Duluth, Minn. — Minnesota Sea Grant (MNSG) is proud to introduce the first group of Science and Policy Fellows. These early-career professionals will spend the next year advancing critical water and natural resource initiatives across the state by working directly with government agencies and contributing scientific insight to policy and management decisions.
For current and recent graduates, the MNSG Science and Policy Fellowship Program offers an opportunity to apply their academic training in a practical setting, work alongside experienced professionals, and contribute to policy-relevant projects,” said MNSG Research and Fellowship Coordinator Alex Frie. “This is a great opportunity for early-career professionals interested in career development and supporting Minnesota’s water resource management.”
Fellows and their placements include:
Larissa Scott, who has a master’s degree in water resources science from the University of Minnesota Duluth, will work with mentor Carol Andrews of the St. Louis County Department of Public Works. Scott will assist in efforts to improve stream health and aquatic habitat across northeastern Minnesota by helping to prioritize, plan and evaluate restoration projects within St. Louis County.
Reid Brown, a doctoral student in plant and microbial biology at the University of Minnesota, will work with mentor Pooja Kanwar of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Brown will assist the DNR’s Ecological and Water Resources Division in advancing sustainable water management strategies that balance ecological, economic and community needs across the state.
Reane Loiselle-Kasun, who has a master’s degree in water resources science from the University of Minnesota Duluth, will work with mentors Kelly Pennington and Jon Hansen of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Ecological and Water Resources Division. Loiselle-Kasun will support the DNR’s Invasive Species Program by evaluating and improving efforts to prevent the spread of and manage aquatic invasive species in Minnesota waters.
The fellowships began July 1, 2025, and ends June 30, 2026.
The MNSG Science and Policy Fellowship program places recent graduates in one-year positions where they gain real-world experience at the intersection of science, policy, and resource management. The program is modeled after the prestigious Knauss Fellowship Program and is part of a broader Sea Grant effort to build workforce capacity in environmental science and public service.
“This program connects emerging leaders with agencies that are tackling some of Minnesota’s most urgent water challenges,” said MNSG Director John A. Downing. “Our fellows bring fresh perspectives and energy to complex problems—and they will leave with valuable experiences that support both their careers and the resilience of our state’s ecosystems.”
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- MNSG Science & Policy Fellowship Host Interest Form.
- MNSG Science & Policy Fellowship Fellow Interest Form.
- Minnesota Sea Grant Internship and Fellowship Program
Minnesota Sea Grant is a systemwide program of the University of Minnesota and one of 34 federal-university Sea Grant partnerships across the country supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Great Lakes and coastal states that encourage the wise stewardship of our marine resources through research, outreach, communication, education and technology transfer.
FUNDING:
Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).
Additional host support was provided by the St. Louis County Department of Public Works.
This program is also supported by the Minnesota Sea Grant College Program using federal or matching funds under award NA24OARX417C0033-T1-01, project number M/2024-CROSS-OM24-Management, from the National Sea Grant College Program, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Sea Grant College Program, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, or the U.S. Department of Commerce.
CONTACTS:
Alex Frie, Research and Fellowship Coordinator, Minnesota Sea Grant, University of Minnesota and University of Minnesota Duluth, [email protected].
John A. Downing, Director, Minnesota Sea Grant, University of Minnesota and University of Minnesota Duluth, [email protected].
Marie Thoms, Communications Director, Minnesota Sea Grant, University of Minnesota and University of Minnesota Duluth, [email protected].
Photos courtesy of the individuals pictured. Graphic credit: Minnesota Sea Grant.