Kusher conducting fieldwork. Photo courtesy of Jesseca Kusher.
The South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium is pleased to share that Jesseca Kusher has been selected as a 2025 Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship finalist. The Knauss Fellowship is a one-year paid opportunity for current and recent graduates from advanced degree programs with a focus or interest in marine and coastal science, policy, or management. Students apply to one of the 33 eligible Sea Grant programs.
A native of Spartanburg, South Carolina, Kusher earned her bachelor’s degree, double majoring in biology and film, at Kenyon College. During her undergraduate studies, she researched the Leach’s storm petrel on a remote island in the Bay of Fundy, Canada, aiming to “better understand the impact of climate stressors on these birds’ reproductive investments under shifting ocean conditions.”
Kusher is currently pursuing a master’s degree in marine biology from the College of Charleston. Her research focuses on “biogeochemical cycling in Charleston Harbor to understand carbon sequestration and advection—the capture and flow of carbon—through our waterways.” During her time in the Knauss program, Kusher hopes to “better understand the connection between scientific research and policy, especially as it pertains to ecosystem stress.”
This year, for the first time in program history, all eligible Sea Grant programs are represented by a diverse cohort of 88 early-career professionals who will spend the next year working alongside federal agencies or legislative offices in Washington, D.C., applying their academic expertise to critical marine, coastal, and Great Lakes policy issues.
The 2025 finalists will participate in professional development opportunities, build their networks, and have mentorship opportunities. Later this month, the finalists will participate in the placement process, where they will connect with each other and potential host offices. The 46th class of Knauss fellows will officially begin their fellowships in February 2025, joining a network of over 1,660 professionals. Placement of the 2025 Knauss finalists as fellows is contingent upon adequate funding in fiscal year 2025.
Learn more about the Knauss Fellowship and hear from current and past fellows about their experiences.
For questions, please reach out to Susannah Sheldon, Research and Fellowships Manager.