2017 Knauss Fellows Share Key Experiences

The Sea Grant Knauss Fellowship matches highly qualified graduate students with “hosts” in the legislative and executive branch of government located in the Washington, D.C. area, for a one year paid fellowship. Fellows gain experience in national policy decisions affecting ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources. USC Sea Grant supported five fellows in 2017. As the fellowship year comes to an end, they share their experiences.

Emily Parker
Placement: NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Conservation, Restoration Center

“As a policy analyst, I directly contributed to policy development, review, and analysis for my office, and I now have a much better idea of how the policy process works. The exposure to so many different aspects of government throughout the year – ranging from participating in interagency working groups to attending Congressional briefings to writing policy recommendations – has given me more insight into what the intersection of environmental science and policy actually looks like.

During my fellowship year, I visited several habitat restoration sites around the country. It was really neat to see how all the work done in my office translates into on-the-ground restoration that benefits both humans and ecosystems.”

Lauren Gentile
Placement: NOAA Oceanic & Atmospheric Research, Climate Program Office, Climate & Societal Interactions Division

“My Knauss experience gave me the opportunity to see how science and policy intersect at the highest levels of government. This knowledge will be invaluable as I navigate my career as an interdisciplinary scientist and environmental policy specialist.

My favorite memory of my fellowship year was being able to participate in so many different professional development activities. It was amazing to have the opportunity to go to the Pentagon, attend hearings on Capitol Hill, tour the White House, see the Naval Observatory, hear panels at different environmental agencies, and visit the State Department. As a fellow, you have access to places and experts that give you a comprehensive understanding of the myriad aspects of the federal government.”

Erica Felins
Placement: Natural Resources Policy Liaison, Navy Secretariat

“I have found this year to be a springboard for my career. It has been extremely beneficial to my understanding of natural resource management, Federal environmental regulations, and how the environment plays into the Navy’s mission. Prior to this year, I was mostly unaware of the Navy’s environmental portfolio. Working alongside Department of the Navy environmental planners, engineers and attorneys exposed me to natural resource management issues that are unique to a regulated entity. For example, it is commonly thought that regulations are impediments. However, a key role that I played this year was supporting efforts to retain a Navy environmental regulation. I have witnessed numerous such efforts that demonstrate how the Navy works diligently to be transparent and proactive in preventing and mitigating impacts to the environment.”

Megan Hall
Placement: Policy and Constituent Affairs Division, National Ocean Service, NOAA

“The Knauss Fellowship vastly enhanced my understanding of government function at the federal and regional level, and the importance of government partnerships with industry and academia. I developed an extensive network of contacts in ocean science and policy, while learning a suite of new skills that will be invaluable in any future career.

My interactions with NOAA leadership have all been key highlights, particularly the following:

1. I presented to the acting NOAA Administrator, and piqued his interest in Harmful Algal Bloom predictions and NOAA’s Ecological Forecasting efforts, a program that I was passionate about and had been working on throughout the year.

2. I travelled to the Coral Reef Task Force in Ft. Lauderdale, FL with the Deputy Assistant Administrator of the National Ocean Service. Participating in congressional and constituent engagement meetings, learning about the dedication to reef preservation in South Florida, and getting a lot of one-on-one time with her, all contributed to the great experiences!”

Leah Fine
Placement: Office of Marine Conservation, U.S. Department of State

“This fellowship has given me the opportunity to build an incredible network of colleagues and friends. From the offices I interviewed with during placement week, to the people across the interagency community whom I’ve worked with throughout the year, to my fellow fellows – I’ve learned so much from the people I’ve met this year, and I know I will continue to work with some of them for many years to come.

I had the chance to serve on the U.S. delegation at the annual meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas in Marrakech, Morocco. I also got to spend five days on NOAA Ship Nancy Foster, mapping coral habitat as part of the Southeast Deep Coral Initiative.”