A lack of diversity in marine science limits our ability to develop creative, equitable solutions to pressing coastal problems. But increasing diversity will take more than recruiting and scholarships. Students need mentorship, research experience and opportunities to build confidence.
Enter the Resilient Interdisciplinary Social-Ecological (RISE) fellowship, which is designed to do exactly that. The mentorship program aimed at increasing diversity in marine research in its pilot year paired four undergraduate students with four graduate student mentors on two research projects. Funding came from Sea Grant, a partnership between the federal government and several dozen universities that focuses on marine conservation and education.