Above left to right: Mary Beth Armstrong, Jem Baldisimo, Carly LaRoche, Hannay Mast, and Abigail Sisti
2025 Knauss Fellowship Begins
Five Virginia students started the prestigious 2025 John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship program this week. They will join more than 1600 Knauss alumni who have completed the program, named for one of Sea Grant’s founders and former National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) administrator, to become leaders in science, policy, and public administration. The current class of 2025 Knauss finalists is made up of 88 early-career professionals representing all eligible Sea Grant programs.
“The Knauss fellowship offers direct experience working on the latest issues in ocean, coastal management and research. The program provides opportunities for students to experience the policymaking process, develop transferable skills, and fine-tune the ability to distill complex scientific information into everyday language, making it accessible to policymakers and the public,” said Lisa Eddy, the Competitive Research and Education Coordinator at Virginia Sea Grant. “It allows participants to step outside of their comfort zone, navigate new challenges, collaborate across disciplines, and further develop their career path.”
Created in 1979, The John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship is a unique opportunity for graduate students to expand their educational and professional experience with national marine policy at the federal level in Washington, D.C. As in previous years, this year’s finalists were selected through a competitive process that involved review panels composed of national experts in marine science, policy and education.
Mary Beth Armstrong graduated from George Mason University in 2022 with a bachelor of arts in Environmental and Sustainability Studies and a Minor in Oceanice and Estuarine Science. She earned a master of arts in Marine Science from William & Mary in 2024. Armstrong will be working in the NOAA Office of Research, Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing Program as the Arctic Observations and Communications Fellow.
“Throughout my undergraduate and graduate programs, I worked towards the goal of being situated at the intersection of science and policy. Now more than ever I think it is imperative that science remains at the forefront of decision-making within the federal government and beyond,” Armstrong said. “Applying for a chance at the Knauss Fellowship gave me the potential opportunity to contribute to and work toward a career in evidence-based decision-making at the federal level.”
Jem Baldisimo graduated from Ateneo De Manila University in 2003 with a bachelor of science in Environmental Science and from the University of Melbourne with a master of science in Environment in 2011. She graduated from Old Dominion University with a PhD in Ecological Sciences in 2024. Baldisimo will join the Office for Coastal Management under the National Ocean Service.
“I have extensive experience in doing research, environmental management, and contributing towards international and intercultural collaborations so I’m hoping that this experience will provide familiarity with science policy in the US through a work environment that is at the interface between science, policy, and society,” Baldisimo said. “The mentorship and hands-on experience from the Knauss Fellowship can also hone my science communication skills and prepare me for a future multi-disciplinary career.”
Carly LaRoche graduated from American University with a bacherlor of science in Environmental Science in 2018 and a PdD in Environmental Sciences from the University of Virginia in 2024. She will work as an International Policy Fellow with NOAA’s Ocean Acidification Program.
“After conducting research in carbonate chemistry for my PhD at the University of Virginia, I was interested in pursuing a career path where I could put science and research results into action,” said LaRoche. “I’m excited to learn more about how science informs policy and decision making, both at the national and international level. In particular, I’m looking forward to understanding ocean acidification research from a different perspective. “
Hannah Mast graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a bachelor of science in Biochemistry. She is pursuing a PhD in Environmental Science from the University of Virginia. Mast will join the office of Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen.
“I applied to the Knauss Fellowship because I’m interested in an environmental policy career. I chose the legislative fellowship track to learn how effective federal policy is crafted and moved through Congress,” Mast said. “I am looking forward to developing skills in political thinking and learning how individuals with different perspectives approach environmental problems.”
Abigail Sisti graduated from the University of Alabama with a bachelor and master of science in Biology and a minor in Environmental Studies. She earned a PhD in Marine Science from William & Mary. Sisti will join the Office of the Assistant Administrator for the National Ocean Service.
“I have always been passionate about the relationship between science and society. I applied for the Knauss Fellowship because I wanted to experience how policy can be used as a tool to use scientific knowledge for public good, Sisti said. “I look forward to building skills related to international policy. Most importantly, I hope to gain an understanding and appreciation for how policies are developed and administered, and the role that science can play in that process.”
