WSG Science Communications Fellowship for Undergraduate Students – Winter/Spring Quarters
Dates of Fellowship: February 17 – June 13, 2025
Application opens: November 25, 2024
Application closes: January 3, 2025 5:00 p.m. PST
Overview
Washington Sea Grant offers two Science Communications Fellowships: one for graduate students and one for undergraduate students.
WSG fellows work for two academic quarters on a range of communications projects, from writing articles for the Sea Star newsletter to developing web content. Fellows are given the opportunity to develop their portfolios as writers and communicators, building bridges between scientific information and public understanding. Watch for fellowship openings.
Award: Fellows receive a $3,400 stipend and are expected to work an average of 10 hours per week remotely. Fellows are also expected to meet online regularly with WSG communications staff and to maintain consistent email contact while working offsite.
“Washington Sea Grant’s Science Communication Fellowship was a wonderful way to step outside of the realm of basic research and experience and see firsthand how the science we do in UW’s College of the Environment impacts folks’ everyday lives. I have gotten to develop short form writing skills by creating social media posts, entries for the WSG News Blog, and articles for WSG’s biannual newsletter. This experience allowed me to build working relationships with people from all walks of life, from fishers, to NGO professionals, to social media strategists, greatly enhancing my interpersonal communication skills. Overall, the fellowship has expanded my toolbox with skills that I wouldn’t otherwise have gained in my particular flavor of graduate school, and I had a ton of fun doing it.”
– Jess Davis, 2024 Science Communications Fellow
General Requirements
Eligibility
- Applicants must demonstrate strong writing skills, a good general grounding in the sciences, and an interest in marine-related science, education or policy.
- Applicants should have at least some social media experience or be interested in developing their digital content skills.
- The selection committee will consider writing samples, related experience and studies, references and the relevance of the fellowship to future career goals. Samples do not have to be from an academic source.
- References do not have to be from an academic instructor but could be from another reputable source.
- Note: Reference letters may be sent with the applications with the package or sent separately-either way is fine. Include your contact information at the top of your cover letter (email and phone).
Application Requirements
- A cover letter (500 words or less) explaining your qualifications for the fellowship and describing how the experience supports your long-term goals.
- Two to three writing samples.
- Up to a two-page resume that includes any publications and any personal or work/volunteer- related social media channels that you’ve managed.
- One letter of reference, ideally one from a professor, instructor or academic advisor.
- Unofficial copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts.
Graduate Fellowship Information
Eligibility
- Graduate students in any field from Washington universities and colleges may apply.
- The fellowship is open to graduate students only.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted online via WSG’s proposal submission portal: eSeaGrant.
For specific questions about the fellowship, contact MaryAnn Wagner at maryannb@uw.edu.
Undergraduate Fellowship Information
Eligibility
- Undergraduate students in any field from Washington State universities and colleges may apply.
- The fellowship is open to undergraduates only.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted online via WSG’s proposal submission portal: eSeaGrant.
For specific questions about the fellowship, contact MaryAnn Wagner at maryannb@uw.edu.