During the workshop, participants will gain hands-on experience with the application process from start to finish (reviewing the job/fellowship description, putting together a strong and competitive application, requesting letters of reference, communicating with program staff, submitting the application successfully and the interview process), and have the opportunity to receive feedback from program managers that may help enhance the quality of student applications.
Blaine Schoolfield
Blaine Schoolfield is the Undergraduate Program Coordinator for Oregon Sea Grant. She manages the Summer Scholars program which pairs undergraduate students and recent graduates from around the country with state and federal agencies, non-profits, and Tribes to work in marine science, policy and outreach roles. She also manages the Oregon Applied Sustainability Internship (OASIS) program, funded through an Environmental Protection Agency Pollution Prevention grant, placing undergraduate and graduate students with Oregon businesses to achieve their sustainability and pollution prevention goals.
Lisa Eddy
Lisa Eddy is the Research and Education Coordinator for Virginia Sea Grant, where she manages research competitions, fellowship programs, and internship projects that connect marine and coastal science with real-world impact. Through her work at Virginia Sea Grant, Lisa helps students and emerging professionals navigate opportunities that will take them along the next step of their career path. Before joining Virginia Sea Grant, Lisa practiced law for over a decade, bringing a strong background in policy, communication, and strategic problem-solving to her current role. Along with her J.D. she holds a B.S. in Wildlife Biology and Conservation.
Amanpreet Kohli
Amanpreet Kohli is the Research and Program Coordinator at North Carolina Sea Grant, where she manages approximately 10 student fellowship competitions annually. She supports all aspects of the fellowship experience, including recruitment, application review, mentorship, and professional development for a growing cohort of 25+ graduate students and early-career professionals each year. Aman is deeply committed to providing meaningful mentorship and fostering inclusive, applied research opportunities that connect science, policy, and community needs.
Aman holds a Ph.D. in Marine Science from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, where her research focused on fish health and disease ecology. Prior to joining NC Sea Grant, she worked with Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant on research and outreach related to PFAS and aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes.
