Margaret A. Davidson Graduate Fellowship
It’s an exciting new two-year fellowship program that will place one graduate student at each of the 29 national estuarine research reserves.
Through a research project, fellows will address a key coastal management question to help scientists
and communities understand coastal challenges that may influence future policy and management
strategies.
The research reserves represent the apex of estuary science. At these coastal sites, fieldwork,
research, and community engagement come together to create the scientific advances that change
our communities and our world.
Specific fellowship benefits include the following:
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The ability to develop meaningful cross-discipline research projects in
conjunction with scientists, community leaders, and other organizations
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Networking opportunities with the annual fellowship class of 29, plus
the other professionals across the reserve system, NOAA, and community partners
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Professional guidance and mentoring in a variety of disciplines,
including facilitation and communication. Fellows will also have quarterly
career-readiness training
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The development of research partnerships between universities and
reserves
Pending congressional appropriations, NOAA anticipates an annual budget for each student of $34,000 stipend and $7,000 for professional development travel, and an annual budget for each reserve of approximately $7,000 to support equipment and supplies for the fellow’s research.
Requirements
Eligible applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of U.S. states or territories admitted to or enrolled in a full-time graduate program at a U.S. accredited college or university, working to obtain a master’s or doctoral degree. Applicants must have at least two years remaining in their academic course of study to apply.
Current 2020-2022 Cohort
Congratulations to the first cohort of Margaret A. Davidson Fellows! These students will be working collaboratively with mentors, scientists, and the local communities on their identified projects over the next two years. Sign up for email updates and stay connected with the program by emailing OCM.DavidsonFellowship@noaa.gov. Be part of the next generation of coastal leaders!
Timeline for the 2022-2024 Cohort
| Summer 2021 |
Call for applications |
| September 2022 |
Margaret A. Davidson Graduate Fellowship begins |
For More Information
About Margaret A. Davidson
This fellowship honors the legacy of NOAA’s Margaret A. Davidson. Margaret was a
true visionary in the coastal management world, someone who saw the future with clarity
and knew how to push for innovation and, frankly—shake things up. She defined excellence
in many categories, always raising the bar with the goal of helping coastal communities
thrive. This approach is what NOAA and the research reserves are striving to achieve
with the Margaret A. Davidson Graduate Fellowship program.
Another program in honor of Margaret, The Coastal Society’s Margaret A. Davidson Coastal Career Development workshop, is a one-day opportunity for students and early-career professionals.
