OPEN

E. Gordon Grau Coastal and Marine Resource Management and Policy Fellowship Program
(2026 Grau Fellowship)

 APPLICATIONS DUE: 5:00 pm HST on Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Please join our informational webinar on April 24, 2026. Register HERE

About the Fellowship 

In recognition of Professor Emeritus E. Gordon Grau’s service of more than 14 years to the Sea Grant College Program at the University of Hawaiʻi (Hawaiʻi Sea Grant) and the national network of 34 Sea Grant College Programs nationwide, we have established the E. Gordon Grau Coastal and Marine Resource Management and Policy Fellowship Program (Grau Fellowship). Sponsored by Hawaiʻi Sea Grant, the Grau Fellowship provides a unique educational and work opportunity for recent graduates (Masters, Ph.D., or J.D.) who are interested in coastal and marine resource management and policy decisions affecting those resources in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific region. Modeled after the highly successful John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Program, the Grau Fellowship provides fellows an opportunity to acquire on-the-job experience in the planning, implementation, and management of marine, coastal, and/or watershed resource policies and programs. The program matches highly motivated and qualified recent graduates of graduate programs with hosts in state, federal, or municipal agencies and nonprofits in Hawaiʻi for a 2-year paid fellowship.

Eligibility 

Graduate students at institutions of higher education in Hawaiʻi who complete their graduate degrees (Masters, Ph.D., or J.D) between August 1, 2024 and August 31, 2026 in fields related to conservation, management, public policy, planning, or law of marine and/or coastal resources are eligible and encouraged to apply. Additionally, applicants who graduated from a high school in Hawaiʻi and complete their graduate degrees between August 1, 2024 and August 31, 2026 in related disciplines as described above from accredited institutions of higher education outside of Hawaiʻi are encouraged to apply (e.g., students who graduated high school in Hawaiʻi and completed graduate degrees in California). Fellows must complete all degree requirements before starting the fellowship on September 1, 2026. This fellowship is open to U.S. citizens and nationals.

Stipend and Expenses 

Each fellow will receive a $66,000/year stipend for the 2-year fellowship ($5,500/month). Fellows will be responsible for obtaining health insurance and for the tracking and allocation of state and federal taxes as appropriate. Possible travel associated with the fellowship may be covered by the host office at the office’s discretion.

Length of Assignment 

The length of assignment is 2 consecutive years (24 months; non-renewable). The fellowship will begin September 1, 2026 and end August 31, 2028.

Application Process 

A complete application will include:

1. Personal and academic curriculum vitae (two pages maximum, 12-point font)

• Describes applicant’s experience in either marine/coastal/watershed/climate science, natural and cultural resource management, planning, public policy, and/or law.
• Describes honors, awards, and other recognition received by the applicant.
• Describes applicant’s commitment to apply scientific expertise to serve society.
• Describes applicant’s prior leadership roles relevant to their career stage (e.g., student government, faculty committees, advisory committees, professional societies, community initiatives, etc.).

2. A personal education and career goal statement (1,000 words maximum, 12-point font) that answers the following questions:

• What are your abilities, relevant background, and experience that may address one of the listed host offices and projects?
• What do you hope to gain from and contribute to the Grau Fellowship Program?
• What is your specific preference in the potential host office(s) listed? If you have interest in more than one host office/project please indicate that.
• What are your long-term career goals and how does the Grau Fellowship support your long-term career plans?

3. Copies of all undergraduate and graduate student transcripts. Unofficial copies will be accepted at time of application deadline. Official transcripts are required prior to finalizing awards.

4. Two letters of professional recommendation, with one, we suggest, written by the student’s advisor; however, not required to be from the advisor and could be from a faculty member who is most familiar with the applicant academically. Letters will be received at eSeaGrant. We encourage applicants to enter the names and emails of their letter writers in eSeaGrant early in the application process.

5. Written documentation that a graduate degree has been conferred or will be conferred by August 31, 2026. For most students the copy of the transcript will show that the graduate degree has been conferred. For applicants who are graduating after Grau Fellowship applications are due, we ask for a signed letter from the applicant’s advisor, committee member, or department chair stating the applicant’s intended graduation date and what remains to be completed in their degree program before graduation.

