By Rhett Register

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Five graduate students from across the state, including two from the University of Florida, were recently named finalists for a prestigious national fellowship focusing on marine science and policy.

The John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Program places students in federal government offices in Washington, D.C., to learn about — and participate in — policy decisions that affect the nation’s coastal and marine resources.

The fellowship is hosted by the National Sea Grant College Program, a network of 34 university-based programs that support research, extension, and education around coastal and Great Lakes issues. Florida Sea Grant reviewed and selected Florida applicants.

The five Florida finalists represent four universities from throughout the state. They are:

• Kristin Butler, a master’s candidate in marine conservation at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science
• Bryan Keller, a doctoral candidate in biological oceanography at Florida State University
• Amelia Grace Roskar, a master’s candidate in biology at Florida Atlantic University Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
• Alexandra Skrivanek, a doctoral candidate in geology at the University of Florida
• Katie Slattery, a recent graduate of the University of Florida Levin College of Law

In November, the finalists will travel to Washington, D.C., to participate in a process that matches them with legislative or executive branch offices. Previous fellows have worked in NOAA and other agency offices and as staff for legislators. The year-long paid fellowship begins in February 2020.

Since the program’s inception in 1979, more than 1,300 students have participated in it. The five Florida finalists will join 69 candidates representing 27 of the 34 programs in the National Sea Grant College Program Network.

For more information about Florida Sea Grant, including fellowship and internship opportunities, visit flseagrant.org.

-30-

The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS works to bring science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. Visit the UF/IFAS web site at ifas.ufl.edu and follow us on social media at @UF_IFAS.

0