As a Knauss fellow, Kathy hopes to address the consequences of climate change through science policy. She will spend the year-long fellowship working in the National Sea Grant Office.
Kathy L.
2021 Knauss Fellow
Virginia Institute of Marine Science
Information For Letter Writers
Application Deadline: June 3, 2026, by 5:00PM EST
Recommendation Letters
REVISED: Student recommendation letters must be submitted by the letter-writers, separate from their application. Letters should be requested by the students and returned prior to the application deadline. Recommendations should be addressed to Dr. Mona Behl, Director, Virginia Sea Grant.
- A letter of recommendation from two individuals who have worked with the student, including at least one from a faculty member with knowledge of the student’s academic and research (when applicable) performance.
- Letters should not exceed two pages, single-spaced.
- These letters should discuss the following attributes of the student: self-motivation, response to setbacks, skills and involvement in teamwork, collaborative leadership skills, willingness to learn a new skill or topic, academic and performance and potential. Additionally, the letters should speak to anything else the review panel should know about the strengths that the student will bring to the fellowship.
The letters should not include personal contact information or web links to external resources (e.g., LinkedIn, articles, blogs, etc.)
INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR: April 20, 2026 at 3:00PM EST Register Here
Fostering a Safe and Welcome Community
VASG does not tolerate any form of misconduct, discrimination or harassment, including sexual harassment, or sexual misconduct (e.g. sexual assault within its organization, at awardee organizations, field sites, meetings, or anywhere VASG-funded research, outreach and education are conducted).
2027 Knauss Fellowship Timeline
June 2026
Applications due to Virginia Sea Grant – June 3, 2026 by 5:00PM ET.
VASG review of application packages, applicant interviews.
July 2026
VASG will nominate up to six applications for the national competition – Â July 16, 2026 by 11:59PM ET.
August 2026
National review panel and finalist selection.
September 2026
Notification of applicants.
October 2026
Finalist commitment due.
Legislative and Executive placements assigned.
February – April 2027
Legislative branch and executive branch placement weeks – Dates subject to change.Â
June 2027
Fellowship begins – June 1, 2027
– JIM D.
2020 Knauss Fellow
Virginia Institute of Marine Science
Fellowship at a Glance
- Eligibility: Any student who is enrolled towards a degree in a graduate program at any point between the 2025 Fall Term and February 19, 2026, is eligible. Applicants must have an interest in ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources and in the national policy decisions affecting those resources.
- Funding: $97,200 in federal funding, which includes a $74,700 stipend, $5,000 for allowable expenses, $2,500 for placement process travel, and up to $15,000 for host office-related travel.
- Important Dates: Applications are due to your state Sea Grant Program on June 3, 2026, before 5:00 PM EST.
- Informational Webinar: April 20, 2026 at 3:00PM EST Register Here
Virginia Sea Grant recommends that applicants contact VASG prior to the application deadline to review the submission requirements and learn more about the support our program offers all interested applicants.