How to Submit Application 

Applications should be submitted via eSeaGrant by 5:00 PM HST on Wed., May 13, 2026:

https://eseagrant.soest.hawaii.edu/ (Note: upon first arrival at eSeaGrant, if you do not already have an account, you will be asked to sign up and create a username and password). Applicants will be asked to submit the names and emails for their letter writers. Letters of recommendation will be submitted to eSeaGrant directly from the letter writers. Late applications will not be considered.

Potential Host Offices for the 2026 Fellowship 

In the 2026 Grau Fellowship cohort, there are eight potential host office placements for fellows. Depending on the applications received, Hawaiʻi Sea Grant and the host office partners may not fill all placements. For a full description of the host offices and planned projects and desired skill sets for 2026 Grau Fellows please read the subsequent pages.

Selection 

Selection of finalists (2026 Grau Fellowship Cohort) will be made based on reviews of written application materials and interviews (in person, by Zoom, or by phone). Please read and review the evaluation criteria on page 9 which will be used by the review committee in their selection process for identifying candidates for interviews.

Timeline

• May 13, 2026 (5:00 PM HST):

Applications due via eSeaGrant https://eseagrant.soest.hawaii.edu/

• June 2026 (approximate):

Interviews for selection of finalists by Hawaiʻi Sea Grant. Finalists are notified of status.

• September 1, 2026:

Fellowship begins (date can be negotiated between fellow and host agency).

Hawaiʻi Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR)

The mission of the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) is to work with the people of Hawai‘i to manage, conserve, and restore the state’s unique aquatic resources and ecosystems for present and future generations. DAR manages the state’s aquatic resources and ecosystems through programs in ecosystem management, place-based management, and fisheries management. Major program areas include projects to manage, conserve, and restore aquatic ecosystems, combat the introduction of invasive species, address depleted fisheries, and carry out education and outreach to the public. DAR is leading the Holomua Marine initiative as part of a comprehensive strategy focused on our nearshore waters.

The Grau Fellow at DAR will:

1. Support the Holomua team and DAR staff with activities to develop and strengthen the essential components of effective management of nearshore waters, including development of an island management plan; statewide fisheries rules; outreach and enforcement strategies; monitoring; and restoration.
2. Provide community support and capacity with management processes, interface with various communities and stakeholders, integrate alternative data sources into management planning, review Holomua communications materials, and support outreach efforts as needed.
3. Assist in drafting community-based marine monitoring plans, coordinate the distribution of monitoring kits, and conduct community-based trainings.
4. Complete background research on community-based monitoring methods that can be used to inform the efforts of the Holomua Marine Initiative.
5. DAR is open to working with the Grau Fellow to produce a fellowship plan and portfolio that meets the strengths and expertise of the selected applicant.

Desired skills for this fellow are:

• Background in marine management, marine biology, marine conservation, natural sciences, planning, communication, and/or other relevant disciplines.
• Presentation and facilitation skills for government and community meetings.
• Ability to learn and translate technical/scientific topics to non-technical audiences.
• Ability to connect and communicate with various audiences.
• Ability to work independently or in teams with different personalities and perspectives.
• Ability to coordinate and organize working groups and meeting logistics and planning.
• Ability to think critically, speak clearly, and write effectively.
• Experience partnering with community based organizations on marine and coastal research or restoration.

Honolulu Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency (CCSR)

The City and County of Honolulu Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency (CCSR) was established by a City Charter amendment in 2016 with overwhelming approval by Oʻahu voters. CCSR is tasked with seeking local information from scientists and tracking climate change science and potential impacts on city facilities, coordinating actions and policies of departments within the city to increase community preparedness, protecting economic activity, protecting the coastal areas and beaches, and developing resilient infrastructure in response to the effects from climate change. Additionally, CCSR is responsible for integrating sustainable and environmental values into city plans, programs, and policies as well as supporting administration of the city’s Climate Change Commission.

