Florida Sea Grant is now accepting applications for the 2027 John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship from eligible Florida graduate students interested in ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources and the national policy decisions affecting those resources. Applications are due to Florida Sea Grant by 5:00 p.m. Eastern, on June 3, 2026.
The Knauss Fellowship, named after former NOAA Administrator John A. Knauss, is a one-year paid immersive policy experience in the Washington, D.C. area. Highly qualified graduate students and recent graduates are matched with “hosts” in the legislative and executive branches of government. Fellows gain experience translating science knowledge to policy actions.
More than 86 graduate students from Florida have served as Knauss fellows throughout the program’s 45-year history. Knauss fellows have worked in U.S. Senate and House offices, departments in the executive branch, NOAA programs and other agencies. To learn more about our most recent cohort, read about them here.
Those selected as finalists for the 2027 Knauss Fellowship cohort will serve from June 1, 2027 to May 31, 2028.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunities this fellowship provided, including the challenges of stepping into such a new role. I have greatly expanded my professional network and built meaningful relationships across the country. As I move into my next position, I hope to continue drawing on my experience to help bridge the gap between science and policy.”
Michelle Shaffer
2025 Knauss Fellow
Office of Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA)
Eligibility
Eligible applicants must:
- Be U.S. citizens (born or naturalized), U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders), or U.S. dual nationals;
- Be enrolled towards a degree in a graduate program at any point between the onset of the 2025 Fall Term (quarter, trimester, semester, etc.) and June 3, 2026. The graduate degree will be awarded through an accredited institution of higher education in the United States or U.S. Territories; and
- Have an interest in weather, ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources and in the national policy decisions affecting them.
How to Apply
All prospective fellows from Florida must:
- Review the 2027 Notice of Federal Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and the 2027 Knauss Student Guide for a complete list of requirements as well as tips and best practices for compiling a strong Knauss application;
- Fill out the Intention to Apply to Florida Sea Grant form to inform the Student Programs Coordinator to expect your materials; and
- Submit their applications through Florida Sea Grant’s application portal: https://flseagrant.infoready4.com/ (First time users, just follow the instructions to “register” your account.) Applicants are encouraged to sign up and sign in right away to review the portal, the opportunity description, and familiarize themselves with the process and system requirements.
Florida Sea Grant Info Session
Florida Sea Grant will host an informal webinar on April 9, 2026 for prospective applicants. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the application process and hear from 2025 Knauss Fellows about their recent experiences. There will be an opportunity for a Q&A after. Registration is required to attend.
Questions?
For questions about the process or your application materials, contact Cassie Sexson (FSG, Student Programs Coordinator) at [email protected]. Please review the materials provided and visit the Florida Sea Grant Knauss Fellowship web page for more information on application timeline, resources, eligibility, and guidance, prior to reaching out.
About Florida Sea Grant
Hosted at the University of Florida (UF), the Florida Sea Grant College Program supports research, education and Extension to enhance coastal resources and economic opportunities through a partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the State University System of Florida, and UF/IFAS Extension in counties statewide. flseagrant.org | @FloridaSeaGrant
Media Contacts
Cassie Sexson, Student Programs Coordinator, [email protected].