University of Georgia alumna Gabriella Bliss Giordano has been awarded the John A. Knauss Marine Policy fellowship for 2024. Sponsored by the National Sea Grant College Program, the year-long fellowship matches current and recent graduate students with hosts in the legislative and executive branches of government.
Giordano will spend one year working as a communications and engagement fellow in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Center for Satellite Applications and Research (STAR). STAR uses innovative science and applications to transform satellite observations of the earth into meaningful information essential to society’s evolving environmental, security and economic decision-making. She will work with STAR’s communications team to incorporate outreach, user engagement and the scientific community to spread awareness of the center’s work.
Knauss finalists are chosen through a competitive process that includes comprehensive review at both the state Sea Grant program and national levels. Giordano is among 85 finalists selected from a competitive pool of nominees representing 30 of the 34 Sea Grant programs in the coastal and Great Lakes states and territories.
Gabriella Giordano, 2024 Knauss fellow.
“I hope the Knauss Fellowship will help guide me to further develop my career goals,” said Giordano. “I know I want to blend my science background with community education and engagement. Policy is just one tool to do that with and may open doors to launch my career.”
Giordano received her master’s degree in marine science from UGA in 2023. Her graduate thesis explored the influence of salinity-driven plant community changes in Satilla River marshes on the characteristics of soil carbon. She holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and geography from Villanova University.
UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant is currently accepting applications for the 2025 Knauss fellowship. For information on applying, please visit https://gacoast.uga.edu/knauss-fellowship/