Fellow spotlight: Kit Cunningham

Kit Cunningham’s year as a Sea Grant Knauss Fellow in Senator Lisa Murkowski’s office has been a transformative experience, introducing her to the fast-moving world of federal policymaking. Working as a member of Senator Murkowski’s oceans team, Kit has been immersed in a variety of complex issues, from fisheries management and disaster relief to the appropriation process and congressionally directed spending requests.

“I’ve learned so much about how fisheries management happens at the federal level,” she shared. “It has been eye-opening to see the different parts of the process, from management to declaring a fishery disaster.”

In addition to fisheries work, Kit has dealt with other ocean-related legislation, worked on seaweed policies, and collaborated with other offices on legislation. One particularly exciting opportunity has been working on an atmospheric river bill. Atmospheric rivers can transport large amounts of precipitation from the tropics and sometimes cause flooding. The bill would require more robust forecasting for these events.

Kit emphasized the importance of reaching out to constituents and stakeholders to understand their thoughts on policies and legislation. “The legislation we work on can have real impacts on Alaska,” she added.

While the fellowship has been exhilarating, it has also been challenging. Kit said that the pace of Capitol Hill is unlike anything she had experienced before, and imposter syndrome was a hurdle. “It’s such a different world,” she said. “At some point, you just have to trust yourself and dive in.” Learning to embrace her role and maintain her identity has been part of her personal growth.

Witnessing how legislation moves through committee hearings and understanding the importance of relationships in policymaking has been one of the most valuable aspects of the fellowship. “It’s such a human process,” Kit reflected. “At the end of the day, most of the federal policymaking process consists of people trying to do good work and support the places they love. It’s not a perfect process by any means, but it has been helpful to see it in action.”

The Sea Grant John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship has opened doors for Kit, giving her access to meetings, groups, and networks throughout Washington, D.C. “You get a ticket into spaces you wouldn’t normally have access to,” she said.

As the year comes to a close, Kit is preparing to finish her master’s degree and reflect on the lessons she’s learned. “I could see myself coming back to the Hill, but for now, I’m excited to take what I’ve learned, slow down, and reflect on the direction I want to go.”