Five graduate students from across the state, including two from the University of Florida, were recently named finalists for a prestigious national fellowship focusing on marine science and policy.
The John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Program places students in federal government offices in Washington, D.C., to learn about — and participate in — policy decisions that affect the nation’s coastal and marine resources.
The fellowship is hosted by the National Sea Grant College Program, a network of 34 university-based programs that support research, extension, and education around coastal and Great Lakes issues. Florida Sea Grant conducted the review and selection process for Florida applicants.
The five Florida finalists represent four universities from throughout the state.
- Kristin Butler is a master’s candidate in marine conservation at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science.
- Alexandra Skrivanek is a doctoral candidate in geology at the University of Florida.
- Katie Slattery is a recent graduate of the University of Florida Levin College of Law.
- Bryan Keller is a doctoral candidate in biological oceanography at Florida State University.
- Amelia Grace Roskar is a master’s candidate in biology at Florida Atlantic University Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute.
In November, the finalists will travel to Washington, D.C., to participate in a process that matches them with legislative or executive branch offices. Previous fellows have worked in NOAA and other agency offices and as staff for legislators. The year-long paid fellowship begins in February 2020.
Since its inception in 1979, more than 1,300 students have participated in the program. The five Florida finalists will join a cohort of 69 candidates representing 27 of the 34 programs in the National Sea Grant College Program Network.
For more information about Florida Sea Grant, including fellowship and internship opportunities, visit archive.flseagrant.org
Contact: Rhett Register, Florida Sea Grant Communications Coordinator, h.register@gmail.com or (352) 294-0760.
