By Sydney MaHan, Student Correspondent
Next week, five Virginia graduate students will begin Knauss Fellowships. The Fellows will spend a year in Washington, DC, serving in executive or legislative offices.
Yvonne Baker will spend her Knauss Fellowship as a staff member with the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
“I chose to go with the US Senate Commerce Committee because of the variety of work that is funneled through the committee,” says Baker. “Working for the committee will afford me the flexibility to work on issues that I am passionate about, as well as learn a wide array of new issues that I have never seen before.”
Baker will work with the Democratic staff for the Oceans Subcommittee. Traditionally, the Oceans Subcommittee covers both the “wet” and “dry” aspects of NOAA. The “wet” side encompasses oceans and coastal issues, including fisheries, marine mammals, and other marine natural resources, while the “dry” side includes climate science and research, weather, and earth observation satellite programs and installations. As a member of the committee staff, Baker will work on initiatives that encompass both ocean governance and policy and environmental aspects of maritime activities.
“During placement week,” says Baker, referring to an intensive week in Washington earlier in the Knauss Fellowship process, “I felt a personal connection with the current members of the Senate Commerce Committee and I am confident that I will have an amazing year there!”
Baker graduated magna cum laude with a BA in business management from Hampton University in 2011. She graduated with a JD in 2014 from William & Mary Law School, where she served as editor-in-chief of the William & Mary Environmental Law and Policy Review.
The Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship program places students with host offices in the legislative or executive branches of government in Washington, DC. Fellows learn about the national policy decisions that affect ocean, coastal, and the Great Lakes resources while getting the opportunity to contribute their knowledge to current issues facing the nation. The National Sea Grant College Program established the program in 1979.
