All About the Bauer in D.C. Fellowship Program
The Bauer in D.C. Fellowship Program offers a prestigious academic and professional experience in the heart of Washington, D.C. This immersive program selects top undergraduate students from the C. T. Bauer College of Business to live, learn and intern in the Nation's Capital during the spring semester. A truly transformative opportunity, the fellowship program provides students with meaningful work experience, the chance to earn academic credit and the unique experience of living in one of the most vibrant and influential cities in the U.S.
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Director's Note
And that’s a wrap! Another semester of the Bauer in D.C. Fellowship Program has concluded. We are immensely proud of our Spring 2025 Bauer in D.C. Fellows: Anthony Pesina, Sinar Sium, David Torres, Ramya Valipe, Shahzaib Vohra and Jasmine Wani. I hope you enjoy reading their final takeaways written below, as well as feel the excitement of the Spring 2026 group that will be embarking on their adventure in the coming months. It is an honor and a joy to lead this program, and I remain deeply grateful to you, our readers, for your continued support.
- Colleen Davies
The Spring 2025 Fellows Are Back
After an action-packed semester in our Nation’s Capital, the Spring 2025 Fellows have returned to Texas. Continue scrolling to read highlights from their experience in Washington, D.C.
Anthony Pesina
Internship: U.S. Chamber of Commerce
“Being a Bauer in D.C. Fellow has been truly life changing. My biggest takeaway is realizing that Houston is not the whole world. D.C. challenged me to imagine a life outside of my hometown and gave me the confidence to pursue opportunities beyond Houston after graduation. I learned how to recreate a sense of home in a new environment by continuing doing the things I love — from finding local coffee shops, study spots and running trails to trying new foods. This experience reminded me that stepping out of your comfort zone is where the real growth happens.”
Sinar Sium
Internship: U.S. Congressman Sylvester Turner (TX-18)
“One of the biggest things I learned was how to stay professional and focused during tough moments. When Congressman Turner passed away, it was an emotional time for our office. Seeing how the team came together to support each other and continue his work taught me a lot about leadership, teamwork and staying strong through challenges. Living and working in D.C. pushed me to grow. It helped me believe in myself and showed me that I can contribute and speak up, even in high-level environments. I got to sit in on important meetings, write speeches and be part of real policy conversations. I’m leaving D.C. feeling more confident and prepared for whatever comes next.”
David Torres
Internship: U.S. Congressman Michael Cloud (TX-27)
“During this past semester, I got the opportunity to explore an amazing city and grow as a professional through my internship on Capitol Hill. I enjoyed visiting D.C.'s remarkable landmarks and working on legislative research projects that broadened my understanding of the lawmaking process. My favorite memories from the semester are attending the Easter Egg Roll at the White House and touring the dome of the U.S. Capitol.”
Ramya Valipe
Internship: TechNet
“Bauer in D.C. will probably be one of the best experiences of my life. From trips to nearby states and amazing friendships to invaluable industry exposure and the chance to explore a great city, this program has given me more than I could have asked for. Highlights include seeing the monuments at night during the last snowstorm of the season, going to Broadway, and finding a favorite local haunt!”
Shahzaib Vohra
Internship: U.S. State Department, Bureau of Diplomatic Technology
“I really enjoyed the monuments and walking through the city. D.C. is a beautiful city and the monuments are like the center points of this massive canvas. Wherever you go, you can see the grand Washington Monument towering over the city or take a daily stroll to see the White House. Unlike Houston, D.C. has seasons. In the winter, the city transforms into an icy white wonderland and just weeks later, the same streets are bursting with color — lush green grass, blooming roses and vibrant pink cherry blossoms. With each change, it felt like a brand new experience.”
Jasmine Wani
Internship: Cornerstone Government Affairs Group
“One of my biggest takeaways from this semester is the importance of putting yourself out there to make the most of living and working in D.C. Interning at Cornerstone Government Affairs gave me many opportunities to grow, learn and build confidence in a professional setting. My favorite highlight, though, has to be exploring the city with my amazing roommates — I love them and I love this city! Everything from the cherry blossoms to the architecture just felt magical. It’s an experience I’ll always hold close.”
