Three 2026 Finalists Selected for the John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Program

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Mahima Yogesh, Shelby Gunnells, and Zahra Hasan, nominees from Texas Sea Grant, have been selected as finalists for the 2026 John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Program. They are three of 48 finalists across the United States nominated by their respective Sea Grant programs. Since 1979, more than 1,762 early-career professionals have participated in the program, becoming leaders in science, policy, and public administration roles.

Shelby Gunnells is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Oceanography at Texas A&M University, with plans to defend her dissertation in Spring 2026. Zhasan, from the Harte Research Institute at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, earned a Master of Science in Coastal and Marine Systems Science in December 2025. Mahima Yogesh, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, graduated in December 2025 with a Master of Science in Marine Biology, having defended her thesis in May 2025.

Finalists are selected after completing a rigorous competition with comprehensive reviews at the state and national levels. Students who are enrolled in or have recently completed master’s, Juris Doctor (J.D.), and Doctor of Philosophy (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. “The Knauss Fellowship offers a unique opportunity to engage directly in the policymaking process and gain firsthand insight into how decisions are made that shape our nation’s coastal and marine resources,” said Texas Sea Grant Director, Laura Picariello. “It empowers fellows to help advance science-based solutions to the urgent challenges facing coastal communities.”

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.

Want to learn more about the Texas Sea Grant Knauss fellowship? The Texas Sea Grant Knauss blog shares stories from current and previous Knauss classes on fellowship experiences and their journeys to D.C.

Learn more about this year’s Knauss finalists and Sea Grant’s Knauss Fellowship from the National Sea Grant College program. 

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Texas Sea Grant is a unique partnership that unites the resources of the federal government, the State of Texas, universities, and communities across the state to create knowledge, tools, products, and services that benefit the economy, the environment, and the citizens of Texas. It is administered through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and is one of 34 university-based Sea Grant Programs across the nation. Texas Sea Grant is a non-academic research and extension program at Texas A&M University. The program’s mission is to improve the understanding, wise use, and stewardship of Texas coastal and marine resources.