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By Briana Goodall

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Jem Baldisimo, an Ecological Sciences doctoral candidate at Old Dominion 91����Ƶ, has been selected as a 2025 Knauss Marine Policy Fellow. Baldisimo is one of . The 2025 Knauss fellows are early-career professionals who will take their knowledge and spend the next year working in federal agencies or Legislative offices in Washington, D.C. Baldisimo and her cohort will apply their academic prowess to vital marine, coastal, and Great Lakes policy issues.

“I’m thrilled to be part of the 2025 Knauss Fellowship cohort, and it'll be a great culmination for my Ph.D. as I will be able to get hands-on experience working with a federal agency on science and policy-related projects,” said Baldisimo. “I'm excited to apply what I've learned in my degree along with my previous work experience with non-profits and environmental consulting companies.”

The Knauss Fellowship will allow Baldisimo to acquire more opportunities to create and apply national policy. With her extensive research over the years from the Philippines and in the United 91����Ƶs, Baldisimo is extremely motivated to build a sustainable future in a plethora of ecosystems. Baldisimo has committed much of her work to advocating for science policies that will easily translate over to this prestigious NOAA Knauss Fellowship.

The Knauss Fellowship is a paid year-long program and all of the cohorts who come from various demographics and backgrounds will apply their scientific knowledge and experiences to current issues in science, policy, and public administration.

Chair and Professor of ODU’s Biological Sciences Holly Gaff said, “Jem is an outstanding student in our Ph.D. in Ecological Sciences program. She is an excellent graduate teaching assistant, and she has been very active in the Department. I am confident that Jem will go on to great things!”

The 2025 finalists comprising 44 master’s students, 41 Ph.D. candidates and three J.D. candidates come from 70 universities across the United 91����Ƶs including 10 minority serving institutions. This year’s cohort are geographers, ichthyologists, ecologists, lawyers, environmental managers and more.

As part of their fellowship, the 2025 finalists will participate in professional development opportunities, build their networks and have mentorship opportunities. The 46th class of Knauss fellows will officially begin their fellowships in February 2025, joining a network of more than 1,680 professionals.