North Carolina Sea Grants Sea to Stars Fellowship 2026 , USA
Graduate students in the United States interested in coastal and environmental research now have a valuable funding opportunity through the Sea to Stars Fellowship. The fellowship is jointly offered by North Carolina Sea Grant and North Carolina Space Grant to support innovative research projects addressing key environmental challenges in North Carolina’s coastal and nearshore ecosystems.
This competitive program provides financial support to graduate students conducting faculty-mentored research that uses advanced data and technology from agencies such as National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The initiative aims to encourage research that contributes to sustainable coastal management, environmental resilience, and scientific understanding of coastal systems.
Degree Level
- Undergraduates
Available Subjects
Research Focus Areas
Projects must address priority research needs within North Carolina’s coastal and watershed environments. Eligible topics may include:
Nearshore and coastal ecosystem dynamics
Watershed and estuary management
Human impacts on coastal environments
Coastal resilience and stormwater management
Water quality and marine habitats
Research must also integrate data, instruments, or technologies from NOAA or NASA to support scientific analysis.
Benefits
The fellowship offers financial support to help graduate students carry out research projects aligned with the strategic goals of both NC Sea Grant and NC Space Grant.
Key benefits include:
Up to $10,000 in research funding
Support for two selected fellows
Opportunity to conduct advanced research using NASA and NOAA technologies and datasets
Invitation to present research findings at professional events such as the NC Coastal Conference or the NC Space Symposium
Opportunities for public outreach and science communication
The fellowship period will run from June 1 (current year), to May 31 (next year), allowing fellows nearly a full year to complete their research projects.
Eligible Nationalities
Open to domestic students only.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Be full-time graduate students enrolled in an accredited university in North Carolina
Maintain good academic standing
Conduct faculty-mentored research related to coastal or watershed environments
Be U.S. citizens
Use NASA or NOAA data and technologies in their research project
Ensure the research aligns with both NC Sea Grant and NC Space Grant strategic priorities
Application Procedure
Application Deadline
Applications for the NC Sea Grant – NC Space Grant Graduate Research Fellowship must be submitted by April 13, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Applicants are encouraged to prepare their research proposals early and coordinate with faculty mentors to ensure strong project design and alignment with the program’s objectives.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The NC Sea Grant – NC Space Grant Fellowship encourages interdisciplinary research that combines space technology, ocean science, and environmental management. By supporting graduate students, the program helps develop the next generation of scientists working to protect coastal ecosystems and strengthen climate resilience in North Carolina.
Students interested in coastal science, environmental engineering, marine biology, or related disciplines are encouraged to apply and contribute research that supports sustainable coastal communities.
