COLUMBUS – Four Ohio finalists, including a Bowling Green State University student, have been selected as
part of the 41st class of the John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship, a year-long program that places
highly qualified graduate students in host offices in the legislative and executive branches of U.S.
government.
Josie Lindsey-Robbins is a master’s student in biological sciences at BGSU, where her research focuses on
phosphorus and nitrogen management in agricultural soil to prevent Lake Erie algal blooms.
A study abroad trip to New Zealand and a Research Experience for Undergraduates at the University of
Michigan opened her eyes to the need for accessible science for everyone, a goal she will continue to
pursue as part of the Knauss Fellowship.
“In order to create strong policy, we need people who can compile scientific research, extract the most
important findings, and communicate that information with the public and stakeholders,” Lindsey-Robbins
wrote in her application. “The Knauss Fellowship will provide an invaluable opportunity to participate
in policymaking, providing a practical application for my experience in ecological research.”
Tiffany Atkinson recently received a master’s degree from the School of Environment and Natural Resources
at Ohio State University. Her research project focuses on the impacts of diet and murky waters on
African fish, including the impacts humans can have on an ecosystem.
Geoffrey Dipre is a PhD candidate in earth sciences at OSU. His dissertation focuses on assessing climate
change impacts in the Arctic, based on prehistoric sediment records.
Matthew Young is a master’s student in environmental science at OSU, where he combines an environmental
engineering background with courses and work experience in environmental law and policymaking.
The four finalists join a group of 72 graduate students recommended to the National Sea Grant office from
27 Sea Grant programs across the country. Finalists will meet in Washington, D.C. in late 2019 for
placement interviews with potential host offices, which can include executive branch appointments in
offices like NOAA, the Department of the Interior and the National Science Foundation, as well as
legislative placements on Senate and House committees and in legislative offices. More information about
the program is available at seagrant.noaa.gov/Knauss-Fellowship-Program.
The Ohio State University’s Ohio Sea Grant College Program is part of NOAA Sea Grant, a network of 34 Sea
Grant programs dedicated to the protection and sustainable use of marine and Great Lakes resources. For
more information, visit ohioseagrant.osu.edu