Knauss Alumni Robyn Smyth

The Sea Grant Knauss Fellowship program has been matching graduate students interested in ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources with hosts in the legislative and executive branch of government in the Washington D.C. area. Fellows learn and gain professional experience during the one year paid fellowship. 

Over 1,000 fellows have participated since 1979. 

As part of the National Sea Grant College Program's 50th Anniversary, we are catching up with some alumni, including Robyn Smyth, a 2004 Executive Branch fellow from Lake Champlain Sea Grant.

  Fellowship Assignment 

           National Science Foundation, Environmental Research and Education Program

  Current Position

           Assistant Professor Bard College Center for Environmental Policy

  How did your fellowship help you in your career?

           I currently teach science courses to students working on environmental/climate science policy degrees. I draw upon my experience in Washington and the training we received as fellows regularly. 

  What is your favorite memory of your fellowship?

           One of my main responsibilities in NSF was organizing a workshop of experts in all facets of water research to identify key gaps in NSF's funding. It was a formative experience for me to be the only graduate student in attendance as top scientists charted a future course of research for our Nation's freshwaters. 

Click here to learn more about the Knauss Fellowship program and about alumni from other programs.

If you are interested in applying as a future fellow, please review the application information. Applications are accepted in January of each year.