Show Hawaiʻi Sea Grant - Peter J. Rappa Resilient and Sustainable Coasts Fellowship

Founded in 1968, the University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program is part of a national network of 33 programs that promote better understanding, conservation and use of coastal resources. It works to identify Hawai'i’s resource management issues and guide scientific research.

Peter J. Rappa Resilient and Sustainable Coasts Fellowship:

Annually Rappa Fellows engage in projects that look into natural, social, and built environments in Hawaiʻi and how to better manage issues that affect coastal livability, sustainability and resilience. Rappa Fellows further their knowledge and understanding of sustainable coastal communities through research, extension, and education in topics of coastal smart growth and planning and their integration with hazard mitigation and climate change adaptation as well as cultural and traditional knowledge of Hawai‘i.

To apply please submit the following by April 10, 2026 to eSeaGrant: https://eseagrant.soest.hawaii.edu/ 

• Personal education and career goal statement (2 pages maximum; 1000 words)
• Resume (2 pages maximum)
• Unofficial transcripts (both graduate and undergraduate transcripts if graduate student)
• The names, emails, and phone numbers of two references that the selection committee can contact. Please note that we will only be contacting references for applications that move forward to the interview phase.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Peter J. Rappa Resilient and Sustainable Coasts Fellowship at the University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program. This is a paid (stipend of $8,000) 10-week fellowship opportunity during summer 2026 for full time students (both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to apply). Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens or nationals.

Any questions on the fellowship or application process can be directed to:

• Hawaiʻi Sea Grant Assistant Director for Research and Fellowships, Maya Walton (waltonm@hawaii.edu, 808-956-6992)

Application deadline:

• April 10, 2026, 5 PM HST (submit via eSeaGrant)

Informational webinar:

• March 27, 2026, 11 AM HST (register at https://go.hawaii.edu/DuM)
• Interested students can join us on zoom for an informational webinar on Friday, March 27, 2026 at 11:00 AM (HST)
• Our webinar will feature alumni of the Rappa Fellowship program who will share what Rappa Fellows do day to day, some of the amazing professional development opportunities that come with the fellowship, and what kinds of projects Rappa Fellows work on!