The Fellow will join CCSR’s Communications and Outreach team to support engagement across climate mitigation, adaptation, resiliency, and equity initiatives. Projects may include Climate Adaptation Metrics, Climate Champions, Better Buildings Benchmarking, the Annual Sustainability Report, the Oʻahu Food Systems Plan, Stations of Abundance, the Climate Resiliency Fund, and CCSR’s 10-year anniversary celebrations.

The Grau Fellow at Honolulu CCSR will:

1. Research cutting-edge climate communications strategies, local media, and community engagement approaches to guide campaigns.
2. Develop innovative ways to make CCSR’s work clear, engaging, and easy to understand
3. Translate science into stories that inform and motivate audiences, including frontline communities.
4. Share compelling content across social media, newsletters, websites, and public events.
5. Strategize outreach tools and campaigns that are branded, accessible, and innovative.
6. Support surveys, policy outreach, and civic engagement to help residents take meaningful climate action.
7. Collaborate with partners to strengthen relationships and community resilience.
8. Assist with events, presentations, and sustainable promotional materials to increase visibility and impact.

Desired skills for this fellow are:

• Knowledge, familiarity, and enthusiasm for the topics of communications, climate change, sustainability, resiliency, policy, Native Hawaiian matters, current and historical community dynamics, volunteering, mālama ʻāina, and community-centered engagement
• Excellent writing skills, communication skills, and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently or in teams with different personalities and perspectives
• Skills in critical thinking, organization, problem solving, adaptability, and creativity
• Ability to work on multiple projects at a time
• Experience with or ease learning new virtual media platforms (e.g., MailChimp, Squarespace, WordPress)
• Social media experience, including creating a variety of content (Instagram, LinkedIn)
• Basic graphic design skills; experience with software (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite is a plus)
• Interest in learning ethical AI for climate communications (e.g., Co-Pilot, Gemini, Claude is a plus)

NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (NOAA ONMS)

Pacific Islands Region

The Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) manages three marine protected areas in the Pacific Island Region (PIR): National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa (NMSAS), Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary (HIHWNMS), and Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM). Together, these sites protect 597,525 square miles and include some of the country’s most beautifully diverse marine ecosystems. For thousands of years, humans have settled throughout this region, developing unique languages, traditions and practices, representing an astounding cultural diversity with deep linkages to these ocean resources.

The Grau Fellow at NOAA ONMS will:

1. Facilitate educator professional development following a train the trainers model where educators will learn content from ONMS education staff and community partners, co-teach that content, and lead content throughout the 2026 and 2027 school years.
2. Support educators in the development and articulation of a Community Resilience Challenge Project.
3. Organize a Community Resilience Challenge Project Hōʻike to facilitate cross-collaboration of stewardship ideas, support networking of educators and community partners, and promote stewardship leadership in the community.
4. Develop programming for STEM experiences for local students. Local students (6th-8th grades) will participate in hands-on, place-based STEM learning during breaks (Spring, Summer, and Fall) coordinated at ONMS Discovery Centers on Hawaiʻi, Maui, and Oʻahu. The Grau Fellow may also assist in coordinating engaging outdoor field experiences hosted by community partners (past or current B-WET grantees). Education topics will be locally relevant, designed to show a wide swath of opportunities for sustainable livelihoods and future career pathways in environmental stewardship.

Desired skills for this fellow are:

• Background in marine science, curriculum development, environmental science, science education, marine biology, and/or other relevant disciplines.
• Formal/informal education and communication skills.
• Program management with budget tracking experience.
• Understanding of capacity building and community engagement in Hawaiʻi.
• Works well independently, proactive, problem solver.
• Organized, detail-oriented, able to multi-task.
• Passionate about place-based environmental education and engaging with the local community.

NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (NOAA PIFSC) – Aquaculture

NMFS is responsible for the stewardship of the nation’s ocean resources and their habitat. We provide vital services for the nation, which ensure: productive and sustainable fisheries, safe sources of seafood, the recovery and conservation of protected resources, and healthy ecosystems—all backed by sound science and an ecosystem-based approach to management. This fellowship is based at NMFS Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) and focuses on aquaculture. Aquaculture plays a variety of important roles in the region’s and the nation’s fisheries, contributing to seafood supply, fostering economic growth and development, restoring stocks and habitat, and helping preserve and perpetuate indigenous cultural practices.

