Sea Grant Spark Award

The Sea Grant Spark Award provides funding to support graduate student research and career advancement. Initiated by generous support from Sara Gottlieb, a Sea Grant alumna, and supported by other philanthropic gifts to Maryland Sea Grant, this award helps graduate students advance their marine and coastal science research and professional development. Graduate students may apply for up to $2,000 for materials, supplies, and analytic services to advance their research, or up to $1,000 for travel to meetings to present research findings or for professional development activities to build career-relevant skills. Funds may be used for supplies and analytical services for ongoing research, journal publication fees, conference travel and training, professional development activities, outreach activities that bring marine and coastal science to broad audiences, and educational opportunities that expand graduate student skills in marine science policy. Research, conferences, and professional development activities must align with Maryland Sea Grant's mission to support research, education, and outreach related to the Chesapeake and coastal bays and their watersheds. The program anticipates supporting one to three applicants per year, with funds to be spent within one year of the award. Graduate students may be awarded these funds only once during their graduate career.