The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) is now inviting applications for 12 fully funded PhD fellowships under the prestigious EMERGE Alaska program. These fellowships offer a rare opportunity to pursue cutting-edge research in marine biology, oceanography, and fisheries science, with start dates between January and August 2026.
Funded by a $1.9 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), EMERGE Alaska—short for Enhancing Marine Ecosystem Research and Graduate Education—is designed to strengthen Alaska’s marine research capacity while training the next generation of scientific leaders.
Why This PhD Opportunity Stands Out
This fellowship is exclusively open to students who have received an Honorable Mention in the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) within the last three years (2023–2025).
Selected fellows will receive:
- Three years of full funding
- Higher-than-standard NSF GRFP stipends
- Academic-year and summer stipends
- Cost-of-education allowances
- Dedicated mentorship from UAF’s College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (CFOS) faculty
- Access to state-of-the-art marine research facilities and research vessels such as the R/V Sikuliaq
Assistant Professor Jessica Glass, the program lead, highlights the significance:
“To be able to fund 12 high-quality research students will be great for CFOS and great for the university.”
Research Focus Areas
Studying marine science in Alaska provides direct access to one of the most ecologically diverse and dynamic marine environments in the world. Research opportunities include:
- Climate change impacts on Arctic and Pacific marine ecosystems
- Sustainable fisheries management and marine policy
- Arctic biodiversity, ecology, and resilience
Many UAF graduates from outside Alaska choose to remain in the state, contributing to local research, environmental policy, and the blue economy.
Fellowship Details & Eligibility
- Start Dates: January–August 2026
- Duration: 3 years (full funding)
- Eligibility:
- Honorable Mention in NSF GRFP (2023–2025)
- Strong research alignment with CFOS faculty expertise
How to Apply
- Visit the NSF ETAP Portal and search for “EMERGE Alaska”.
- Identify and contact potential CFOS faculty advisors to align your research interests.
- Prepare your application documents early for the best chance of selection.
Why Choose UAF for Your PhD?
- Globally recognized marine and Arctic research programs
- Unparalleled access to pristine ocean ecosystems
- A supportive, research-driven academic community
- Opportunities to make a lasting impact on marine conservation and sustainability
With generous funding, world-class research infrastructure, and a location like no other, the EMERGE Alaska PhD Fellowship is one of the most exciting opportunities for marine scientists in the United States.
📌 Apply now and start your journey toward becoming a leader in marine and ocean sciences.