nearly all of the departments that you are likely to find in the local government sector in some capacity and has been a fantastic learning experience that I will continue to carry throughout my professional development,” Zeller said. 

Maddie Zeller, a recipient of the Lacy Internship program for her summer internship for the Department of Strategic and Government affairs in Sugar Land, Texas. Photo courtesy of Maddie Zeller.

Michael Redlich, a sophomore, is an intern in the United States Senate for Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO). In this role, he primarily spent his time in Washington, D.C. conducting research for the office’s economics and finance staffers and assisting with constituent services.

“My opportunity to work for Senator Eric Schmitt in Washington D.C. has allowed me to refine my research skills in a policy workshopping environment,” Redlich said. “I have had the privilege to work with experienced staffers in the housing, economics, finance, and banking sectors. I also have played a hand in assisting with constituent services for the Senator, organizing casework issues & helping direct constituents towards the resources they needed.”

Michael Redlich, a recipient of the Lacy Internship Award for his summer internship in the United States Senate for Senator Eric Schmitt. Redlich is pictured alongside Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Mike Johnson. Photo courtesy of Michael Redlich.

Nathan Binshtok, a senior, is currently serving as an auditor for the United States Trustee Program. This program is a component of the Department of Justice, focused on promoting the integrity and efficiency of the U.S. Bankruptcy System. As an intern, he focuses on reviewing financial statements, debtor records, investigating potential fraud or abuses of the bankruptcy system, and observing hearings in court.

“It’s a great fit for me as an economics student currently in the process of applying to law school, and this internship has further solidified my interest in public service,” Binshtok said. “I’m very grateful for the Lacy Internship that helped make this all possible.”

Nathan Binshtok, a recipient of the Lacy Internship Award for his fall internship at the United States Trustee Program. Photo courtesy of Nathan Binshtok.

Abby Jones  serves as the Marketing & Communications Intern for the Dole Institute of Politics. Through this role, Abby works closely with student workers and the institute to prepare marketing materials and event photographs. She is a junior studying Digital Marketing Communications, Advertising, and Public Relations with a minor in Communications.

About the Dole Institute
The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics, a vibrant forum for civil discourse, civic engagement, and idea exchange across the political spectrum, features historical archives, exhibits, and public programs for all ages. Inspired by the public service of native Kansan, veteran, legislator, and statesman Senator Bob Dole and his wife Senator Elizabeth Dole, visitor galleries feature changing exhibits, the Kansas Veterans Virtual Memory Wall, architectural-scale stained glass American flag, and September 11 memorial.