Latin American Fishery Fellows Program (LAFF)
Fellowship Support for Master of Environmental Science and Management Degree
Meet the first Latin American Fisheries Fellows at the Bren School, Class of 2013.
BACKGROUND
The Latin American Fishery Fellows Program (LAFF) provides full fellowship support (fees, tuition, health insurance, books, stipend, travel) for a two-year Master of Environmental Science and Management degree (MESM), with a concentration in Coastal Marine Resources Management, for highly qualified students who are dedicated to a career in Latin America. This program is made possible by the generous support of the Walton Foundation.
The mission of the Bren School is to play a leading role in researching environmental issues, training scientists and environmental management professionals, and identifying and solving environmental problems around the world. The MESM program offers an interdisciplinary, solution-oriented curriculum with rigorous training in the physical, biological and social sciences, policy, management, modeling, data analysis and information management. The degree teaches students to interpret, design, communicate and implement policy and management solutions so that they may successfully assume leadership positions in a variety of contexts.
FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
The Latin American Fishery Fellows (LAFF) program offers a rich education in science, economics, policy, and law, augmented by specialized training in innovative approaches to sustainable fisheries management and marine conservation. Fellows will receive career-oriented training, including preparation in collaborative problem solving and development of leadership and project management skills. The LAFF program includes:
- Tuition and academic fees for the two-year MESM program at the Bren School
- Personal living allowance, graduate student health insurance, books, supplies
- Airfare for two international trips per year to and from Latin America
- Support for a summer internship of $5,000
- Specialized seminars, workshops, and a fellow-led colloquium speaker series
- LAFF summer course taught by top experts in fisheries management and marine conservation
- Optional intensive English language training prior to starting the MESM program
The goal of the program is to train a new generation of marine-resource managers and conservation leaders to develop and implement innovative solutions to ocean-management challenges throughout Latin America. The broader goal is to build capacity in Latin American countries to ensure abundant seafood, support coastal communities, and sustain marine ecosystems.
REQUIREMENTS & APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Note: The Bren School is now accepting applications for the 2012-2013 LAFF program.
Qualified applicants must have an excellent academic record and show strong relevant experience and interest in the areas of marine conservation, fisheries sustainability, and/or marine resource management. They must also demonstrate commitment to pursuing a career in the one of these areas in Latin America.
Prospective fellows must apply online to the UCSB Graduate Division and send copies of application materials to the Bren School by January 3, 2012. See more information about the Bren application process on the MESM Admissions page.
Prospective fellows are also required to complete the LAFF supplemental application, which must be submitted no later than January 15, 2012.
Please note that the GRE and TOEFL tests are required for admission to the Bren School and the LAFF program.
Please contact us with further questions about the fellowship or university application procedures.