Noura Randle, a nominee from Texas Sea Grant, has been selected as a finalist for the 2021 John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Program. She is one of 74 finalists across the United States nominated by their respective Sea Grant programs. Since 1979, over 1,400 fellows have completed the program, becoming leaders in science, policy and public administration roles.

As an oceanography Ph.D. student at Texas A&M University, Randle studies paleoclimatology, or the history of the Earth’s climate, to better understand the Earth’s current and future climate. Data from this field of study can help produce climate models and ultimately inform policy. According to Randle, she chose to apply for the fellowship to further her understanding of environmental policy and advocate for science. 

“I believe that the Knauss Fellowship will allow me the opportunity to better understand the challenges with implementing environmental policy and how to become a better science advocate as it would provide a perspective on science engagement at the federal level, which I have not been exposed to previously,” Randle said.

“Ms. Randle has a very strong interest in ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources and in the national policy decisions affecting those resources. She wants to be an advocate for science and science literacy and wishes to make science accessible for all,” said Texas Sea Grant Director Dr. Pamela T. Plotkin.

Knauss finalists are chosen through a competitive process that includes several rounds of review at both the state Sea Grant program and national levels. Students that are enrolled in or have recently completed masters, Juris Doctor (J.D.), and Ph.D. programs with a focus and/or interest in marine and coastal science, policy or management apply to one of the 34 Sea Grant programs. If applicants are successful at the state program level, their applications are then reviewed by a national panel of experts.

“We are excited to welcome the 2021 class of Knauss fellows and look forward to the skill and perspective that they will provide towards addressing critical marine policy and science challenges,” said Dr. Jonathan Pennock, National Sea Grant College Program director. “As the government and the sciences adapt to new norms for working driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Knauss fellowship will create novel opportunities for the fellows to redefine how government and science interact and operate for the benefit of society.”

This fall, the 2020 finalists will participate in a virtual placement week to get to know each other and interview with potential host offices. Following placement, they will begin their fellowships in February 2021.

Want to learn more about the Knauss fellowship? The Knauss blog shares stories from the 2020 Knauss class on fellowship experiences and their journeys to D.C.

 

Media Contact: Sara Carney, Texas Sea Grant communications mangager, (979) 458-8442, scarney@tamu.edu