Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Finalists for 2026

Sea Grant has selected 48 finalists from 26 Sea Grant programs across 26 states for the 2026 Sea Grant Knauss Fellowship program. Sea Grant’s Knauss Fellowship places early-career professionals in legislative and executive branch offices in the Washington, D.C., area, where they contribute scientific and technical expertise to the federal policymaking process for critical marine, coastal and Great Lakes issues.

MIT Sea Grant is sponsoring two 2026 Knauss finalists:

• Adanna Kalejaye – Currently pursuing a PhD in public policy at the University of Massachusetts, Boston
• Damien Berube – Completed a PhD in chemical physics at Harvard University this spring

Established in 1979, the Fellowship has supported more than 1,762 fellows, many of whom have gone on to careers in public service, academia, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector, and have significantly contributed to environmental policy and management. The program provides graduate students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience developing and implementing national policy.

As part of their fellowship, the 2026 finalists will participate in professional development opportunities, build their networks and have mentorship opportunities. This spring, the finalists will participate in the placement process, during which they will connect with one another and potential host offices. Sea Grant’s 47th class of Knauss fellows will officially begin their fellowships in June 2026.

The 2026 finalists represent 40 universities across the country, and include 17 master’s candidates, 29 Ph.D. candidates and 2 J.D. candidates. They are biologists, resource managers, engineers, ecologists, lawyers, and more. They represent communities across the nation and are committed to making meaningful contributions to marine policy.

Learn more about Sea Grant’s Knauss Fellowship and hear from current and past fellows about their experiences. Placement of the 2026 finalists as fellows is contingent upon adequate funding in fiscal year 2026.

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Meet the 2026 Sea Grant Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Finalists