O’Donnell will now be joining the 2025 cohort of fellows in Washington D.C where they will be working with federal and legislative host offices where they may have the chance to shape the policies that impact the nation’s coasts and water resources. 

“Being selected for this fellowship represents a chance for me to tangibly apply the skills I’ve learned as a tropical reef biologist to the field of Marine Policy creation and implementation. I feel lucky to be moving from a position of scientific observation and hands-on field work to one of conservation and management,” said O’Donnell.

 According to a statement from the program, this year marks the first time in history, all eligible Sea Grant programs are represented by a diverse cohort of 88 early-career professionals who will spend the next year working alongside federal agencies or legislative offices in Washington, D.C., applying their academic expertise to critical marine, coastal and Great Lakes policy issues.

University of Guam president Anita Borja Enriquez, D.B.A., is proud of O’Donnell and excited for future Tritons being selected for the program.

“This is a big honor and the entire UOG family is excited for Garret,” said Enriquez. “The work he has done with the UOG Marine Lab, EPSCoR and the CIS and Sea Grant groups have prepared him for this and we cannot wait to see and support him and those who are going to follow in his footsteps.”

Austin Shelton, Ph.D., the director for the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant says that O’ Donnell’s selection is a great example of the growing capacity of UOG in marine science fields on the national stage. 

“Garett is only the third Knauss fellow selected from Guam since the program began,” explained Shelton. “We are not stopping here.  Our students here at UOG are really holding their own and showing the level of dedication and passion to compete with students from all over the country.  UOG CIS and Sea Grant will be there to support them every step of the way.” 

According to O’Donnell, he will carry everything he has learned at UOG and as a part of the wider Guam community with him as he starts this next chapter of his career.

“Living among a community of people as kind, resilient, and culturally minded as the one I’ve come to know on Guam has impacted me in more ways than I can say,” added O’Donnell. “I will always remember and cherish the years I’ve spent here learning, growing, and feeling like I’m a part of something bigger than myself. Biba UOG!”

The Knauss Fellowship is a one-year paid opportunity for current and recent graduates from advanced degree programs to apply their scientific knowledge and experiences to current issues in science, policy, and public administration.