Palauan Voices in Ocean Exploration Fellowship
Cultivating Leaders in Science-based & Culturally-rooted Storytelling
The Palauan Voices in Ocean Exploration program is a three-month fellowship designed to empower participants from Palau with a passion for ocean conservation as well as scientifically and culturally grounded storytelling. This program, a collaboration between the Ocean Exploration Trust and the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC), provides a blend of virtual and in-person training, hands-on experiences, and mentorship opportunities to equip participants with skills, knowledge, and experience in culturally rooted science communication/storytelling practices and techniques.
The virtual component of the program will run from August to October 2024 with a series of five webinar training opportunities. This will be followed by a culminating in-person two-day workshop in Koror, Palau, in October. The program is made possible through support from the National Geographic Society, and it leverages the upcoming 2024 E/V Nautilus expeditions in Palau National Marine Sanctuary funded by NOAA Ocean Exploration.
Participants
Program Commitments
Our Commitment to You
Our commitment to all participants in this program will include:
- Comprehensive training and resources. We will provide you with access to expert-led webinars, virtual training, and an in-person workshop to enhance your skills in culturally grounded ocean science communication and storytelling.
- Personalized mentorship. Each participant will receive mentorship from professionals in the fields of ocean science, storytelling, media production, photography, and technological applications for education and outreach, just to name a few. These mentors will offer guidance, support, and professional development advice throughout the program.
- Hands-on experience. We will facilitate practical experiences in science communication and storytelling.
- Community and network building. We will foster a supportive and collaborative community among participants, encouraging peer learning and networking.
- Financial and logistical support. Selected participants will be eligible to receive a stipend for their participation in the program as well as select equipment to enhance their ability to capture/share their work (e.g., camera, tablet, interviewing equipment, etc)
- Swag! You will receive a free kit of branded items to proudly showcase your affiliation with the program.
- Recognition and career advancement. With your approval, we will prominently feature you and your work online to celebrate your achievements and skills. We will also support participants in showcasing their work through public presentations, media features, and other means. All participants will also receive a certificate of completion.
Fellows join this program with a(n):
- Passion for ocean science and/or conservation. Demonstrated interest in marine science, ocean exploration, or environmental conservation through previous experiences, coursework, personal networks, or community involvement.
- Desire to enhance your communication skills. Potential for (or demonstrated) skills in communicating scientific concepts to diverse audiences. This could include writing, public speaking, media production, graphic design, social media, art, or any other form of storytelling.
- Appreciation for culturally grounded approaches to science communication and storytelling. Appreciation for and willingness to integrate Palauan knowledge and cultural practices with modern scientific approaches.
- Commitment to community engagement. Evidence of a commitment to engaging with and contributing to communities within Palau, particularly in the context of environmental stewardship and education.
- Desire to lead and inspire others. Evidence of a passion to inspire and mobilize others towards scientifically grounded environmental conservation goals.
