Meet Our Current Interns

Summer 2025

Emma Adler

Emma is a graduate of the University of Southern Maine (USM), where she received her BA in Anthropology and Geography with a double major in Political Science. During her second year at USM, Emma studied abroad in Arctic Norway where she developed an appreciation for politics and security in the Arctic. A year later, she interned at Congresswoman Chellie Pingree’s Portland Office and gained valuable insights into the impact of federal funding and regulations on Maine people. Following her graduation, Emma joined the Angus King for U.S. Senate Campaign and during the first six months of 2025 interned at his office in Washington, DC, where just how intertwined federal policies and the international economy are became increasingly apparent. During her time at MITC, Emma hopes to better understand the impact federal trade policy has on Maine’s economy and the varied relationships we have with global trading partners, especially those in the Arctic. She hopes to use this valuable knowledge and experience as she pursues her MA in International Affairs at the University of Iceland this fall.

Shizhe (Tony) Gao

Tony is a rising senior at Bowdoin College, majoring in Government & Legal Studies with a minor in Mathematics. His studies focus on government structure, domestic policy, and international affairs. With experience at an overseas law firm and private equity company, he has developed a strong interest in global commerce and compliance. Having grown up in China and spending over 7 years in the United States pursuing his education, Tony brings a unique multicultural perspective and aims to bridge cultural differences in international business, promoting mutual understanding and benefit. Looking ahead, Tony seeks to further his academic and practical experience in international commerce, focusing on logistics, compliance, and market research. He also plans to pursue an academic career in law, believing that legal knowledge will broaden his understanding of international trade regulations and support his ongoing professional development. In his free time, he enjoys playing squash and tennis, as well as roller hockey and ice hockey.

Spring 2025

Madison Johnson

Madison is a senior at the University of Maine, Orono, majoring in Economics with a minor in Political Science. She developed a passion for economics and public service through her academic studies and experience working in Dubai, UAE. While abroad, she gained valuable insights into the global economy, particularly the role of energy in driving economic development. Her time in Dubai sparked a deep appreciation for the power of global collaboration and sustainable practices, which she hopes to bring into her work at MITC. During her internship, she is eager to refine her understanding of global trade and economics. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Madison enjoys walking her dogs on the beach. She also has a love for visiting archaeological sites. Madison values community and aims to use her work to create meaningful impact in both local and global arenas.

Zachary Simon

Zachary is a Junior at the University of Southern Maine majoring in Operations and Supply Chain Management. He is a US Navy Veteran, where he gained valuable experience in leadership, discipline, and an insight into global operations. This fueled a deep interest in international trade and supply chain management. His educational goal is to expand his expertise in strategic planning, process optimization, and global commerce. He works full time as a real estate agent, further developing his skills in negotiations, client relations, and market analysis. He aims to bridge his military experience, academic knowledge, and professional work to enhance his learning opportunity at MITC. In his free time, Zachary enjoys hiking, boating on Sebago Lake in the summer, and skiing in the winter.

Rowan Worden

Rowan is a Maine resident and recent graduate in Humanities, Society and Culture at Anglo-American University in the Czech Republic. While visiting family in America and Canada, Rowan developed an interest in the different ways people live. He was fortunate to study and work with people of many different backgrounds and learn how important trade and economics are to their cultures. During his internship with MITC, Rowan hopes to learn more about international trade and leverage his background to help the trade center serve their clients and community. He spends his free time hiking, skiing, and studying. Rowan hopes to attend law school in the fall to further his goal of international cooperation.