In early September, Caitlin Young, 2016 Science Policy Fellow and Kassie Ernst, 2018 Science Policy Fellow headed to the Gulf to start on a yearlong journey that would help them bridge research and action. With ideas, passion, and depth of knowledge in science and research, the fellows worked to share their backgrounds to better inform policy.  

“The Science Policy Fellowship gives people an opportunity to really see what's happening in the Gulf of Mexico region,” said Ernst, who was placed with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s RESTORE Science Program in Mississippi. “[You] learn about what science policy looks like on the ground level in and around the Gulf of Mexico.”

Young, also placed with the RESTORE Science Program, assisted with the research and development of long-term strategic priorities of freshwater inflows, climate change, and experimental restoration. She led a working group, served as technical monitor for NOAA-funded research efforts, assisted in preparing environmental compliance memos, and co-authored a white paper which provided recommendations and best practices on implementing science in multi-state restoration projects.

“Fellows have great ideas about topics [they studied] for their academic research. We try to find avenues for them to apply that,” said Young, who at the end of her fellowship, earned full time employment with the RESTORE Science Program. Young now works as the science coordinator, informing resource managers about research to promote a sustainable Gulf.

Ernst completed a variety of tasks: serving as a technical monitor; writing policy and technology memos; and updating website content with critical local topics, including the , endangered Bryde’s Whale that lives in the DeSoto Canyon of Florida.

“The fellowship gave me an inside look at the complications that [science policy] actually is—especially when you think across communities and across states,” explained Ernst. “[Correcting the] problems seem a little bit more achievable because I see all of the different people working on the ground.”

 Ernst was drawn to the Science Policy Fellowship because she wasn’t convinced she wanted to go into academia after completing her Ph. D. in environment and climate sciences. . She used the experience to figure out next steps, career goals, and professional interests. Young believes that the fellowship can be informative for those looking to move out of academia, as well as those who want to go back.

 “The goal by the end of the fellowship experience is to feel like we have a large network in the Gulf of Mexico (of managers and scientists) that we can look towards to help us find our next position,” said Young. “If someone goes back into academia after being with the program, I think they're better prepared to get grants. [When you have been on] the other side of the grant making process, you really learn what is effective in proposal writing.”

Beyond gaining hands-on experience at an agency, fellows receive a mentor, career advice from the GRP staff and other fellows, and access to trainings and professional development. Fellows leave the program feeling empowered that their science can directly impact policy decisions being made.

 “The Gulf of Mexico region is very special. But not just at an ecosystems level,” said Ernst, who was drawn to working in the area because of climate change.  “It's also about the human side of things. There's quite a few different populations in the Gulf of Mexico region—people and also unique ecosystems. We have to really think about how best to adapt both and how best to protect and prepare for future changes.”