This summer, several standout students will be representing the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the Yeutter Institute as they take their talents to their summer internships in Washington, D.C. Through competitive internship programs, these students will gain hands-on experience in policy, international trade, and agriculture, as well as contribute to organizations that shape U.S. trade, legislative policy, and agricultural markets.
Meet the students whose work not only reflects their academic excellence, but also highlights Nebraska's strong connection to international trade and policy issues:
Ethan Zen (Senior) is this year’s recipient of the Steven Nelson Yeutter Institute International Trade Internship Award and will be interning in the heart of the trade policy community in Washington, D.C. at the Washington International Trade Association (WITA) over the summer. The internship comes with a summer stipend and was established in 2021 by the Nebraska Farm Bureau to honor longtime president Steve nelson. WITA is a non-profit, non-partisan, 501c6 Membership Association that provides a neutral forum for open discussion of international trade policy issues. Founded in 1982, WITA has become the largest membership organization for international trade professionals by focusing on the latest U.S. and international trade policy, rules and regulations, and current trade issues. As part of the internship requirement, Ethan, who was a Yeutter Student Fellow during the ‘24-’25 academic year, will plan a Yeutter Institute educational event for students and the public on an agricultural trade policy issue important to Nebraska after returning from D.C. Congratulations Ethan!
Lachlan Ritchie (Junior) was selected for the DTB AgriTrade summer internship program and will be working for the Washington, D.C.-based consulting firm that helps food and agriculture organizations deal with international trade policy. Since its founding in 2000, DTB has provided legal advice to producers and exporters that compete in the global food and fiber markets. They have helped their clients fight a multitude of policies to combat trade uncertainty and risks to farmers’ income that rely on global markets. The agriculture trade policy experts at DTB have extensive backgrounds working in U.S. government service, such as representation during the GATT Tokyo Round, the Uruguay Round, and NAFTA. Lachlan, who will be a Yeutter Student Fellow this upcoming ’25-‘26 academic year and is a Regents Scholar who has a strong interest in the communication and negotiation involved in grain trading. Congratulations Lachlan!
Alexis Bodlak (Senior) will be joining U.S. Senator Deb Fischer’s staff as a legislative intern in Washington, D.C. this summer! As part of the internship, Alexis will gain first-hand experiences in the daily operations of the U.S. Senate and have the opportunity to serve the people of Nebraska. From leading U.S. Capitol tours and attending briefs, to monitoring Senate floor proceedings and drafting correspondences, the internship provides valuable insights into the legislative process and federal public service in Washington, D.C.
Logan Walsh (Senior) has accepted an internship with the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) in Washington, D.C. The U.S. Grains Council, a private, non-profit organization that develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, grain sorghum, and related products, highlights the vital role of exports in global economic development and the profitability of U.S. agriculture. Also sponsored by the Nebraska Corn Board, the internship will focus on the planning and coordination of the Export Exchange and 64th Annual Board of Delegates Meeting. The Nebraska Corn Board oversees the investment of corn checkoff funds to enhance the value, market opportunities, and long-term sustainability of Nebraska’s corn industry. The internship will offer insights into the operations, support efforts, and leadership of the USGC staff, providing hands-on experience with state and national organizations and agribusinesses.
