Michigan Sea Grant Graduate Student Research Fellowship

Black Tern nesting research project

Applications closed

Applications anticipated to open early 2025.

Michigan Sea Grant periodically offers one- or two- year fellowships for graduate students enrolled full-time at Michigan universities who are interested in research relevant to current Great Lakes issues. This fellowship provides support for a student’s research and enhances academic and professional development opportunities.

Research fellows work with an agency sponsor and faculty member at an accredited institution in Michigan to conduct a research project that supports existing Great Lakes research at federal, tribal, and state agencies. Applicants submit a short proposal and budget for their research as part of the selection process and are expected to have letters of support from agency and faculty sponsors. Read about current and past fellows, or check out the Fellowship Blog.

This opportunity opens for applications at the same time as our regular biannual Request for Proposals (RFP). Check the Research tab and our Newsroom to see if we currently have an open Request for Proposals (RFP). 

About the Fellowship

  • Supports exceptional graduate students (M.S. or Ph.D.) engaged in research relevant to the Great Lakes, ongoing agency research efforts, and to the Michigan Sea Grant Strategic Plan.
  • Fellows will work with an agency mentor to ensure results are useful and contribute to ongoing Great Lakes research.
  • Fellows will be provided with professional development opportunities that include conducting a research project, data collection and analysis, and preparation of project reports and presentation materials.

Eligibility

  • Students must be enrolled in or admitted to a full-time graduate or professional degree program at an accredited Michigan academic institution.
  • Students may be working toward a degree in any discipline related to Great Lakes coastal or ecosystem issues.
  • All proposals require a 50 percent non-federal match.

How to Apply

  • If we are currently recruiting for this fellowship, all details about eligibiligy, proposal requirements, and full submission timeline will be available on the Request for Proposals (RFP) page under the Research tab.

Questions?

All questions related to the Michigan Sea Grant Graduate Student Research Fellowship should be submitted to the Michigan Sea Grant Research Program by emailing MSG-RFPinfo@umich.edu.