NOAA, in coordination with the University of Michigan Water Center, is excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for the 2027–2029 cohort of the Margaret A. Davidson Graduate Fellowship. This opportunity supports graduate students conducting collaborative research at National Estuarine Research Reserves across the country.
Application Deadline:
- 7 December 2026 at 11:59 PM EST (Informational webinar scheduled for 2 November 2026 at 2:00 PM EST)
Tell Me About The Program:
The Margaret A. Davidson Graduate Research Fellowship Program (2027–2029), administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in partnership with the University of Michigan Water Center, is a prestigious two-year program for graduate students. Fellows conduct collaborative, applied research directly addressing a management need at one of the 30 designated National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERRS). The program bridges academic research with coastal management decision-making, providing hands-on training in collaborative science, local mentorship, professional development, and network-building.
Which Fields are Eligible:
Natural sciences, social sciences, or interdisciplinary/cross-disciplinary approaches spanning coastal and estuarine health, ecology, environmental management, socioeconomics, and climate resilience.
Type:
Fully Funded Graduate Research Fellowship / Estuarine Science Grant
Who can Apply:
- Citizenship & Residency: Must be citizens or permanent residents of U.S. states or territories.
- Academic Enrollment: Admitted to or enrolled full-time in a master’s or doctoral program at a U.S. accredited university. (Prospective students may apply with a signed letter of provisional acceptance conditional on funding).
- Exclusions: Federal employees and NERRS staff are ineligible to apply as fellows (though federal staff may serve as project partners).
How are Applicants Selected:
Proposals are reviewed and evaluated competitively based on rigorous rubrics (Appendix B), emphasizing:
- Clear alignment with and responsiveness to a documented reserve management need.
- Robust application of collaborative science principles (stakeholder engagement, user-driven outputs).
- Scientific feasibility within a two-year timeframe and budget structure.
- Graduate student qualifications, academic background, and commitment to professional growth.
Which Countries Are Eligible:
United States (open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents enrolled in accredited U.S. institutions).
Where will the Program be Taken:
At one of the 30 National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERRS) across the coastal U.S. and territories, alongside the fellow’s home U.S. university/fiduciary institution. (Fellows are expected to spend a minimum of six weeks on-site per year at the host reserve).
How Many Fellows:
30 fellows total (one fellow selected for each of the 30 participating reserves nationwide).
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- Financial Support: Up to $60,000 per year ($120,000 total over 24 months) awarded to the fellow’s graduate institution via subaward.
- Professional Development & Travel:
- Travel funding to attend the reserves’ system-wide meeting (Fall 2027 in He‘eia NERR, Hawaiʻi).
- Travel funding for the annual fellow workshop (Year 2 in-person).
- Travel and registration funding to present research at a professional conference of choice.
- Formal virtual training in project design, collaborative science, facilitation, and communication.
- Mentorship & Networking: Dedicated local mentoring from NERRS staff and academic guidance from faculty advisors.
How Long Will it Last:
24 months (2 years, starting approximately August 1, 2027).
How to Apply:
- Review Reserve Needs & Outreach: Browse the NERRS management needs document, identify a target host reserve, and conduct initial outreach to reserve staff to understand their management priorities (note: reserve staff cannot co-develop or pre-review proposals).
- Prepare Application Documents: Formulate a single PDF containing:
- Title Page
- Statement of Interest (1 page max)
- Project Narrative (5 pages max, covering reserve need response, project approach, outputs/outcomes, and data accessibility)
- Appendices A–G (including timeline, budget table and narrative, letters of support, resume, unofficial/official transcripts, and cited references).
- Prepare Budget: Complete the separate Excel budget spreadsheet.
- Submit Online: Create a University of Michigan Friend Account, log into the application portal (
[https://graham.umich.edu/application-request/33730](https://graham.umich.edu/application-request/33730)), complete all required fields, upload the PDF application package and Excel budget, and save/submit before the deadline on 7 December 2026 at 11:59 PM EST.
