COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Roselyn De Chavez Aguila, Maureen Hayden, and Alyssa Schultz, nominees from Texas Sea Grant, have been selected as finalists for the 2025 John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Program. They are three of 88 finalists across the United States nominated by their respective Sea Grant programs. Since 1979, over 1,680 early-career professionals have participated in the program, becoming leaders in science, policy, and public administration roles.
De Chavez Aguila is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Marine Biology at Texas A&M University at Galveston, with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology and a Master’s of Science in Biological Sciences degree, respectively, while Hayden is also a Ph.D. candidate in Marine Biology from Texas A&M University, College Station, with a Bachelor’s and Master’s of Marine Biology. Schultz is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Geography at Texas A&M University, College Station, with a Bachelor’s in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences degree, with a minor in Oceanography. All 3 finalists will be working with host offices in the Executive Branch in Washington, D.C.
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 is an outstanding opportunity to be engaged and have a firsthand look at the development of policy that affects our nation’s coastal and marine resources and help drive science-based solutions to the pressing challenges faced by our coastal communities,” said Texas Sea Grant Interim Director Laura Picariello. During October, the 2025 finalists have been interviewing with potential host offices. Following placement, they will begin their fellowships in February, 2025.
Want to learn more about the Knauss fellowship? The 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 from the National Sea Grant College program.
####
Texas Sea Grant is a unique partnership that unites the resources of the federal government, the State of Texas and universities 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 around the country. Texas Sea Grant is a non-academic research center at Texas A&M University. The program’s mission is to improve the understanding, wise use and stewardship of Texas coastal and marine resources.
