Graduate Students: 

Now Open: Fall-Winter 2019 – 2020 Washington Sea Grant Science Communications Fellowship

Application Guidelines

Washington Sea Grant Science (WSG) Communications fellows gain skills in science writing. Fellows may write features for the Sea Star newsletter, work with media on coastal research or develop their own multimedia projects to connect people with marine science that matters. Along the way, they build portfolios that help them gain recognition as writers and communicators who can break down the barriers between scientific information and public understanding.

Eligibility: Graduate students in any field from Washington universities and colleges may apply. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing skills, a good general grounding in the sciences, and a special interest in marine 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. The fellowship is open to graduate students only.

Award: Fellows receive a $3,400 stipend and are expected to work an average of 10 hours per week. Fellows are also expected to meet regularly with WSG communications staff and to maintain consistent email contact when working offsite.

Application Deadline: Applications for the fellowship are due to Washington Sea Grant by 5:00 p.m. PST on September 20, 2019. Finalists will be selected and interviewed in late September, early October 2019.  Reference letters may be sent with the applications as part of the package or separately.

Note: Applications for the Washington Sea Grant Science Communication Fellowship will be considered concurrently in a joint selection process with the College of the Environment Science Communication Fellowship. Applicants may apply to both opportunities with one application, but must note clearly on the cover letter that they are applying for both and why they qualify.

Fellowship Dates: Fall-Winter Quarters: Oct 16, 2019 – March 20, 2020

Application Requirements:

  1. A cover letter (500 words or less) explaining your qualifications for the fellowship and describing how the experience supports your long-term goals.
  2. Two to three writing samples.
  3. A two-page resume that includes any publications and any personal or work/volunteer- related social media channels that you’ve managed.
  4. Two letters of reference, including one from your professor, instructor, or academic advisor.
  5. Unofficial copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts.

Fellowship selection and Placement Process: Applications should be submitted electronically to sgfellow@uw.edu or by mail to: WSG Science Communications Fellowship, Washington Sea Grant, 3716 Brooklyn Avenue, NE, Seattle, WA 98105-6716. For additional information contact MaryAnn Wagner at maryannb@uw.edu.