The Sea Grant Knauss 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. Fellows are involved in both daily operations and special projects assigned based on their areas of interest, get the opportunity to network throughout the legislative and executive branches of government, and often continue to work in the area after graduation.
The one-year fellowship provides a stipend and living expenses of $74,700. Additional funds will be used to cover professional development opportunities, moving expenses, academic degree-related and fellowship-related travel, and Placement Week costs.
Ohio Sea Grant asks that all applicants contact our office at least a month prior to the application deadline. All application materials must be received by 5:00 p.m. on June 3, 2026.
Eligibility:
1) The student is a U.S. Citizen (born or naturalized), a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card
holder), or a dual national with at least one citizenship as the U.S.;
2) The student is enrolled towards a degree in a graduate program at any point between the onset of the
2025 Fall Term (quarter, trimester, semester, etc.) and June 3, 2026;
3) The graduate degree will be awarded through an accredited institution of higher education in the
United States or U.S. Territories, and;
4) The student has an interest in ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources and in the national policy
decisions affecting those resources.
Applicants apply through the Sea Grant program in their state, or the state closest to them. To apply through Ohio Sea Grant, please contact Kristen Fussell at fussell.10@osu.edu or for more information about the application process please contact Erin Monaco at monaco.25@osu.edu.
