Marine Specialists on Capitol Hill
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Emily Knight at work in a Darling Marine Center laboratory

Emily Knight's groundbreaking research and professional interest in working with both fishermen and marine scientists resulted in her being tapped for a new opportunity in Washington, D.C.

Last fall, Knight was named one of two University of Maine graduate students to receive a prestigious John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship.

This semester, she is working as an oceans and fisheries specialist in the nation's capital. Knight, who received her master's degree in oceanography in December, is now a Knauss fellow in the office of Maine Rep. Tom Allen.

Another UMaine graduate student, marine biology and policy major Sheril Kirshenbaum, also is working in Washington as a Knauss fellow. She is in the office of Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida.

Knauss Fellowships, administered through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, are awarded to about 40 graduate students each year.

As part of her duties in Washington, Knight is using her expertise in marine science and communication to research policy issues related to the protection of Maine fishermen and the undersea environment on which they depend. She credits her UMaine experience with preparing her for the challenges ahead.

"I wanted to make sure that I did something that both allowed me to work directly with fishermen and had a meaningful connection to the environment," says Knight of her research. "I chose UMaine because I knew the trawler project would allow me to do that, and it worked out really well."