2012 Marc Hershman Marine Policy Fellowship Application Guidelines
The Marc Hershman Marine Policy Fellowship provides unique educational opportunities for graduate students or recent graduates engaged in studies pertaining to ocean and coastal policy issues. This one-year paid fellowship program places five highly motivated, qualified individuals with host offices in Olympia, Seattle or Tacoma, Washington. The Hershman Fellowship offers students first-hand experiences in crafting marine and natural resource policies and allows them to share their academic expertise with decision makers in the state capital. This year's host offices include the Department of Natural Resources, Department of Health, Department of Ecology, the Puget Sound Partnership and The Nature Conservancy.
Eligibility: Individuals who are graduate students enrolled at Washington universities or who have graduated in the calendar year the fellowship begins may apply. Applicants should be pursuing or have a degree in a marine-related field, including policy, law, social sciences, oceanography and fishery sciences. They must also demonstrate a strong interest and some experience in marine science and public policy.
Award: Each fellow will receive an award of $45,000. This sum provides a monthly stipend for one year, plus a small allowance for health insurance and travel expenses.
- Application Deadline: 5:00 p.m. PST, April 27, 2012
- Fellowship Dates: October 1, 2012 – September 30, 2013
Application Requirements
- Personal and academic curriculum vitae (not more than two pages)
- Personal education and career goal statement (1,000 words or less) emphasizing applicant's interest in, contribution to and expectations from the Hershman Fellowship
- Two letters of recommendation — one from the applicant's major professor and one from someone familiar with the applicant's abilities
- Copy of undergraduate and graduate transcripts
Fellowship Selection and Placement Process
Applications should be submitted electronically or by mail to:
- Marc Hershman Marine Policy Fellowship, Washington Sea Grant, 3716 Brooklyn Avenue NE, Seattle, WA 98105, sgfellow@u.washington.edu
Washington Sea Grant will forward applications to representatives from host offices for review and ranking, leading to the selection of up to 10 finalists. All applicants will be notified by May 31, 2012, regarding the outcome of the hosts' selection process. Evaluation criteria are as follows:
- Applicant academic record and employment history, including applicability to the fellowship
- Contribution of the fellowship to career goals of applicant
- Letters of recommendation
- Applicant personal skills, including initiative and communications
- Community and extracurricular activities
The Hershman Fellowship Review Panel, convened by Washington Sea Grant, will interview finalists and select five as fellows. All finalists will be notified by mid-to-late June 2012, regarding the outcome of the panel's selection process. Evaluation criteria are as listed previously, plus the interview.
Selected fellows will interview with potential hosts in late June/early July 2012 to determine placement. After host interviews, Washington Sea Grant will facilitate the placement of fellows, working with fellows and hosts to address their requests. Fellows will be notified of their placements a few days after their interviews.
For additional information, please contact:- Nancy Reichley, Education Specialist, 206.685.8302, sgfellow@u.washington.edu