Five University of Texas Permian Basin students are participating in the 2025 UT System Legislative Fellowship program, interning at the State Capitol in Austin. The program provides students with valuable leadership and professional experience.
To qualify, students were nominated and then interviewed by UTS leadership.
UTPB junior biology student Brett Jacobsen is interning for the Senate Committee on Health & Human Services under Senator Kolkhorst. Jacobsen has been working as an assistant clerk and legislative aide.
“As an aspiring physician, I find that a background in STEM isn't sufficient enough in comprehending your full scope of practice. Going through this legislative fellowship would allow me the necessary background knowledge to support me through how to have the most impact and influence as a physician,” said Jacobsen.
His role involves conducting policy research, preparing essential documentation for committee hearings, and serving as a liaison between the committee and stakeholders.
Jacobsen says he is learning about healthcare policy under the issues of behavioral health, health insurance, medical licensing, and food safety.
“It’s been quite lovely living in Austin experiencing student life in a busy metropolitan area. Having met numerous amounts of people from very diverse backgrounds, I have been able to understand views from across all of Texas,” said Jacobsen.
UTPB senior Julia Heck is majoring in political science with a minor in finance. She is interning for Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini.
“The key things I’m learning include how legislation works in the Texas Senate, the inner workings of Texas politics, and how the Senate conducts business. Seeing bills become laws has been fascinating and exciting,” said Heck.
She says the experience has been rewarding and challenging, helping her grow as a person in a professional environment.
UTPB junior Marissa Equiniones is studying political science with a minor in communications. She is currently interning for the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, helping policy advisors on the issues of border security, veteran affairs, and transportation.
“As a political science major, I strive to work in policy making, and the first step is to witness the process first hand. This experience has contributed tremendously to my professional development in my chosen career field,” said Equiniones.
She says she wakes up excited for what’s to come because every day is so different.
The program gives students from UT System a unique opportunity to work and learn in the seat of our government.
“This is a particularly unique opportunity because students can get real world transferable skills from internships at the capitol, while also seeing what they have learned about government and our state in action on a daily basis,” said Lin Crowson, UTPB’s Associate Dean for Student Housing and Leadership Programs.
