Graduate Student Track
Students enrolled in a full-time master’s or doctoral degree program, requiring a thesis, are eligible to apply to the Marine Energy Fellowship: Graduate Track. Program details and applicant information are below. Contact ORISE with any questions or inquiries.
Additional Information
-
Eligibility
Read more about the Marine Energy Fellowship Program: Graduate Student Track eligibility requirements here.
Read more
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 research thesis/dissertation, at an accredited U.S. college or university during the Fall 2025 term.
- Currently conducting research in marine energy or an area aligned with the WPTO 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.
Read more
A complete application consists of:
- Zintellect Profile
- Proof of enrollment in a graduate program requiring thesis during the Fall 2025 semester/quarter. 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 during the 2025 fall semester/quarter term.
- 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
- 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
- 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.
Read more
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 (50%)
- 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 (25%)
- 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 (25%)
- 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?
- Academic and Research Performance (50%)
-
Nature of Appointment
This program is administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE).
Read more
- 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.
Read more
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.
- Inbound-outbound transportation 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 WPTO-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.
Read more
2026 Application Year
-
Application Open
Monday, September 8, 2025 -
Summer 2026 Applications Close
Friday, December 12, 2025, at 5pm ET -
Fall 2026 Applications Close
Friday, March 27, 2026 at 5pm ET -
Expected Start Date
Summer: May – July 2026
Fall: August – October 2026
-
Connect with ORISE… on the GO!
The ORISE GO mobile app helps you stay engaged, connected and informed during your ORISE experience – from application, to offer, through your appointment and even as an ORISE alum!
Find ORISE GO on…
