SUMMER 2015 INTERNS
Washington, DC Office
Shawn Semmler
I just wrapped up my senior year at Edwardsville High School and will be attending The Ohio State University in the fall—majoring in Business Management. While in high school, I interned in Congressman Davis' district office and am looking forward to experiencing the DC office. In my free time, I enjoy exploring with my camera or flaunting my subpar athletic ability on the racquetball or basketball court.
Desi Stephens
I was born in Sofia, Bulgaria and was adopted by a family in Portland, Oregon which gave me opportunities to grow and explore. During my time in high school I had great interest in international and development work and continue to do so. After high school I started traveling and immediately found myself in Africa, Europe and Latin America. Currently, I attend Vincennes University and majoring in political science. During my spare time I enjoy watching sports games or reality T.V. shows.
Jack Cruikshank
I was born and raised in the self-proclaimed “Christmas Capital of Illinois,” or Taylorville, IL. While attending Eastern Illinois University, I major in political science with a couple of minors thrown in for good measure. School has taught me that I love salad, and I am terrible at Zumba. Without a doubt, I love school and the opportunities it affords me. After working for Rep. Davis last summer as a district intern, I am excited for this time in D.C. and the chance to explore this wonderful city!
Joe Bateman
I was born in Urbana, Illinois and grew-up in a small farm town called "Weldon". There was 13 classmates in my public high school so I was in both the top 10 and bottom 10 of my class at DeLand-Weldon. I served 6 years in the active duty Air Force in the medical field working at the Pentagon, England and San Antonio before returning to Central Illinois. I am now a sophomore studying Communications and Political Science at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, an Air Force ROTC Cadet and a Staff Sergeant in the Air Force Reserves. In my free time I enjoy volunteering in my community with various organizations. My favorite TV shows are House of Cards, The Office and Saturday Night Live.
Connor Hillard
I was born and raised in Mahomet, Illinois. I am currently attending Baylor University in Waco, Texas where I am finishing my degree in Political Science. I was very involved in sports during my time in highschool, ranging from track, football and wrestling. I am a member of FIJI at Baylor and this next year will serve as Chief of Staff to the Student Body President.
Gaby Luurs
I just finished up my junior year at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana and will be returning in the fall to finish with a communications major. I spent the spring semester living in Rome, Italy, where I took food and culture classes. I have always been involved in as many sports and volunteer activities as possible. I am really excited and looking forward to learning more about the people of the 13th district and Representative Davis in the weeks to come in Washington.
Steve Therrien
I grew up in New Jersey and completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in business and Russian. I have interned for Newmont Mining and the USDA office in Russia and worked at Campbell Soup in procurement and finance roles. Now, I am finishing my first year as a graduate student in Security Studies at Georgetown. I am an avid sports fan who roots for Philadelphia teams and everything Illini.
District Offices
Chris Piper – Champaign
My name is Chris Piper. I just finished my freshman year at the U of I, majoring in political science. I was born and raised in Champaign. I’m a returning intern from this spring. I have greatly enjoyed interning in the Champaign office and look forward to getting to continue to work with you all.
Eliza Coleman – Decatur
My name is Eliza Coleman I am 20 years old and I am from Pana, IL. I attend Eastern Illinois University, major in Political Science and I am involved with the RSO chapter of Big Brother Big Sister on campus. Some of my hobbies include hanging out with friends, watching Law and Order SVU and also being outdoors when it is hot outside. I am interning with Congressman Davis to get a better grasp on what congressional work is like and to better my resume for the future. After I graduate from EIU I hope to find a job with congressional work or campaign work.
Allie Melchi – Champaign
My name is Allie Melchi and I am eighteen years old. I attend Illinois State University but will be studying in Angers, France for my sophomore year and am majoring in Political Science and French. I am from Mahomet, IL and have been a runner for eight years. I also enjoy traveling, reading and am a lifeguard over the summer. I’m excited to be here this summer to get a hands on experience of what it’s like to work in the front lines of politics and to get a better understanding of how the system works. After graduation I plan on attending law school to become an attorney.
Allison Hemmer – Champaign
My name is Allison Hemmer, I am 19 years old and I grew up in Tuscola, IL. Currently, I attend the University of Mississippi as a Public Policy Leadership major and an Intelligence and Security Studies minor. In my free time if/when I have any, I like to read and I am an active member of the University of Mississippi’s Student Senate. I am here because I want to learn more about the behind the scenes work that often goes unnoticed when looking at the government structure. Right after college I hope to obtain a job with the United States State Department and work in International Diplomacy.
Jacob Veitch – Glen Carbon
My name is Jacob Veitch, and I am a 19 year old rising Sophomore at the University of Maryland. I am currently pursuing a dual degree in international business and government and politics with a minor in Spanish language and cultures. Previously, I attended Edwardsville High School in Edwardsville, Illinois. Possessing a great passion for establishing meaningful political dialogues, I consistently aim to promote the challenging of individual understanding and perceptions. Through the University of Maryland's chapters of College Republicans, the NAACP, and other such student organizations, I continue to emphasize this passion. Though I do take an active interest in one day entering the political arena, I first plan to attend law school after my undergraduate studies and work as a corporate lawyer. Serving as an intern this summer provides me with an excellent opportunity to explore my career interests and promote my desire to make meaningful impacts on the lives of fellow Americans while adding value to Congressman Davis' organization. I look forward to this unique opportunity!
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