Palauan Voices in Ocean Exploration
Cultivating Leaders in Science-based & Culturally-rooted Storytelling
The Palauan Voices in Ocean Exploration program is a five-month fellowship designed to empower students and early-career professionals 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, will provide 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. Depending on the interests of the final cohort, upon which the program will be tailored, this will include sessions on topics such as crafting personal/ocean science/conservation narratives, interviewing techniques and how to transform interviews into compelling narratives, techniques for multimedia and visual storytelling (e.g., graphic design, photography, filming, and editing), and weaving Palauan knowledge into science-focused storytelling.
The virtual component of the program will run from July to October 2024 and consist of a series of 6-8 webinars and training opportunities (each 1.5 hours long). This will be followed by a culminating in-person two-day workshop in Koror, Palau, in November 2024. 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.
Who Should Apply
Applications are now closed for the 2024 cohort of the fellowship. Individuals from and/or living in Palau will receive priority consideration for this opportunity due to the program's funding and focus on cultivating the next generation of Palauan leaders in science-based and culturally-rooted storytelling. We invite applications from:
- Students: Students who are currently enrolled in high school, associate degree, undergraduate, and graduate programs who are passionate about ocean conservation and interested in science communication and storytelling.
- Early-Career Professionals: Individuals who have recently started careers in science, conservation, education, media, or related fields and are looking to enhance their science communication and advocacy skills.
- Community Leaders: Individuals who are actively involved in community-based environmental initiatives and wish to further their impact through effective storytelling and communication strategies and/or contribute to mentoring students and early-career professionals within the program.
Program Commitments
Your Commitment to the Program
As a Fellow in this program, you will commit to:
- Active participation in virtual sessions. (July - October 2024, dates TBC)
- Attend and actively participate in webinars and online training sessions, dedicating approximately 3-4 hours per month.
- Engage in accompanying professional development exercises and deliverables during and between virtual sessions.
- Note: These sessions will be scheduled once participants are selected to ensure they align with the cohort’s availability to the extent possible.
- Participation in an in-person workshop. (November, dates TBC)
- Attend a 2-day in-person workshop in Koror, Palau, that coincides with the Ocean Exploration Trust’s 2024 E/V Nautilus expeditions with Palau National Marine Sanctuary.
- Develop and implement a science communication/storytelling project in collaboration with your peers and mentors.
- Note: Individuals who are unable to participate in an in-person workshop are welcome to apply for the virtual-only portion of the program. The stipend and equipment allowance is only available to those participating in both the virtual and in-person components of the program.
- Community engagement and outreach.
- Serve as a local ambassador during the E/V Nautilus expeditions, participating in public events, media engagements, and/or educational activities.
- Engagement in the program’s mentorship opportunities.
- Participate in periodic check-ins with the participating mentors.
- Participate in the evaluation and provide feedback for the program.
- Commit to completing evaluations prior to and after the program, dedicating approximately 30 minutes to each.
- Provide constructive feedback on the program to help refine future iterations.
- Have fun with it!
- Passion and enthusiasm drive creativity!
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.
What We Are Looking for in Participants
We hope that you will come into 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.
