Wendy Zeng
Hi everyone! I’m Wendy, a third year studying Society and Environment. During the Fall 2025 semester, I interned at the Department of Justice, United States Trustee Executive Office where I tracked bankruptcy law cases, observed court cases, and tracked news developments.
Outside of my internship, I had an incredible time visiting museums, exploring the DC restaurant scene, hiking through waterfalls, watching the Nutcracker, hearing a Supreme Court case, and making new friends and memories.
Feel free to reach out to wendyzeng@berkeley.edu. Happy to provide guidance on the internship search or DC adventures 🙂
Alanis White
Hi everyone! My name is Alanis White, and I am a third-year majoring in Political Science and minoring in Public Policy. I participated in the Fall 2025 cohort, where I interned with Biocom–the largest advocate for the life sciences industry in California–as a Federal Policy intern. With Biocom I tracked relevant policies, legislation, and hearings that would affect the biotech and biopharmaceutical industry, attended meetings on Capitol Hill with Members of Congress and Committees, and attended biotech conferences.
The UCDC experience is the second time I’ve studied away from campus and it provided me with so many unforgettable memories. I spent my time having movie nights with my roommates, impromptu jam sessions with our neighbors, visiting museums & cafes, taking day trips to NY, VA, PA, attending live podcast records (including Pod Save America!), and taking runs around the monuments. I have made so many new friends from all UC campuses that I never would have met otherwise! I am so thankful for the UCDC program to allow me to create so many new memories, meet amazing people, and receive unimaginable opportunities.
If you have any questions about the application process, finding an internship, how to spend your time in D.C., or anything else, please feel free to reach out to me at alanis.white@berkeley.edu. I am always happy to answer any questions or connect in general!
Lena Ramos
Hello everyone! My name is Lena Ramos, and I am a third-year student majoring in Legal Studies and minoring in Human Rights. I was part of the Fall 2025 cohort and interned at the Supreme Court of the United States in the Office of the Curator!
As a Supreme Court intern, I had the pleasure of sitting in on oral arguments and working among some of the brightest minds. During my time as an intern, I gave courtroom lectures (yes—inside the actual courtroom!!) and educated members of the public on the history and functions of our wonderful Court. Before even applying to UCDC, I didn’t know it was possible to intern at the Supreme Court as an undergraduate. It was an absolute dream internship, and I am incredibly grateful for the exposure UCDC gave me.
D.C. opened so many doors for me. I realized how many career opportunities were within reach. It was an important moment of self-discovery that helped solidify my future career goals. UCDC also introduced me to some of my best friends. My roommates and I quickly grew very close, and we had so much fun exploring the city. There is so much to do—visiting the Smithsonian museums, trying new restaurants, and shopping in Georgetown. There is no better feeling than meeting up with your girls for dinner after a long day of work. I am so thankful UCDC allowed me to meet so many wonderful people.
If you have any questions about the application process, securing an internship, or D.C. life in general, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at lenaaramoss05@berkeley.edu. I would love to help in any way 🙂
Ally Matheson
Hi! My name is Ally Matheson (she/her) and I am a senior double-majoring in Legal Studies and Geography with a minor in Human Rights. I participated in the Fall 2025 UCDC cohort, interning for Congresswoman Kim Schrier (D-WA-08). I originally wanted to participate in UCDC to see if I wanted to live in Washington, D.C. after I graduate and to explore possible career paths. What I ended up getting out of the program was so much more than what I expected. Not only did I fall in love with D.C. and working on the Hill, but I also found an incredible group of friends and had the best college semester yet!
My time at UCDC completely shifted my goals post-college and changed the way I view Congress. Working for the Congresswoman was an amazing experience and I learned so much about the work of staffers and how Congress functions (or doesn’t lol). Before UCDC, I had planned to go straight into law school; this experience made me decide to wait a few years and try to get a job working in Congress.
I remember being worried that I would not get an internship and nervous about living across the country for a semester. If you are considering UCDC, even if you’re really not sure yet, feel free to reach out to me. My email is: allycatswim@berkeley.edu. From application support to D.C. food recommendations, I am here to help in any way that I can!
Venus Dhanda
Hey everyone, I’m Venus (she/her/hers) and I’m a third year studying Business Administration and Legal Studies. I was part of the Fall 2025 UCDC cohort, and I interned at the U.S. Department of the Interior in the Office of the Solicitor. I worked mostly in contract management and intellectual property law under the Division of General Law where I reviewed breaches in federal contracts, conducted acquisition regulation research, and advised on legal briefs for active court cases on the behalf of the Department. Supporting the Department’s mission to protect and manage our country’s natural resources and cultural heritage in the capital was a dream come true for the nature nerd in me.
I fell in love with DC for so many reasons, from its world-class public lectures to its diverse cultural scene and fast-paced professional environment. This semester really allowed me to explore life in the big city, which was an eye-opening experience that has really transformed my outlook on my future. I really grew as a young professional, and I’m so excited to return to DC this summer!
If you have absolutely any questions about applying to the program, getting an internship, or even just about life in DC, I would love to talk. Reach me at venusdhanda@berkeley.edu. Good luck!
Caroline Crowley
Hi all! I’m Caroline, a third-year studying Environmental Economics and Policy. I’m planning to work in energy finance, so spent Fall 2025 interning at both the Department of Energy and the Securities and Exchange Commission. At the DOE, I supported the Laboratory Policy Office by integrating AI tools into project management processes and nuclear remediation research at the National Labs. At the SEC, I worked in the Corporate Finance Office, developing research methods to evaluate the costs and benefits of new rules.
My time at UCDC helped direct my career goals and let me fall in love with the city, even as an East Coaster who has been dozens of times. At the Washington Center, I took the UCDC economics course and loved attending the speaker series, networking events, and socials. I also went to as many museums as possible (my record was 3 Smithsonians in a day!), hit concerts and pop-up markets, and traveled through Virginia and New York.
Please feel free to reach out with questions about applying, interning, living, exploring, or anything else. You can contact me at caroline.crowley@berkeley.edu to chat or find time to meet. Excited to meet you!