Willis Lyons, a Ph.D. candidate in the School of Environmental Science, and alumnus De’Marcus Robinson will become members of the 44th class of the John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship program, one of the most prestigious marine policy fellowships in the U.S.
Lyons, who earned his masters at Jackson State University, will use concepts of environmental science and health communication to emphasize the need for more diverse, inclusive policies and stewardship in coastal areas.
“It is a tremendous honor and privilege to represent FAMU and my community at a national level,” said Lyons, a native of Philadelphia, Mississippi. “It has been my lifelong goal to educate, inform, and heal others through scientific discovery and humanitarian values.”
Lyons is on track to earn his Ph.D. in December.
Robinson is a Ph.D. student in atmospheric and oceanic sciences at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Institute of the Environment and Sustainability. As a FAMU undergraduate, he studied environmental science with a concentration in toxicology and human health. While at FAMU, he researched chemicals that could be used to make a fiber that absorb oil, a solution for cleaning up oil spills in the ocean.
Knauss finalists are chosen through a competitive process that includes comprehensive review at both the state Sea Grant program and national levels. The finalists are enrolled in or have recently completed master’s, Juris Doctor (J.D.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs with a focus and/or interest in marine and coastal science, policy or management.
Since 1979, Sea Grant has provided one-year Knauss fellowships to more than 1,550 early career professionals to work in federal government offices in Washington, D.C. Knauss fellows bring their diverse perspectives to positions in the executive and legislative branches of government.