Applications open for Knauss Fellowship

The John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship is a competitive paid professional opportunity for graduate students who have an interest in ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources, and in the national policy decisions affecting those resources. Alaska Sea Grant nominates graduate students from Alaska schools who are interested in the fellowship.

Named after a Sea Grant founder and former NOAA Administrator, the Knauss Fellowship 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.

“Knauss applicants bring experience in a range of disciplines and interdisciplinary studies,” said Ginny Eckert, director of Alaska Sea Grant. “We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and encourage anyone with an interest in coastal or marine issues to look into this exceptional fellowship opportunity. Current Alaska-based graduate students of all backgrounds, abilities, and perspectives are eligible to apply.”

The 2023 Knauss fellows will serve from February 1, 2023, through January 31, 2024 in offices in the U.S. Senate and House, and in departments in the executive branch, such as NOAA and EPA. Sixteen graduate students from Alaska have served as Knauss fellows throughout the program’s history.

“We are honored to nominate Alaska students for this opportunity every year,” said Eckert. “Past fellows cite this vital professional experience as transformational for career paths in science, policy, communications and other fields.”

Any student, regardless of citizenship, is eligible to apply if that student: 

1. is enrolled towards a degree in a graduate program at any point between the onset of the 2021 Fall Term (quarter, trimester, semester, etc.) and Feb. 18, 2022; 
2. will have a graduate degree awarded through an accredited institution of higher education in the United States or U.S. Territories; and 
3. has an interest in ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources and in the national policy decisions affecting those resources.

Applicants must submit materials via Alaska’s online application portal by 5:00 p.m. Alaska Time on February 18, 2022, and should reach out to Alaska Sea Grant director Ginny Eckert at ginny.eckert@alaska.edu one to two months prior to provide notification of an intent to apply and receive application support.

For additional information:

• Visit the National Sea Grant page for prospective fellows;
• Review the 2023 Knauss Fellowship Student Guide; and
• Visit the National Sea Grant fellowship website, which includes biographies of current Knauss fellows, an informational video, and many other resources.