Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship
2026 Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship application period is NOW OPEN!
Application deadline is February 19, 2025!
Applicants are encouraged to reach out to Sean Rafferty, Ph.D., Research Director, no later than January 17, 2025.
Selected applicants will be notified mid-Summer 2025. Placements announced Fall 2025.
The John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Program 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 and 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.
Eligibility
Any student, regardless of citizenship, who is enrolled towards a degree in a graduate or professional program, that have an interest in ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources and in the national policy decisions affecting those resources may apply. The graduate degree needs to be awarded through a United States accredited institution of higher education in the United States or U.S. Territories.
- The student’s graduate degree program must be through an accredited institution of higher education in the United States or U.S. Territories;
- Students are eligible regardless of nationality; domestic and international students at accredited U.S. institutions may apply; and
- Applicants must have an interest in ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources and in the national policy decisions affecting those resources.
Prospective Fellows
As a reference, prospective fellows are encouraged to review the most recent Knauss fellowship student guide and the more inclusive guide to fellowships offered through Sea Grant. Additionally, complete details about the opportunity are available online through the National Sea Grant Office.
2026 Knauss Fellowship Student Guide – this guide provides the step-by-step instructions and timelines for the Knauss Fellowship application process.
Student Applicant Guide to Sea Grant Fellowships – this resource provides tips and guidance for students considering one of the many fellowship opportunities available through Sea Grant.
Meet the In-coming Class of 2025 Fellows
Nathaniel Edelheit-Rice will be placed with NOAA Headquarters within the Environmental Review and Coordination Section, NOAA Office of General Counsel. Nathaniel is a recent graduate from the University of Pennsylvania, where he received a Master of Environmental Studies degree and a Juris Doctorate degree concurrently.
Nathaniel says, “I have always been incredibly passionate about marine conservation and the interface of science and law in making positive change for our oceans. I’m excited to join the Environmental Review and Coordination section of NOAA’s Office of General Counsel, the first time NOAA’s OGC has placed a Knauss Fellow. Working at OGC will be an incredible opportunity to further work with both science and law for the betterment of our oceans.”
Sahara Rios-Bonilla will be working at NOAA Oceanica and Atmospheric Research (OAR), Office of Ocean Exploration and Research. Sahara is a laboratory technician at Villanova University, in the department of geography and environment.
Sahara says, “I’m excited to join NOAA’s Office of Ocean Exploration as the Deep Sea Sample Strategy Fellow, where I will have the honor of contributing to NOAA’s legacy of optimizing deep-sea sampling efforts to make them as effective and knowledge rich as possible. I look forward to helping communicate our discoveries and gaining invaluable skills. This is a voyage that will enrich my life in all aspects as I sail toward a greater appreciation and conservation of our planet’s deepest mysteries.”
Chelsea Russ will be working with the Department of the Navy, Office of the Oceanographer of the Navy. Chelsea is a recent graduate of Penn State University, with a Master of Science in Landscape Architecture.
Chelsea says, “I’ve been placed with the Department of the Navy, in the Office of the Oceanographer of the Navy, as their International and Interagency Ocean Policy Liaison. I’m looking forward to combining knowledge I’ve gained through 13 years of service in the Navy and 6 years in school to serve the US and the world. I’m excited to get a high-level view of ocean policy development, work with Congress, and understand how federal agencies coordinate to reach optimal solutions.”
Class of 2024 – Jessica Eason
Jessica Eason, 2023 Knauss Fellow, is working as a Congressional Affairs Knauss Fellow at the Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs, at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. We recently caught up with Jessica to find out how things are going.
Class of 2021 – Brian Redder
Brian Redder, 2021 Knauss Fellow, is now the Manager of Regulatory and Scientific Affairs for the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA). About the fellowship, Brian says, “I would recommend this fellowship to those even remotely interested in science and water policy. It offers an immersive experience that allows you to quickly learn about potential careers opportunities without a long-term commitment.”
Class of 2021 – Sandra Cross
Sandra Cross (née Demberger), 2021 Knauss Fellow, is a landscape biologist for the US. Fish and Wildlife Service, working for the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program.
