By: Morgan Jones, ASAS Science Policy Summer Intern

July 28, 2016 – Hello! My name is Morgan Jones and I am currently in the ASAS Summer Policy Internship Program interning under South Dakota Representative Kristi Noem and South Dakota Senator John Thune in Washington D.C. My legislatures have gone above and beyond for the farmers and ranchers of my state, which is important when your state has four cows for every one person.

Being born and raised in Milbank, South Dakota, agriculture has had a large impact on my life. It is my hope that one day I can contribute to this industry. I currently attend the University of Minnesota and am working towards a major in Animal Science with a Pre-Veterinary emphasis and minors in Political Science and Public Health. Although my ultimate goal is to become a veterinarian, I have always been curious about the policies and laws affecting animal science. This interest led me to shadow Dr. Oedekoven, South Dakota’s State Veterinarian, to see how these two passions could be combined.

My experience in Washington D.C. has gone above and beyond my expectations. My first week at the capitol I attended a House Agricultural Committee hearing and ended up sitting next to a lobbyist from the American Veterinary Medical Association. I have also gained valuable legislative knowledge, in addition to connecting with South Dakota constituents. I look forward  to what the rest of my internship entails!