Graduate Student Track

• Eligibility

  Read more about the Marine Energy Fellowship Program: Graduate Student Track eligibility requirements here.

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  To qualify for the Marine Energy Fellowship Program: Graduate Student Track, you must meet all eligibility criteria outlined below:

  • U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident
  • Enrolled as a full-time master’s or doctoral student in a qualified program, requiring a thesis/dissertation or research, at an accredited U.S. college or university.
  • Currently conducting research in marine energy or an area aligned with the H2O mission.
  • Cumulative graduate GPA of 3.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale.
  • Be available to conduct research at the host facility for at least six months in-person, hybrid, or virtually.

  Applications are considered without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or covered veteran’s status.

• Application Components

  Read more about documentation required for the Marine Energy Fellowship Program: Graduate Student Track application.

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  A complete application consists of:

  • Zintellect Profile
  • Proof of enrollment in a graduate program requiring thesis, dissertation, or research project during the 2027 spring semester/quarter for December application deadline; Proof may include one of the following:
    • Unofficial transcripts or copies of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institutional systems including courses in progress.
    • Letter from authorized academic department official, such as Department Chair, or other document issued/authorized by the academic institution confirming your enrollment. Letter or document must include your name and official university markings such as the registrar’s signature, university logo or stamp, letterhead or watermark, signature of the authorized official, etc.
  • Proposed Research Plan (4-page limit):
    • Research plan must clearly demonstrate a connection to marine energy and relevance to DOE CMEI priority research areas for marine energy.
  • Letter of Support from host facility
  • Letter of Support from your current graduate advisor. This letter should address your academic record and potential for success in an appointment, such as demonstrated intellectual merit, communication and teamwork. 
    • The letter must demonstrate knowledge of and support for the proposed research plan. The letter should provide a statement of how the proposed project is complementary to your current graduate research and will enhance your thesis or doctoral training. 
  • A current resume/CV (2-page limit)

  All documents must be in English or include an official English translation. Documents sent by email, postal mail, or fax will not be considered. All supporting materials must be uploaded as PDF files so the document can be searched by Zintellect's search engine. Scanned items are not optimal for search engines. PDF must not require special certificates or passwords to open. Max file size is 10MB.
  

• Review of Applications

  Applications will be reviewed for eligibility and compliance before moving forward to the merit review and final selection.

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  Applications will be collected in Zintellect and will undergo an eligibility check by ORISE, after which a merit review will be conducted by DOE. 

  • Academic and Research Performance (40%)
    • Are the applicant’s academic background, skills, and experience appropriate to conduct the proposed research?
    • Does the proposed plan demonstrate a solid understanding of scientific and technical challenges in the proposed area of research?
    • Does the proposed research have the potential to make a significant contribution to the applicant’s goals (thesis, dissertation, professional development, etc.)?
  • Technical Merit and Relevance to Marine Energy (30%)
    • Is the proposed research a viable concept or topic relevant to marine energy?
    • Are the methods and approach for the proposed research appropriate?
  • Support of Hosting Facility (30%)
    • Can the proposed hosting facility provide the necessary resources and mentorship to support the proposed research?
    • Does the mentor/student match appear reasonable?
    • Are both parties committed to having a supportive and productive relationship?

• Nature of Appointment

  This program is administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE).

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  • ORISE is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) asset managed by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through a contract between ORAU and DOE.
  • You will be considered a program participant and will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOE, or hosting facility.

• Appointment Information

  Read more about allowances offered to participants in Marine Energy Fellowship Program: Graduate Student Track.

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  Participants in the Marine Energy Fellowship Program will receive:

  • Competitive monthly stipend ($2,700 for master's students and $3,150 for doctoral students)
  • Health insurance supplement
  • Travel and education allowance up to $10,000
  • Limited tuition reimbursement.
  • Pre-/post-appointment travel allowance up to $4,000 may be provided for eligible candidates temporarily relocating and/or traveling to the hosting facility.

  Appointment Period

  Fellows and mentors are responsible for coordinating 12-month appointment start and end dates, with at least six months of the appointment spent at host facility virtually or onsite.

  Host Facility

  Appointments are subject to completion of the arrangements with host facility.

  Expectations for participants in the Marine Energy Fellowship Program: Graduate Student Track

  • Conduct research and maintain a schedule away from your academic institution at the H2O-approved host facility for at least six months of the appointment, virtually or onsite. It is imperative that you do not make obligations that may interrupt your research project during the appointment period.
  • Adhere to ethical guidelines set by DOE.
  • Exhibit professionalism, demonstrate integrity and good judgment, and complete all research project objectives as identified in your research plan and by the host facility.

  Reporting

  Participants in this program are required to submit a final report detailing their fellowship experience, and to complete a Post-Appointment Survey allowing ORISE to assess impact and effectiveness of the program.

  
  

• Timeline

  Marine Energy Fellowship Program applications open twice a year for summer and fall appointments.

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  2027 Application Year

  • Application Open

    Summer: Monday, September 14, 2026
    Fall: Monday, December 21, 2026

  • Summer 2027 Applications Close

    Friday, December 11, 2026

  • Fall 2027 Applications Close

    Friday, March 26, 2027

  • Expected Start Date

    Summer: May – July 2027

    Fall: August – October 2027

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