UTC Students Completed Summer Internships in Washington
Two University of Tennessee at Chattanooga juniors spent the summer gaining professional experience in the nation's capital.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Internships
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga students Kate and Riley Rutherford completed their respective internships in Washington, D.C. during the summer of 2026. The sisters pursued professional development in engineering policy and political science while living in the city.
Why it matters
The internship program allowed Kate Rutherford to study how public policy influences engineering work, while Riley Rutherford sought practical experience to complement her political science studies. Both students aimed to bridge their academic coursework with real-world application in the federal district.
Kate Rutherford participated in an engineering internship program lasting 2 months. Her research focused on policy approaches concerning coal combustion residuals over a 50-year duration.
The players
Kate Rutherford
She is a student at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga who researched engineering policy during her summer internship.
Riley Rutherford
She is a student at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga who gained professional experience through a political science internship.
The details
Kate Rutherford researched policy regarding coal combustion residuals as part of the Washington Internships for Students of Engineering, while Riley Rutherford focused on political science. Outside of their academic and professional pursuits, the sisters performed as a musical duo called The Second Power and released an album titled The Three-Footed Fox.
Timeline
Kate Rutherford was accepted into her internship program in March 2026.
The sisters completed their internships in Washington, D.C. during the summer of 2026.
Market Landscape
The Washington Internships for Students of Engineering program represents a specialized niche in the broader competitive market for student professional development. It distinguishes itself by connecting technical education directly to federal regulatory environments, contrasting with general political science internships.
Students can apply for competitive Washington-based internships to gain specialized experience that differentiates their resumes in the job market. Participants should prepare for significant logistical planning, such as finding housing and managing daily professional journals.
The takeaway
Engaging in professional internships during the summer can provide students with vital insights into the intersection of their academic field and national policy. Future applicants are encouraged to document their daily experiences to better reflect on their growth and long-term career goals.
Further reading
For more information on professional opportunities, visit the Internships section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Main Street Media of Tennessee -.
