UNH Marine Fellows Program

The UNH School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering (SMSOE) recently released a new strategic plan (https://marine.unh.edu/about/strategic-plan) and is seeking “Marine Fellows” from among the faculty and staff across the university to help build interdisciplinary connections and advance the goals outlined the plan. The strategic plan was developed in alignment with UNH 2030 priorities and to elevate marine as a differentiator for UNH. The UNH Marine Fellows Program is an approach to advance the new vision and mission of SMSOE through “a connected network of centers, people, and infrastructure aligned around one UNH marine mission”

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Fellows are envisioned to contribute in several ways, for example: 

1) participate in SMSOE planning and programming to implement elements of the SMSOE strategic plan;

2) serve as connectors between SMSOE and colleges, programs, departments, centers, and external partners; 

3) propose and lead an initiative that supports the SMSOE strategic plan;

4) bring ideas and opportunities from their areas of expertise to connect with the wider UNH marine community; and 

5) strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and network building. 

SMSOE is seeking 4-6 individuals to serve as UNH Marine Fellows to launch the program in Fall 2026, with future annual recruitment to establish a total group of 5-10 Fellows with overlapping two-year terms. Fellows can be faculty or staff at any level and in any UNH unit (UNH Durham, UNH Manchester, UNH Law, or UNH College of Professional Studies) and would connect with SMSOE through their existing positions at approximately 5-10% time (these are not new standalone roles). We are seeking proposals from those interested in helping to advance the SMSOE Strategic Plan and build the UNH Marine Fellows Program as part of the inaugural cohort.

UNH Marine Fellows will work with the SMSOE Leadership team to help advance the goals and initiatives outlined in the Strategic Plan. These goals include: Expanding visibility, identity, and enhanced reputation; Convening and catalyzing opportunities for interdisciplinary research and career advancement; Building partnerships and public engagement opportunities; and Expanding shared infrastructure, access, and stewardship (see page 8 and 9 of the plan for full details and initial ideas for initiatives). 

The Leadership team welcomes ideas that address any goal/initiative in the plan, but during this inaugural year we are specifically interested in ideas to advance the cross-cutting themes of 1) interdisciplinary innovation and 2) student success (see page 6 for the full cross-cutting themes list) and/or ideas that make use of the newly renovated Jackson Estuarine Lab. Note that while there are some resources available, proposals should not require significant new investment but rather make use of existing facilities, partnership potential, etc. 

Here are your next steps if you are interested in this opportunity

Applications will be reviewed by the SMSOE leadership team with interviews and selections planned for October to begin Marine Fellow efforts by mid November 2026. Selections will be made in consultation with supervisors and unit leadership (e.g. Department Chairs, Directors, Deans, EOS Director).

Any questions about this program should be directed to Dr. Erik Chapman at erik.chapman@unh.edu.

  • How much time would I need to allot?
    • 5-10% (2-4 hours per week)
  • How many meetings would I need to attend?
    • The UNH Marine Fellows Program is new, exact meeting expectations are still in development but would likely include weekly brief check ins with a member of the SMSOE leadership team and monthly check ins as a whole group
  • How does this role relate to SMSOE Committees & Workgroups?
    • The existing SMSOE committee structure is being revisited as outlined in the new strategic plan.  There is the potential for Fellows to be connected to restarting / refreshing these groups if interested (see page 12-13 for more details).
  • Who else would I be working with?
    • The UNH Marine Fellows will work primarily with the SMSOE Leadership team (Director Erik Chapman and Associate Directors Paula Mouser, Easton White, and Lindsey Williams), other Fellows (TBD), and where possible serve as a connector between those in their units interested in marine topics and others on campus as needed.?
  • Who would I report to?
    • SMSOE Director Erik Chapman with connections and Associate Directors Paula Mouser, Easton White, and Lindsey Williams as needed
  • How long is this for?
    • This is a two-year role with the option to review if SMSOE and dean/supervisor are supportive
  • Will I get paid?
    • These are envisioned to fall within your existing duties, but some resources may be available to support time in extenuating circumstances.  See application questions for details regarding how to describe your funding needs
  • What type of ideas are you looking for?
    • The SMSOE leadership team welcomes ideas around that meet any aspect of the new Strategic Plan, with a priority focused on ideas to advance the cross-cutting themes of 1) interdisciplinary innovation and 2) student success (see page 6 of the strategic plan for the full cross-cutting themes list) and/or ideas that make use of the newly renovated Jackson Estuarine Lab.
    • Ideas could include a workshop, event, interdisciplinary workgroup, community engagement/outreach event, business-industry connection builder, partnership with student affairs (e.g. helping to support formation of a student-run club), new student experience series or event, committee or workgroup formation/leadership, USNH bridge projects (i.e. a proposal to NH-LIFT seed funding or other partnership proposal), etc.
  • Where can I find the strategic plan?
  • Who should I contact to discuss or if I have questions?