UAS Students Selected for Prestigious NOAA Scholarships and Internships

University of Alaska Southeast proudly recognizes four students selected for the prestigious National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Ernest F. Hollings (Hollings) scholarship. The Hollings Scholarship Program provides successful undergraduate applicants with awards that include academic assistance (up to $9,500 per year).

Juneau, Alaska

Date of Press Release: October 15, 2024

University of Alaska Southeast proudly recognizes four students selected for the prestigious National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Ernest F. Hollings (Hollings) scholarship. The Hollings Scholarship Program provides successful undergraduate applicants with awards that include academic assistance (up to $9,500 per year) for two years of full-time study and a 10-week, full-time paid ($700/week) internship at a NOAA facility during the summer. Of the 130 students selected for the Class of 2024-2026 Hollings Scholars, five are in Alaska, including four at the University of Alaska Southeast Juneau Campus:

• Belladonna Darby, Marine Biology
• Markayla Katchatag, Marine Biology
• Hunter (Brett) Kaufman, Marine Biology
• Ruby Kresge, Fisheries and Ocean Science

Reid Griffin, a UAS Marine Biology student and one of only two Alaskan students selected for the Class of 2023-2025 Hollings Scholars, recently completed the program’s summer internship. Griffin interned in Maine where he contributed to the study of smallmouth bass and their predation of Atlantic salmon.

The Hollings Scholar internship is completed between the first and second years of the award and provides the scholars with hands-on, practical experience in NOAA-related science, research, technology, policy, management, and education activities at one of the many NOAA facilities nationwide. Awards also include travel funds and a housing subsidy for scholars who do not reside at home during the summer internship.

In addition to the Hollings Scholars, three UAS marine biology students recently completed the Inclusive NOAA Fisheries Internship Program (IN FISH). Students Kyle Abbott, Halle Crawford, and Logan Johnson were selected as part of a 33-person nationwide cohort.

“This program helped me gain experience and learn so much about future career paths.” said Halle Crawford, who worked on the Auke Creek Weir with the NOAA Fisheries Alaska Science Center in Juneau.

“I enjoyed learning more about R, a statistical computing and graphics software, and how to create a water and air thermometer,” said Logan Johnson, who contributed to surfclam research at Rutger University's Aquaculture Innovation Center in Maine.

IN FISH is helping to build a diverse and inclusive workforce of scientists and managers through a 10-week program, which includes a 2-week course and 8 weeks of project experience working with a NOAA mentor in science or management. A $6,000 stipend is provided to each participant, with tuition and course supplies also covered.

Interim Dean Alison Staudinger commented, “The Hollings Scholarship and IN FISH reflect our students' excellence and NOAA's commitment to nurturing future leaders in science and policy. The opportunities NOAA offers—whether it’s a hands-on internship in Maine or salmon research in SE Alaska—are vital in advancing our shared mission to serve Alaska’s communities and environments. We are so proud of UAS students and grateful for these opportunities NOAA provides!”