By Emma Fass, Summer Science Writing Intern
The Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship program places qualified graduate students with host offices in legislative or executive branches of government for a one-year, paid fellowship in the Washington, DC area. Fellows learn about national policy decisions that affect ocean, coastal, and Great Lake resources. Virginia’s 2016 Knauss Fellows are Monique Baskin, Elizabeth Lewis, Abby Lunstrum, Katheryn Patterson, Larry Redd Jr., and Alex Renaud.
Monique Baskin
As a finalist in the Knauss class of 2016, Monique Baskin plans to use her unique skill set to approach environmental policy head-on. Baskin is interested in examining the effects of climate change on resources, particularly seafood. Through an internship with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Program Office, One Health Division, Baskin is currently expanding her knowledge of marine science and policy. Baskin’s 12-year career in the Air Force taught her skills such as policy analysis and implementation and budget formation and execution. Baskin says becoming a Knauss fellow will “enable me to work on topics for which I am deeply passionate, and with other talented fellows in a mentoring, supportive cohort.”
Baskin received a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology from Ohio University in 1999 and a master’s in the same area from United States Sports Academy in 2004. She also received a master’s degree in national securities studies with a focus on Northeast Asia from Naval Postgraduate School in 2008 and in international affairs from the George Washington University in 2015. She expects to receive her graduate certificate in environmental health, science and policy from George Washington University in 2016.
Elizabeth Lewis
Elizabeth Lewis appreciates the “need for people who can understand both the language of science and the language of law and policy to help bridge a growing divide.” A finalist for the Knauss class of 2016, Lewis first began yearning to play a role in “saving the ocean” years ago, though her path toward that goal has been winding. Although Lewis was initially interested in studying marine science, she decided to pursue a law degree in order to help close the gap between scientists and policymakers. Now, armed with an interdisciplinary education, she is ready to begin “exploring the relationships between marine science, policy, and law as applied to our oceans.”
Lewis graduated with honors from Dickinson College in 2010 with bachelor’s degrees in biology and Russian history. She received her JD from American University Washington College of Law in 2015.
Abby Lunstrum
While researching mangrove reforestation as a Fulbright Scholar in China, Abby Lunstrum observed the difficult balance between reforestation and other coastal uses like aquaculture. Today, she says, “I plan to pursue a career in marine policy in order to solve these kinds of environmental conflicts.” As an executive finalist in the Knauss class of 2016, Lunstrum has the opportunity to do just that. After living abroad in areas including Denmark, Latin America ,and China, Lunstrum offers a global perspective. “I want to better understand how federal agencies, their international counterparts, and other groups cooperate to address multi-stakeholder environmental issues.”
Lunstrum graduated from University of Washington in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in ecology, evolution and conservation biology and a minor in international studies. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in environmental sciences at the University of Virginia, with a research focus on sediment nitrogen cycling in oyster aquaculture.
Katheryn Patterson
Katheryn Patterson, an executive finalist in the Knauss class of 2016, first became interested in marine policy while representing a non-profit at her first stakeholder meeting in Belize. The topic of the discussion is now part of Belizean legislation. Patterson says, “knowing that my scientific findings influenced a policy was incredibly exciting and became a driving force for my desire to be involved in effecting change.” Since then, Patterson has become well-versed in environmental legislation and is an experienced science communicator.
Patterson graduated from Spring Hill College in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in biology and from George Mason University (GMU) in 2010 with a master’s degree in environmental science and policy. She is currently a doctoral candidate in environmental science and public policy at GMU.
Larry Redd, Jr.
Even with an academic background in science, Knauss class of 2016 finalist Larry Redd, Jr. says, “scientific research is of little use if it performs no service or does not reach stakeholders.” As a volunteer at the Moton Community Center in Newport News, he teaches members of the community not only how to raise fish as a sustainable food source, but also why these specific fish suit their community’s needs. Says Redd, “In my experience, sustainable change results from policies that incorporate stakeholders in the policy process ensuring support and compliance, giving all citizens a voice.” Redd hopes to put his background in science, service, and stewardship to use in the executive branch of the government by pursuing a career in developing tomorrow’s science policy.
Redd graduated from Norfolk State University with a bachelor’s degree in biology in 2006. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in biology with a concentration in environmental science from Hampton University.
Alexander Renaud
When Hurricane Isabel hit the mid-Atlantic coast in 2003, Alex Renaud learned just how devastating such storms can be. As an executive finalist in the Knauss class of 2016, Renaud believes that the skills he has gained while studying Isabel’s natural and socioeconomic impacts will help him excel in the fellowship. Over the years, Renaud has embraced public speaking, digital media, and other forms of communication as ways to help translate science into political action. He looks forward to the opportunity to use his communication skills in Washington, D.C. “in ways that invite people from across the ideological spectrum into constructive dialogue.” As a Knauss fellow, Renaud could tackle coastal policy challenges such as adapting to flooding and sea level rise at the federal level.
Renaud graduated from Princeton University in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in ecology and evolutionary biology with a concentration in environmental studies. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in marine science at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science’s Center for Coastal Resources Management.
