Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship

Nick Andersson in front of water

The National Sea Grant College Program's John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship provides a unique educational and professional experience to graduate students who have an interest in ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources and in the national policy decisions affecting those resources. The Fellowship, named after one of Sea Grant's founders, former NOAA Administrator, John A. Knauss, matches highly qualified graduate students with "hosts" in the legislative and executive branch of government located in the Washington, D.C. area, for a one-year paid fellowship.

    Fellowship questions?
    Contact:

    Lindsey Williams, Ph.D.
    Fellowships Program Leader
    NH Sea Grant
    lindsey.williams@unh.edu

    Who's eligible? 

    Any student, regardless of citizenship, is eligible to submit to this opportunity if:

    • The student is enrolled towards a degree in a graduate program at any point between the onset of the 2023 Fall Term (quarter, trimester, semester, etc.) and February 15, 2024;
    • The graduate degree will be awarded through an accredited institution of higher education in the United States or U.S. Territories, and; 
    • The student has an interest in ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources and in the national policy decisions affecting those resources.

    Length of Fellowship

    1-year fellowship (February 1 - January 31 annually)

    Application Process

    Application deadline to NHSG: February 15, 2024 by 5 p.m.

    Applicants are strongly encouraged to reach out to NH Sea Grant Program one to two months prior to the application deadline to receive application support and provide notification of an intent to apply. The applicant should allow sufficient time to schedule an interview with NH Sea Grant's Director, Erik Chapman.

    Each Sea Grant program may select and forward to the national competition no more than six (6) applicants selected according to criteria listed in the federal funding opportunity.

    To apply: Applications to the national competition must come from Sea Grant programs, not individual applicants. Applications to NH Sea Grant must be submitted via email to NHSG.Fellowships@unh.edu.

    You can read detailed information about the application materials and evaluation criteria in the Student Guide, here. In short, you will need to include:

    • Curriculum vitae (C.V.)
    • Personal statement
    • Two letters of recommendation
    • List of plans for the upcoming year (classes and/or work, internships, etc)
    • All transcripts

    Sponsor: National Sea Grant College Program

    Resources and tips for applicants: 

    Past NH Knauss Fellows

    Natalie Lord 2023 Knauss Fellow
    Nick Anderson
    Jesse Ross