Highlights from a Capital Experience
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In our previous newsletter, we shared that Bauer College was bringing a select group of second year students to Washington, D.C. in February 2025 for a learning away experience. We are happy to report that the three-day excursion was a tremendous success.
Our group participated in three professional visits - BGR Group, Cornerstone Government Affairs and a lunch and learn with labor economist Dr. Kathryn Edwards. They also networked with alumni and the Spring 2025 Bauer in D.C. Fellows during a lively evening reception, toured the monuments by moonlight and mastered the D.C. Metro.
Student feedback overwhelmingly described the trip as transformative, broadening their view of the city and opening new professional pathways.
This experience would not have been possible without the incredible support of our Bauer alumni, especially Sam Schreiber (BBA ’74), a longtime supporter of the Bauer in D.C. Fellowship Program and Bauer College Board member. Staying connected to our alumni is essential to shaping the next generation of Bauer leaders. Thanks to you, we are preparing our students not only for careers, but for impact.
Welcome to Summer
Only good vibes were felt at the May 21 Bauer in D.C. Alumni Mixer at Saint Arnold Brewing Company. Attendees enjoyed great conversation, pleasant weather and the Houston skyline. We hope you can join us at our next event.
Bauer in D.C. Alumni Spotlight:
Nathan Smith – Spring 2021 Fellow
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Graduation Year: Spring 2021
Bauer in D.C. Internship: Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft
Favorite Bauer in D.C. Memory:
“With lingering lockdowns from the pandemic slowing D.C. to a halt, my fondest memory from Bauer in D.C. is the meandering walks I took throughout the city. Exploring the different neighborhoods and appreciating the city’s architecture against a backdrop of springtime and the cherry blossoms more than made up for the closed museums and a lack of public events.”
While in D.C., you must …
“Take advantage of the free events! From the Smithsonian museums and the Kennedy Center, to open Embassy days and neighborhood “porchfests,” in D.C. there is always an option to fit your social appetite.”
How Bauer in D.C. changed your future goals or trajectory?
“Bauer in D.C. was key to beginning my career and life in D.C. Prior to the program I was unsure of what professional path to choose from my wide array of interests. The opportunity to gain experiences, explore a new professional world, and learn from in-person mentors undoubtedly benefitted my professional development. I will always be grateful for the program and those from the University of Houston who made it all possible.”
Since Bauer in D.C. …
“I converted my internship at the foreign policy think tank into a full-time position and have been living in the D.C. neighborhood of Columbia Heights. When I am not traveling, you can find me reading in Malcolm X Park or catching a movie at Suns Cinema. However, my time in D.C. is coming to an end as this fall I will be attending Columbia University to begin a Masters in International Affairs studying international political economy and U.S.-China relations.”
Meet the Spring 2026 Fellows
We are excited to introduce the Spring 2026 Bauer in D.C. Fellows:
Nancy Egharevba Major: Finance |
Ramsha Khan Major: Management Information Systems |
Rashi Kaur Major: Finance |
Maria Masood Major: MIS and Finance with a minor in National Security Studies |
Zoya Mohiuddin Major: Finance |
Smeet Parekh Major: Finance |
Is your D.C. Organization Hiring Spring 2026 Interns?
If so, please let us know!
The Bauer in D.C. Fellows are currently applying for Spring 2026 internships in Washington, D.C. If your D.C.-based organization is interested in outstanding interns or you will be looking for Spring 2026 interns soon, we'd love to connect with you!
To connect, please reach out to Bauer in D.C. Program Director, Colleen Davies at cmdavies@uh.edu.
Support the Bauer in D.C. Fellowship Program
Do you want to have an impact on Bauer students living, learning and interning in Washington, D.C.? Consider giving to the Bauer in D.C. Fellowship Program. Contact us for more information.
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Stay Connected with Bauer in D.C. |
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Have questions about the program? Send us an email: |
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Colleen Davies |
Sarah Gnospelius |
Alexus Popillion |
Bauer in D.C. Fellowship Program
4250 Martin Luther King Blvd., 77204, Houston
The University of Houston is an EEO/AA institution.