On Aug. 4, Alaska Sea Grant announced its 2026 State Fellows. Alaska Sea Grant State Fellows assist federal and state agencies to plan and implement natural resource programs and gain job experience in the process. This year’s fellows will be hosted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the Alaska Ocean Observing System, Alaska Sea Grant, the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation, the Alaska Center for Marine Debris and the Marine Debris Foundation. Congratulations to the entire cohort, including the two UAA alumni and two students who made this year's list.

Izabella “Bella” Block
Alaska Sea Grant Coastal Resilience Program
A.A. General Program ’18, B.S. Anthropology and Biological Sciences ’21, M.P.P. Public Policy ’25

Elizabeth "Lizi" Byrd
NOAA Fisheries, Protected Resources Division
M.S. Biological Sciences

Madison Haumschild
Alaska Ocean Observing System
M.S. Biological Sciences

Kyle Kolda
Alaska Sea Grant, Communications
M.S. Biological Sciences ’26