How Kemin Interns Are Defining Success in the 2026 Internship Program

At Kemin Industries, our internship program is designed to build skills while contributing to innovation and sustainability across our global business. This summer, interns are focused on what they want to learn, whether developing technical expertise, gaining hands-on experience, or exploring new ways to create impact. As they begin their work across research, operations, and business functions, they are also defining what success means to them. We asked them to share their learning goals, their vision for a successful summer, and how they plan to apply curiosity and innovation throughout their experience.

2026 Kemin Summer Interns

What is one skill, area of knowledge, or type of experience you hope to develop this summer at Kemin?

Jenna DeRouchey, Technical Services | Iowa State University

“I would like to experience using the pilot plant to test developing products. It would be really interesting to see how the products perform and if they meet the needs of Kemin's customers.”

Sierra Frankin, Research & Development | Simpson College

“One skill I hope to develop here at Kemin is my problem-solving and communication skills while gaining practical industry experience through hands-on projects and collaboration with my team members.”

Emery Wilson, Legal & Regulatory Affairs | University of Kentucky

“An area of knowledge I hope to learn more about is how the law department interacts with international business and other international Kemin facilities through intellectual property, contracts, and litigation and dispute management. A skill I hope to develop is thinking more globally minded and looking at how different countries can positively influence each other through collaboration.”

Gabriela Cabrer Nazco, Law Clerk | Drake University

“I would love to expand my knowledge of different Intellectual Property areas and gain an understanding of contracts and agreements. Being able to see the legal knowledge I have acquired these past two years come to life in real-life applications is a dream come true.”

Leah Koehler, Research & Development | Iowa State University

“Through this internship, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of how chemistry applies to my passion for animal health while learning more about the research and development process.” 

What would a successful summer look like for you by the end of your internship?

Jenna DeRouchey, Technical Services | Iowa State University

“A successful summer would be leaving here with a better overall understanding of how the pet food industry works and potential career paths within the industry. I will also be successful after completing my project and using the results to develop actionable solutions/improvements.”

Sierra Frankin, Research & Development | Simpson College

“This is my third summer here at Kemin, and I have loved getting hands-on experience and learning what a professional industry lab is like. A successful summer for me would end with continuing to make meaningful contributions to my projects and developing skills that will prepare me for my future career.”

Emery Wilson, Legal & Regulatory Affairs | University of Kentucky

“A successful summer for me would be, by the end of my internship, to have gained more knowledge and information about the law work that the legal department here at Kemin does and how it ultimately supports and helps foster the success of the company as a whole, and hopefully being able to contribute to that success.”

Gabriela Cabrer Nazco, Law Clerk | Drake University

“Any kind of skills or experience I gain this summer will make it successful. Being exposed to real-life situations (drafting of different contracts and agreements, negotiations, Intellectual Property applications, etc.) will prepare me for the real world.”

Leah Koehler, Research & Development | Iowa State University

“A successful summer for me would be one in which I make meaningful contributions to my team while developing both my technical and professional skills. I also hope to gain a broader understanding of the industry and explore potential areas of interest for my future career.”

How do you hope to apply curiosity, innovation, or sustainability in your work this summer?

Jenna DeRouchey, Technical Services | Iowa State University

“I hope to apply innovation this summer by researching a product that aims to meet a need in the pet food industry. I'm excited to apply my current knowledge with creative thinking throughout my internship.”

Sierra Frankin, Research & Development | Simpson College

“I hope to apply curiosity by continuing to ask questions and to grow my knowledge not only in my project but also on Kemin as a whole. Gaining insight into how Kemin and its different business units work together to drive innovation, sustainability, and curiosity will help me better understand the company’s broader impact and push me to fulfill these expectations.”

Emery Wilson, Legal & Regulatory Affairs | University of Kentucky

“I plan to apply curiosity, innovation, and sustainability in my work this summer by collaborating with the other members in my department as often as possible to create new and innovative ways of thinking and strategies that will best support not only the legal team but also other departments here at Kemin as well. By taking my own curiosities and learning from those around me and from their experiences and knowledge to foster sustainability in my work, to use the resources given to me here at Kemin to the best of my ability, and producing my best work.”

Gabriela Cabrer Nazco, Law Clerk | Drake University

“By researching or gaining new knowledge in areas I'm not familiar with. By revisiting my science background (bachelor's degree in Biomedical Sciences), since Kemin is all about science and innovation. Finally, by choosing and working on a project I'm passionate about for my intern presentation.”

Leah Koehler, Research & Development | Iowa State University

“I plan to approach each project with curiosity and a willingness to learn by asking thoughtful questions and seeking to understand how the work we do contributes to larger goals and innovations.”

Building Skills for the Future

Kemin’s 2026 summer interns are approaching their internships with purpose, curiosity and a desire to make meaningful contributions. Through hands-on projects, cross-functional collaboration and real-world learning opportunities, they are building skills that will help shape their future careers while supporting Kemin’s culture of innovation.

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2026 Career Fair Dates

• Sept. 22, 2026 - Kansas State Agriculture & Food Career Fair 
• Sept. 24, 2026 - University of Illinois College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences Career Fair
• Sept. 29, 2026 - Texas A&M University Agriculture & Life Sciences Career Fair 
• Oct. 13, 2026 - Iowa State Agriculture & Life Sciences Career Fair