When young professional Emilia DiBiasio applied for a year with the Sea Grant Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship in Washington, D.C., she aspired to use her background in Great Lakes research to advance science for coastal communities. In the end, she got that and more, experiencing firsthand how science informs policy at the highest levels of government – all while kickstarting her career with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
After completing her Knauss Fellowship in 2025, Emilia DiBiasio now works as a buduget formulation analyst at NOAA’s Office of Marine and Aviation Operations.
Through the Knauss fellowship, which matches highly qualified graduate students with “hosts” in federal offices, DiBiasio served as a budget planning fellow for the Budget Finance Division of NOAA’s Office of Marine and Aviation Operations.
“With the Knauss Fellowship, I gained firsthand experience translating science into policy,” DiBiasio said. “In my role with NOAA, I was very proud to have been part of a team that optimizes federal tax dollars and communicates with Congress to make sure the agency has the resources it needs to deliver life-saving missions.”
Joining the fellowship with a background in aquatic science, DiBiasio previously received her bachelor’s degree in biology and environmental studies from the University of Cincinnati. After working for the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission, she aimed to pursue a career in public service. She went on to earn a Master of Science degree from Cleveland State University, where she worked with the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, the U.S. EPA, and Ohio Sea Grant.
As a graduate student researcher, DiBiasio helped Cleveland State’s Dr. Fasong Yuan use isotopes to investigate hypoxia in Lake Erie, also forming connections with the International Association for Great Lakes Research, the Lake Erie and Aquatic Research Network, and NOAA.
The Office of Marine and Aviation Operations supports scientific missions through the operation of NOAA’s ships, aircraft, and uncrewed systems. DiBiasio’s role involved working with the agency’s Uncrewed Systems Operations Center to determine future operational requirements, develop budget estimates, and justify needs through the federal budget cycle.
At the office, every day was different, DiBiasio said, offering opportunities to learn about how NOAA serves the public and to meet the people behind these missions. DiBiasio also had the chance to explore inside and outside the agency through professional development opportunities.
“I learned the inner workings of Congress on Capitol Hill, became fluent in how NOAA requests and receives money through the federal budget cycle, and even grew my network internationally by volunteering at World Water Week,” DiBiasio said. “I also sailed on a NOAA ship and flew on a Hurricane Hunter, experiencing firsthand how NOAA uses uncrewed systems to improve data collection.”
2025 Knauss Fellow Emilia DiBiasio stands with pilots in NOAA’s Commissioned Officer Corps.
DiBiasio credits the Knauss Fellowship with fast-tracking her career into public service. After her fellowship, she transitioned into a full-time position to continue supporting NOAA as a budget formulation analyst. She added that she’d recommend the fellowship to anyone.
“No matter your expertise, you will bring a unique and valuable lens to shape freshwater and marine policy that protects communities and safeguards our coastal resources,” DiBiasio said.
“Ohio Sea Grant fosters a collaborative community of researchers, organizations, and students dedicated to solving environmental challenges in the state of Ohio. Together, they share information, train the next generation of leaders, and inspire advocates for Lake Erie and Ohio’s freshwater resources,” she continued. “Being part of the Ohio Sea Grant community gave me the confidence and drive to lead a career rooted in these same values and dedicated public service.”
For more information about the Knauss Fellowship, visit Ohio Sea Grant’s website.
Ohio Sea Grant is supported by The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) School of Environment and Natural Resources, Ohio State University Extension, and NOAA Sea Grant, a network of 34 Sea Grant programs nation-wide dedicated to the protection and sustainable use of marine and Great Lakes resources. Stone Laboratory is Ohio State’s island campus on Lake Erie and is the research, education, and outreach facility of Ohio Sea Grant and part of CFAES School of Environment and Natural Resources.