LMRCSC Fellowship Opportunities

Refer to our Application Process Quick Reference Guide.

Applications will be considered three times per calendar year. Contact the Program Director at your institution to determine which deadline you should target.

Deadlines:
February 8
April 24
October 25

To apply, complete the application linked here. The application requires a statement of purpose, final transcripts from the student’s last completed semester, and a letter of recommendation.

The statement of purpose should describe the applicant’s career goals.  It should include the applicant’s interests in the area of marine science and/or fisheries, specifically as related to the NOAA Mission and the priorities of the National Marine Fisheries Service. The statement should also detail the applicant’s financial need, and why they are qualified to receive support from the NOAA LMRCSC-II.

All partner universities offer financial support to students pursuing advanced degrees, though the type and amount vary depending on the institution.

Undergraduate financial assistance:

1. Tuition
2. Stipend
3. Travel support to conduct research at NOAA laboratories or LMRCSC partner institutions

Internships: All undergraduate fellows are required to participate in summer internships at NOAA labs, non-LMRCSC institutions, and/or at LMRCSC institutions. Because of its affiliation with NOAA, LMRCSC faculty connect students to internship, scholarship and research opportunities at labs nationwide and at LMRCSC partner institutions.
More information on internships in marine science is available on our Opportunities page. 

Training workshops: The Center offers students regular workshops in scientific and nonscientific topics such as teaching assistant training.

Research Cruises: Occasional opportunities to gain experience in open ocean fisheries research through research cruises aboard NOAA vessels. More than 50 previous fellows have participated. Students are introduced to NOAA Fisheries Service sampling techniques, learn teamwork and study species both familiar and unknown. 

All partner universities offer financial support to students pursuing advanced degrees, though the type and amount vary depending on the institution. Travel support is available for fellows to present research at regional and national meetings.

Types of financial assistance:

1. Stipend
2. Tuition Support
3. Travel support to conduct research at NOAA laboratories or LMRCSC partner institutions
4. Travel support to national meetings and conferences
5. Eligibility for health benefits (where applicable)

Scott B. Gudes Public Service Graduate Scholarship in Marine Resource Conservation 

This scholarship is awarded to a master’s or doctoral student and LMRCSC cohort pursuing a degree in a NOAA Fisheries related discipline whose research has a strong potential to contribute to the advancement of marine resource conservation and who has played an exemplary role in public service.

Amount of the Award:  $42,000/yr. for a Ph.D. student and $32,000/yr. for a M.S. student. The award is for one year only.  A maximum of five scholarships will be awarded to qualified students between 2022 and 2026 based on the availability of funds.

Eligibility: 

1. Full time graduate student and LMRCSC cohort
2. Have and maintain a cumulative 3.5 GPA 
3. Demonstrated scholastic and leadership achievements 
4. Service to the EPP/MSI Cooperative Science Center and the fisheries community
5. Must be a US citizen and a CSC supported student

Scholarship Requirements:

1. Collaborative research with NOAA or state agencies
2. Outreach to and engagement with the commercial or recreational fishing community
3. Provide a written annual report to NOAA EPP/MSI and  Scott B. Gudes on research results and other activities including engagement with the fisheries community
4. Presentation of research results and outreach and engagement activities at professional meetings/workshops/conferences

Visit iSpring to learn more about deadlines and to apply.

All graduate students will be introduced to NOAA scientists working in their area who can participate in thesis or dissertation committee and with whom they can conduct research at a NOAA lab as part of their NOAA Experiential Research and Training Opportunity (NERTO) experience.

NERTO Summary & Past Participants

Research activities are conducted collaboratively across the partner institutions, and students often cross-train at multiple institutions. 

LMRCSC graduate fellows are expected to have NOAA scientists on their graduate committees and will often complete hands-on research at NOAA facilities during their academic programs.

See what some of our current students are researching, or explore past NERTO projects.

Grant writing opportunities: The LMRCSC sponsors an annual request for proposals (RFP) process, known as “TAB.” 

Career assistance: LMRCSC faculty and staff assist recent and soon-to-be graduates with the often challenging process of securing employment by offering CV and cover letter development assistance, dissemination of job opportunities and through career development workshops. Students also make professional contacts through training experiences at NOAA labs and other facilities.

Training workshops: The Center offers students regular workshops on both scientific and non-scientific topics such as teaching assistant training.

Community Engagement: LMRCSC students at all levels have the opportunity to mentor younger students through the Center’s K-12 education and outreach programs. Discussing their own research with K-12 students and the general public reinforces knowledge, increases confidence with speaking, and improves teaching skills. 

Research Cruises: Occasional opportunities to gain experience in open ocean fisheries research through research cruises aboard NOAA vessels. More than 50 previous fellows have participated. Students are introduced to NOAA Fisheries Service sampling techniques, learn teamwork and study species both familiar and unknown. 

Online and Distance Learning: The campuses of the LMRCSC are linked via a ‘Virtual Campus’ system consisting of traditional videoconferencing and online modalities. In addition, the LMRCSC has enacted an Articulation Agreement which allows students at one institution to enroll in courses at another, maximizing access to infrequently taught courses.

The National Marine Fisheries Service, in a 2008 report to Congress, cited nine courses deemed essential for training fisheries scientists. Six of these courses have been offered through LMRCSC with the remaining three in the planning stages. This system also allows students at all partners to access the monthly LMRCSC seminar series to stay abreast of current research both within and outside the Center.