Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Chloe Hernandez on the Speaker's balcony at the U.S Capitol, July 2025.
From serving as WVU Student Body President to interning in the United States Senate, graduate student Chloe Hernandez is building her path around service and leadership. This summer, her journey took her to Washington, D.C. to intern in Senator Kevin Cramer’s office.
“The internship has given me a deeper appreciation for how complex the policy process is and how important it is for young people to have a seat at the table,” Hernandez said.
During her internship, Chloe had the chance to sit at the table and was entrusted to conduct substantive work from the very beginning — drafting constituent letters, writing hearing summaries, tracking appropriations, and supporting the policy team on a wide range of issues from defense to education.
Now with a clearer picture of how federal offices operate, she recognizes even as an intern, her contributions carry real weight in the policy process.
“One of the most memorable parts of my internship was attending Senate hearings where I watched debates unfold and saw how senators and witnesses frame arguments,” she said.
Beyond the committee rooms, Chloe embraced life in the nation's capital — exploring the city, connecting with other interns, and strengthening her professional network.
Chloe Hernandez in front of the U.S. Capitol.
Now back on campus, Chloe is channeling her Capitol Hill experience as a graduate assistant in the Office of Federal Relations. She is drawing on the skills and insights she gained in Washington to help advance University priorities through newsletters, research, and outreach.
“What excites me most about this role is the opportunity to bridge the gap between WVU and policymakers,” she said. “The University has such an important story to tell, and I’m grateful to play a part in that.”
Her path to Capitol Hill reflects years of preparation and service. A dual-degree graduate in Neuroscience and Psychology, Chloe has been a mental health advocate, a translator for Spanish-speaking patients in rural clinics, a NASA research fellow, and WVU Student Body President. Now, as she pursues her master’s in political science, she is building on that foundation to make an impact in federal policy.
“Looking back, I’m incredibly thankful for my time in D.C. It gave me clarity about my career path and affirmed my commitment to public service,” Chloe said. “WVU has been central to my journey, and I’m excited to continue building on that foundation.”