KU News Release

LAWRENCE — Fifteen students from the University of Kansas and three from Wichita State University are earning academic credit while working in the nation’s capital this spring through KU’s Washington Intern Program.

Throughout the semester, the students work for congressional representatives, think-tank scholars, lobbyists and consultants in Washington, D.C. Burdett Loomis, professor of political science and director the program, said the students students usually find their own internships, often with the assistance of the political science department.

Interns can earn up to 12 hours of credit for participating in the program, which includes a weekly seminar. They have the option to pursue independent study credit, which includes writing a research paper. Stephene Moore, wife of U.S. Rep. Dennis Moore, D-Kan., coordinates the seminars.

The Washington Intern Program began in 1984. More than 500 students, mostly from KU but also from Wichita State University and other Kansas Board of Regents universities, have participated in the intensive, semester-long experience. Internships usually run from mid-January to May 1 but can vary in length depending on the assignment.

Wichita State students enrolled in the program this semester are: Veronica Ndambi, Derek Blair and Bill Brichacek.

The KU interns are listed below by hometown, level in school, major, parents’ names, previous schools attended (when available) and internship assignment.

JOHNSON COUNTY
From Edgerton 66021
John Cameron Thompson, senior in political science; son of John and Tammy Thompson; Gardner Edgerton High School; internship with Assistant to the Speaker’s Office

From Leawood 66209
Alexander Sherwood Davis, continuing education student and a fall 2009 graduate in political science; son of Wenda and Thomas Davis; Blue Valley North High School; internship with Leadership Conference on Civil Rights

From Merriam 66203
Matthew Timothy Lanning, senior in political science; son of Tim and Evelyn Lanning; Bishop Miege High School; internship with U.S. Rep. Dennis Moore, D-Kan.

From Overland Park 66212
Amanda M. Shriwise, senior in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences who graduated in fall 2009 with a degree in dance; daughter of Rodney and Susan Shriwise; Shawnee Mission South High School; internship with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

From Overland Park 66223
Megan Elizabeth Adams, junior in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; daughter of Steve and Shari Adams; Blue Valley High School; internship with Center for American Progress

From Prairie Village 66208
Derek Allan Martin, junior in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; son of Craig and Kay Martin; Shawnee Mission East High School; internship with Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee

From Shawnee 66226
Samantha Marie Speer, senior in political science; Mill Valley High School; internship with U.S. Rep. Eric Paulsen, R-Minn.

SHAWNEE COUNTY
From Topeka 66610
Daniel James Thompson, senior in economics; son of Arthur Thompson; Topeka High School; internship with Organize for America

WYANDOTTE COUNTY
From Kansas City 66106
Christina Garcia, senior in economics; daughter of Francisco G. and Alicia Garcia; Bishop Ward High School; internship with Center for American Progress

From Kansas City 66109
Francesca Amelia Chambers, senior in political science; Paola High School; internship with U.S. Rep. Jerry Moran, R-Kan.

MISSOURI
From Jefferson 65109
Megan Renee Shackelford, senior in political science; daughter of Lewis and MaryAnn Shackelford; Jefferson City High School; internship with U.S. Rep. Russ Carnahan, D-Mo.

From Kansas City 64112
Kathleen McKenna Bole, senior in architectural studies; daughter of Kaler and Eileen Bole; Shawnee Mission East High School; internship with American Planning Association

From Kansas City 64111
Katelyn Marie Cofer, nondegree-seeking student and fall 2009 graduate with degrees in journalism and Spanish; daughter of Walt Cofer; Blue Valley Northwest High School; internship with MDB Communications

From Republic 65738
Michael Richard Maddox, junior in pre-business; son of Richard and Lori Maddox; Republic R-III Senior High School; internship with Peace Action

TEXAS
From McKinney 75070
Adam James Magargee, junior in political science; son of Christopher and Christy Magargee; McKinney High School; internship with Common Cause