The Grau Fellow at NOAA PIFSC will:

1. Conduct needs assessments that identify regional aquaculture priorities, challenges,and gaps through stakeholder engagement and literature review.
2. Evaluate PIFSC capacities and assess current expertise, resources, and alignment with aquaculture needs, focusing on research, data, and infrastructure.
3. Build collaborative networks and establish partnerships with regional organizations, local communities, and industry to co-develop projects and share resources.
4. Develop a strategic aquaculture Plan/Vision that outlines PIFSC’s role, priorities, and phased actions to support sustainable aquaculture, aligned with NOAA’s broader goals.

Desired skills for this fellow are:

• Background in aquaculture biology, marine ecosystems, fisheries science, marine biology, conservation, natural resources and environmental management, planning, law/policy, and/or other relevant disciplines.
• Ability to analyze or summarize environmental, biological, and socio-economic data related to aquaculture and sustainability.
• Ability to learn and translate technical/scientific topics to non-technical audiences.
• Strong verbal and written skills to engage with different stakeholders, including communities, industry, and policymakers.
• Understanding of Pacific Island cultures, traditions, and values to align aquaculture efforts with local contexts.
• Ability to build partnerships across sectors, including scientific
• institutions, NGOs, and local governments.
• Ability to think critically, speak clearly, and write effectively.
• Strong time management skills and ability to achieve project goals in agreed timeframes.
• Ability to work independently or in teams with different personalities and perspectives.
• Ability to coordinate and organize working groups and meeting logistics and planning.
• Experience identifying funding opportunities and development of project budgets.

Waikīkī Beach Special Improvement District Association (WBSIDA)

The Waikiki Beach Special Improvement District is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Waikiki, which shall exemplify the quality of life throughout the State of Hawaii, by ensuring the coordinated management and long-term sustainability of Waikiki Beach and the nearshore waters.

The Grau Fellow at WBSIDA will:

1. Waikīkī Beach Monitoring, Research Data Coordination & Data Synthesis 

• Compile, analyze and identify needs for coastal monitoring data by generating quarterly beach condition summary reports (maps, graphics, trends) and a summary of Surfline Coastal Intelligence analytics for Waikīkī cameras
• Complete a literature review and technical summary of beach management best practices and a visitor beach use and carrying capacity analysis
• Prepare an annual “State of Waikīkī Beach” briefing memo for WBSIDA board

2. Coastal/Watershed Management & Coastal Adaptation Support

• Evaluate and provide policy support for existing policy and proposed legislation and policies related to coastal and beach management in Waikīkī.
• Support Ala Wai watershed community outreach and education.
• Complete background research for legislative tracking and testimony support.
• Prepare briefing presentations for stakeholders and agency partners.

3. Science Communication & Community Outreach

• Translate technical findings into accessible materials for businesses and the public such as through monthly newsletter articles and public-facing project fact sheets and website updates.
• Support and coordinate stakeholder meetings and outreach education events.
• Investigate and draft grant proposals and project briefs.

Desired skills for this fellow are:

• Background in coastal geology, oceanography, coastal engineering, coastal/watershed policy, marine conservation, natural resources and environmental management, planning, and/or other relevant disciplines.
• Quantitative data analysis and visualization skills
• Project management and organizational skills
• Familiarity with Hawai‘i coastal systems and regulatory frameworks
• Technical writing and science communication ability
• Ability to work collaboratively with agencies, academic partners, and stakeholders
• Basic GIS and spatial analysis familiarity
• Ability to coordinate and organize working groups and meeting logistics and planning.
• Ability to think critically, speak clearly, and write effectively.

