Alex Skinner, a graduate student pursuing a dual degree in public affairs and environmental science from the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, has been selected for the Sea Grant Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The Sea Grant Knauss Fellowship provides a unique educational and professional experience to graduate students interested in ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources and the national policy decisions affecting those resources. Skinner has interned with the United States Environmental Protection Agency and is currently serving an internship with the Public Consulting Group.
“Earning the fellowship was a massive honor for me,” Skinner said. “I studied marine science in undergrad, but when I originally came to O’Neill, I was unsure how this degree would be applicable or relevant to my future career. The Knauss Fellowship allows me to combine all my interests in public affairs, marine science, and environmental science and work specifically in marine policy, which is something I really never thought possible when starting my master’s journey.”
This fellowship program catapults fellows into a career in policy and service in the public or private sector. The position will allow Skinner to develop the practical skills needed for government or policy work.
Skinner is still waiting to hear which agency she will be assigned to but she’s looking forward to the opportunity.
“One thing at the O’Neill School that really resonated with me was the slogan ‘Lead for the greater good,’” Skinner said. “I hope to continue that into my future career through this fellowship experience, which will provide ample career development opportunities and allow me to meet many experts within the field and in policy. These experiences will help me grow as an individual and in my career and as a policy advocate.”
The Knauss Fellowship is named after former NOAA administrator John Knauss, one of the founders of Sea Grant. Knauss Fellows enjoy a one-year immersive policy experience living and working in the Washington, D.C., area while working on the latest issues in ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes management and research. The Knauss Fellowship was established in 1979.
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