Wastewater Alternatives and Innovations (WAI)

Wastewater Alternatives & Innovations is a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring healthy watersheds, clean water, and resilient reefs across Hawaiʻi by reducing sewage pollution from cesspools and failing septic systems. Currently, over 83,000 cesspools leach over 52 million gallons per day of untreated wastewater into the ground across Hawaiʻi. This waste contaminates groundwater, drinking water resources, the ocean and nearshore ecosystems, threatening public health and harming coral reefs. WAI’s vision for clean water motivates our team to help communities across Hawaiʻi to convert cesspools and introduce innovative new systems that are more affordable, efficient and better for the environment.

The Grau Fellow at WAI will:

1. Find and apply for federal funding to help homeowners with cesspool conversions;
2. Create an interactive GIS Story Map, showing areas with poor water quality and high rates of illnesses and/or infections.
3. Create, review, and present grant proposals, reports, and slide decks.
4. Facilitate and support planning and logistics for virtual and in-person meetings, site inspections, and town halls.
5. Compile relevant research on environmental, financial and legal matters related to water quality improvement and wastewater infrastructure.
6. Draft thought pieces to inform potential policy changes on County and State levels.
7. Oversee the community science project Seasick and facilitate outreach connected to this project.

Desired skills for this fellow are:

• Background in water quality sciences, marine biology, marine conservation, natural sciences, planning, communication, and/or other relevant disciplines.
• Presentation and facilitation skills for meetings with partners in government and community.
• Ability to learn and translate technical/scientific topics to non-technical audiences.
• Ability to connect and communicate with various audiences.
• Ability to work independently or in teams with different personalities and perspectives.
• Ability to coordinate and organize working groups and meeting logistics and planning.
• Ability to think critically, speak clearly, and write effectively.
• Experience with grant writing and project management (e.g., budget/proposal writing)
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills (e.g., ArcGIS).

Contact 

For additional information, please contact:

Maya Walton

Assistant Director for Research, Fellowships, and Administration

University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program   waltonm@hawaii.edu; (808) 956-6992

Application Evaluation Criteria

1. Personal and academic curriculum vitae (40 percent). 

For the Grau Fellowship Program, the personal and academic curriculum vitae is reviewed on the extent to which:

• the applicant has relevant employment, volunteer, or extracurricular activities in academic, applied, research, administration, outreach, or policy positions that would be beneficial to one of the listed host offices;
• the experience in the applicant’s area of expertise is appropriate to the career stage;
• the applicant has received honors, awards, and other recognition;
• the applicant has worked with partner groups outside of a university setting;
• the applicant’s experience demonstrates a commitment to apply scientific expertise to serve society;
• the applicant’s experiences show prior leadership roles relevant to the career stage (e.g., student government, faculty committees, advisory committees, professional societies, community initiatives, etc.); and
• records of publications and/or presentations (academic or nonacademic) are appropriate to the career stage, field, and institutional settings.

2. Personal education and career goal statement (45 percent). 

For the Grau Fellowship program, the cover letter is reviewed on the extent to which the letter:

• is specific, direct, and concise while discussing what the applicant would bring to and gain from the Grau fellowship;
• clearly articulates the applicant’s career or life goal;
• demonstrates the applicant’s varied personal and professional background;
• provides evidence of creative thinking, analytical skill, and/or indicates the applicant’s capacity and willingness to make connections between science and broader economic, social, and policy issues; and
• demonstrates the applicant’s ability to convey scientific knowledge in broader, nonscientific contexts.

3. Academic record (5 percent). 

For the Grau Fellowship Program, the graduate and undergraduate transcripts are reviewed on the extent to which:

• the education and experience in the applicant’s area of expertise are appropriate to the career stage and relevant to one of the listed host offices; and
• the applicant displays strength in academic performance and competitive course grades.

4. Letters of Recommendation (10 percent).

For the Grau Fellowship Program, the letters of recommendation are reviewed on the extent to which the letters:

• demonstrate knowledge of the applicant and their abilities;
• speak to the leadership potential, confidence, maturity, and self direction of the applicant;
• provide evidence of the applicant’s willingness and flexibility to tackle issues beyond their area of expertise, and an openness and capacity to broaden their experience base; and
• provide evidence of the applicant’s ability to successfully convey scientific knowledge in broader, nontechnical contexts.